10 Things You Could Be Doing Instead of Watching the News
You may not know this, but I’m a huge Dave Ramsey fan, follower, addict. Whatever you want to call it. If you don’t know who Dave Ramsey is, just Google him.
In these “CRAZY TIMES” I have two sources (mainly) that I turn to for my “news” or “updates.” That’s Dave Ramsey and John Mayer. (I’ll be sharing a blog about John in later days to come.) Being a Millennial, I don’t have cable, just Netflix and all of the streaming services. So, naturally, I don’t watch the news.
In this post we’re going to talk about 10 things you could be doing instead of watching the news.
When you peel back the layers of the onion you find out that the news is simply a television program. And lately, they’ve been capitalizing on FEAR & PANIC. I was listening to the Dave Ramsey show and he had a friend of his on the show, Max Lucado (author). Something that Max said stuck with me. “If you feed your fear, your faith will starve. If you feed your faith, your fear will starve.” I believe consuming too much news is feeding your fear whether you want to admit it or not. Before I go completely off the rails and come across as a conspiracy theorist, let’s get into the 10 things to do:
“If you feed your fear, your faith will starve. If you feed your faith, your fear will starve.” – Max Lucado
1. Read a Book
For most of us, we’re hunkered down in our homes. Perfect time to find a quiet place and read that stack of books you say you’ll eventually get to.
2. Watch “Tiger King” on Netflix
This documentary following Joe Exotic and his big cat zoo blew up faster than the Coronavirus. If you haven’t seen it, give it a watch. Soooo good!
3. Make Cookies
Right now is not the time to worry about your figure. Once we can get out of our houses, we’re going to lose that quarantine 15 real fast. There is something soothing about making your own fresh, warm cookies. Plus it makes the house smell wonderful…a nice break from the smell of Clorox. Here is a great recipe to use: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/bas-best-chocolate-chip-cookies
4. Organize Your Closet
How do our closets get so messy? A closet is a lot like the Tupperware drawer in the kitchen. Right now is the perfect time to take every item out of your closet and put it back in the proper place. Good news, wait 2 weeks and you can repeat this task.
5. Research Travel Destinations
You’re cooped up, we aren’t going to let you get away from your travel business that easy. When you’re re-watching “Tiger King” because it’s just that good, you can put your laptop on your lap and research all kinds of travel destinations you want to visit and send your clients to after this COVID stuff. (If you’re reading this and you’re not a travel agent, click here for more info: https://luxevovacations.com/join)
6. Listen to Music
Did you know that listening to your favorite music releases endorphins? The release of endorphins can give you a heightened feeling of excitement. It can also quell anxiety, ease pain and stabilize the immune system. I would recommend blasting it throughout the house and dancing around. If you have kiddos trying to do school work, perhaps sitting on the bed with headphones on, jamming out, will be a better option.
7. Play Monopoly
This one is the king of passing time and taking your mind off of everything. Gather the family or friends around and get a game going. Just remember, don’t take it too seriously, you still have to be quarantined with these people after the game ends in 19 hours.
8. Create Something
This is kind of like the cookies but you don’t necessarily have to eat this creation. It’s nice to get your hands on something. Paint something. Sew something. Mold something. Work with wood. Whatever it is, just create something, and watch the time pass gently by.
9. Go Outside
Even if you’re in an area with a strict lockdown, you’re allowed to go outside. I would recommend going outside WITHOUT your phone. You need to walk, jog, run, or sit in nature without your phone. No need for music here. Listen to the sounds of the outdoors. No need for scrolling through Facebook or posting to your Instagram story. Simply enjoy being outside and taking in the nature. Don’t forget to take some deep cleansing breaths.
10. Sleep
I’m not giving you the green light to be a lazy bones. However, take this opportunity to catch up on sleep. Again, I’m not saying sleep all day. I’m saying instead of watching the news at night for 3 hours, skip that, and hop in bed. Getting 3 extra hours of sleep will do your body and mind wonders. Plus, sleep helps with a healthy metabolism, and you’re going to need that when it comes to managing this quarantine 15.
There are plenty of other activities to keep you off the news during these times. Drop some of your preferred activities in the comment section below.
