Home improvement projects for the quarantined
Home quarantine can be boring, but it can also be a good time to start on home improvements.
Amid the ongoing global fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), many of us are fighting another battle in our homes—the battle against boredom. While the exponential spread of infection may be enough to scare us away from the streets, it doesn’t help us survive through long afternoons when we simply have nothing to do. If you’re the type of person who finds prolonged quarantine bleak and dreary, thankfully there are ways you can put your free time to good use. Here are some home improvement projects you can take up to make the most out of this misfortune, while preventing the virus from beating your body and your spirit.
Clean and scrub
This might sound like old news if you’ve been keeping up with the news from health organizations and medical experts. Cleaning and scrubbing your home, however, are the most logical things to do in this era of viruses. If you live in an apartment or condominium, you can sweep away dirt and mop your floors every few hours. If you live in a bigger home, you can do it room by room if the task seems too tedious.
Now is the ideal time to clean frequently forgotten corners in your home.
It’s best to check if your cleaning materials are in the list of approved products released by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While many of these products haven’t been officially tested against the coronavirus, these contain chemicals which were designed to kill similar pathogens. According to the CDC, it’s best to clean evidently dirty surfaces first with soap and water before disinfecting them. Remember also to wear disposable gloves when you clean. To prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria, clean frequently touched surfaces such as “counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, phones, keyboards, tablets and bedside tables.”
Declutter
Feeling claustrophobic around your home? Maybe it’s time to sort through your things and throw out stuff which you don’t need anymore. From your wardrobe closet to the kitchen drawers, various storage areas in your home can benefit from a good cleanup. If you’re not sure where to start, look up the KonMari method developed by organizing guru Marie Kondo to help you develop a system. The method not only helps you organize stuff effectively and quickly, it also allows you to identify and keep things with sentimental value. You’ll be surprised when decluttering actually turns out to be an enjoyable activity to do while in quarantine.
Clean and declutter your home to while away the time and make your environment more bearable nowadays.
Disinfect your gadgets
Take a break from watching all those shows on online streaming services and clean your gadgets. You might be surprised, and even sheepish, to discover that even if these devices are used frequently, they can still be rich in dust and dirt.
According to tech giant Apple, it’s best to use a soft cloth with 70 percent alcohol solution or some soapy water to clean your phone and other handheld gadgets. Remember that you should unplug these items first and turn them off prior to cleaning. Make sure the moisture doesn’t seep through the openings of your device. It also goes without saying that you should never submerge your phone in boiling water or a cleaning agent. In addition, US-based electronics company AT&T said you should never spray your gadget directly with the cleaning product. It can ruin surfaces, and in this era of enforced isolation, the idea of a broken phone is probably everyone’s worst nightmare.
Repurpose your room
If you’re the type who misses going to the gym or hanging out at a coffee shop, you can duplicate these activities in the comfort of your home. While the experience will definitely be different, it can allow you to relax and enjoy your time at home—you get to save a lot, too, as you don’t have to pay exorbitant fees and prices.
Repurpose an area at home to function like your favorite place outside, such as the gym.
If you’re the athletic type, clear up an area at home where you can do some indoor exercises for a few minutes daily. While you have to be mindful that your jumping jacks or Zumba dances won’t bother the neighbors, you can enjoy this activity by using alternative household items for your gym equipment. An old towel can stand in for a yoga mat, a pair of water bottles can replace heavy weights and even running-in-place can make up for an absent treadmill. You just need to be creative and open to change when repurposing such activities at home.
Create a safety zone
Lastly, if any of your family members are unwell, create a makeshift isolation area in your home. If possible, designate a bedroom and a bathroom which will be for the exclusive use of the sick in case the need arises. Clean this area on a need-to basis and remember to use disposable gloves and CDC-approved cleaning products when doing so. In addition, separate the sick person’s personal items such as utensils, toiletries and linens to prevent others from catching the illness he or she suffers from.
Overall, our current situation due to the pandemic isn’t easy, but maintaining a positive attitude and a vigilant approach can help us through. In a couple of weeks, when you’re itching to go outside already, just remember all those zombie films where it’s always the restless who gets bitten when he or she goes out.
Kidding aside, just try to make light of the situation and count your blessings every day. Despite the dismal conditions nowadays, remember that not all hope is lost. No virus or disease should keep you from enjoying life, even if it has to be done in quarantine for now.
Sources: nydailynews.com, cbsnews.com, marketwatch.com, terimakasih0 and congerdesign via Pixabay.com, Public Health Image Library (Website) via freestockphotos.biz, pxfuel.com
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