Is anyone else sick of articles telling them how to be productive during quarantine? When it all started, I made a list of all the ways I would work on my blog and personal growth during this time. I've done about three things on a long list and feel overwhelmed every time I look at it. I also feel weird promoting my travel blog right now when no one can travel anytime soon. I wanted to launch a new trip planning service to start this summer, but now doesn't seem like the right time with so much financial and travel uncertainty.
I read a post the other day telling people to slow down and focus on their mental health over checking off a new to do list even with this extra time. Many people are dealing with uncertainties around work, family, and health, so feeling like you need to be productive during this time can be an unnecessary burden.
I feel very fortunate to have a job, healthcare, and financial stability right now, and want to try to give back in any way I can. I’ve decided to now focus on promoting small businesses and restaurants and sharing stories to help keep your spirits up and mind distracted. Here’s what’s coming to the blog in the next few weeks:
Weekly Five Favorite Things: I'll be starting a weekly list of my five favorite things each week to help spread some positivity, share ideas on what do do while at home, and include updates from what it’s like living abroad in Germany right now.
Gift Card Giveaways: On my Instagram I'll be asking for your help to tell me about your favorite small businesses, restaurants, and charities so that I can buy gift cards from them and do giveaways. I’ll also be sharing all submissions on social and my blog posts to promote these small businesses. Not on Instagram? You can still send me your favorite places below and provide your email to be entered to win!
Continuing to Share Travel Content: My virtual trips were a big hit, and you can view them all in my story highlights here. I’m working on a new series of posts to highlight some of my best and worst travel stories: from getting sick on an international flight to meeting the prime minister of Ireland to the realities of moving abroad, all the highs and lows will be shared.
Freebies: Phone backgrounds, travel planning templates, and more! Join the email list here and follow my socials to make sure you don’t miss out.
I hope this will help provide me with something positive to do with my time and provide my readers with some optimism and things to do as well. Remember that it’s okay to slow down and not be super productive during this time.
One of the best things you can do with your time is giving back, be it through your time, your words, or your money. Here are a few ideas:
You can find a great global roundup of ways to support the community through money, time and other donations here and here.
GIVE-19 is a great initiative I came across encouraging you to associate the number 19 with something positive, by giving 19 (minutes, dollars, drawings, cookies, etc.) to the people and organizations of your choice.
Find virtual volunteering opportunities here.
Support your local restaurants, here’s a great roundup for Boston takeout and gift cards.
Reach out to your friends and family. You never know how much a simple call may mean to someone during these times.
Share your favorite small businesses with me and enter to win a gift card for them!
