Hi everyone!
This post will be me asking you guys for suggestions.
With the quarantine, I realized how much of my time I was wasting just going around. My life before the quarantine for this semester was not so much different than now, but in my ‘free’ time, I would just go here and there to pass it. Now, with that being gone, I am realizing how much time these little trips were taking everyday. That is to say, I suddenly have so much and I don’t know what to with it.
I still do everything I used to do. I study, read, exercise, meditate etc. Then, I do relaxing stuff too. I watch TV series, knit, bake, talk to friends and family etc. After I do all, I am still left with a lot of time and I am finding it hard to fill it. Ideally, I want to have a project to help people, which has always been my dream. This might be the perfect time to be able to work on such a project. But currently I don’t have anything.
On the other hand, I am also thinking that maybe I am not supposed to fill in all times. Maybe I am given this time because I need to rest. This time might be the time where I charge myself for the upcoming more active months. If so, I should just learn to stay non-active for some part of the day.
To me, both of these options seem logical and I can’t choose, although something in me opts for the latter. If a project is meant to be for me, it will probably hand in my hands. Maybe I should not worry about it. What do you guys think? Are you in a similar situation? Let’s talk about filling time!
In a book I’m reading again for like the 15th time it’s suggested the we all “lose our minds and come to our senses” make if that what you will- it’s changed for me over the years
Can you please tell the book title?
Awareness by Anthony de Mello
Thanks 🙂
Thank you!
I really want to do something and I would do it now if I was given something. I feel like that would make my life more meaningful. But maybe it is better to come to my senses first.
What is the book?
If you are not feeling like doing it now, that’s fine. You said we need to relax, find something that is relaxing and productive at the same time, maybe you can try new things..drawing, singing…dancing.
That is exactly true and I stand by it. The thing is, I do everything I can think of and I am still left with a lot of time (also, I wake up at 5 or something, which gives me a lot more time than most people). I will not stop doing any of these. I am just trying to figure out what to do with the remaining time.
Then waste some time😁😅🤣
I find it hard to do that:( I guess in academia, we are conditioned to work all the time and we don’t know how to rest.
I think I would do something else now if I knew what I should do.
I’ve signed up to volunteer with two organisations here— one, a local food bank in my town, the other the National Health Service. Neither of those have started yet, but I hope they will this week! Do you have anything like that where you are? (I don’t know where you are).
On the other hand, resting from the pressures of normal busy work life is definitely a healthy and useful thing. It still sounds like you are keeping busy though, haha, you must be really efficient :D.
What kind of volunteer organizations are they? Do they require going out?
I have been efficient, thank God. In fact, staying still is harder for me than doing things. But I think I am more geared towards making the most of my time, which is the real push for me now. But maybe, making the most of time does not necessarily mean doing many things.
Yes, I find it so hard sometimes to just allow myself to rest!
Same! I am actually forced to rest now but I still have this thing in me that forces me to do things. It is because I have too much time to rest:(
I’ve been leaning on hobbies and also spend more time cooking, especially family dinners. It’s important to connect with people right now. Sticking to a routine has helped a lot too!
I live alone, but I still try to connect with people. Here, I am talking about the time after all of these happen. I wake up too early, maybe that gives me more time than other people.
I’m up early too, so I get where you’re coming from. Maybe we’re just accustomed to a fast-paced life, so the stillness is uncomfortable. Filling that time might not be the answer.
For people who already had full days before the quarantine, I think it’s ok for them to rest some..but if you are like me and newly retired and need to “find yourself”, then you need to try as many new things as you can and get moving! 🙂
My life before this in this semester was kind of like quarantine as well. But this took away my ability to go out at some point during the day and this gave me a lot of time that I am trying to figure out what to do with.
Reblogged this on To Write or not to Write and What to Write.
Rather than wonder what it is that you should be doing, relax into the extra moments and feel what feels right in that moment.
Where are you at? How are you feeling? What do you need in that extra moment you’ve been granted?
Do you want to spend a little extra time reading, a little more time writing, a little longer time showering, a bit more time pampering yourself, an extra bit of sleep – rather than having a checklist of what should or shouldn’t be done in a day, perhaps learn the art of being happy which involves enjoying the moment for all it is worth.
There is much pleasure and restful peace to be found in a moment where time does not feel pressured to do more, more, more.
Lean into that thought. You have lead a life of chasing dreams that never seemed to come to fruition. Now the dream life has happened and you have more time than you know what to do with. Try not to stress over that reality, rather relax into the realization that the only thing putting pressure on yourself these days is you. Lighten the load you carry by lightening the thoughts you have about the moment you are in.
I think that could help you bring yourself to a better peace of mind which will bring peace to the life you’re meant to lead.
Much love and luck and light and joy in your every moment while the world is experiencing a pandemic. I have faith that better will come of this time of separation and rest and recuperation.
Just let the change come and feel free to be happy with all that you have been granted.
That is such a nice suggestion! I think I am looking for something to do is that I naturally have a lot of energy (often too much, in fact) and I would balance it with going-outs. Now, I am finding it hard to contain it and I feel the need to do even more. Generally, doing things makes me happier than just resting. But I agree that I should make use of this time. I must find a way to be able to not do anything for more extended times. In fact, I have always had some amounts of self-time even in my busiest days and I go crazy if I don’t have that time. But I think the quarantine left me with much more self-time than I am used to. Anyways, I need to gain the ability to control my energy.
This is beautiful.
I love having some extra time. My commute to work is about 90 minutes each way. So working from home has provided extra hours per day. I’m close to retirement age so this is giving me a little preview into it and I love it with the exception of being physically separated from people. Chores around the house and yard are more enjoyable because they are not squeezed so tightly with everything else. Having a few extra minutes for my hobbies and some much-needed rest is great. Give me more time, please.
I like that! I also like the time now because I can do a lot more things than before. Things that I imagined of doing before, like I mentioned in my post last week. The problem with this is that I wake up too early, so that gives me more time, and I don’t have a family here and I don’t like binge-watching at all. So, I am left with a lot of time that I don’t know what to do with. I hope to figure it out or I need to learn how to just not do anything for extended periods of time.
I say go with whatever happens. If it’s right for you, if you get in easily, why question it? For sure this is the time to try new things if they present themselves. But if find your easing through your day, maybe that’s what you need at that moment. I guess I’m saying why try to define each moment? Why not just let life live awhile? There’s no right or wrong just now or not now.
Nice! I think I really feel the need to do something and I don’t know what it is. Maybe I should not run after it and wait for it to present itself when the right time comes.
Hey😀 I recommend listening to the Born to Impact podcast with Joel Marion.
Stay Non Active by taking proper sleep hours and eating hours.
During the active time. If you want to help people grow then share your life experiences or small tips you follow in life.
Example:
•Tips for knitting
•Some baking recipies
•Experience of what you did during a car break down. Etc
Thank you! These are nice suggestions! I will think about them!
Welcome. I am glad you like it. My pleasure
Please check my blog on a similar topic
https://mahimajalan.wordpress.com/2020/03/28/thank-you-corona/
Not as much time as I expected – probably a good thing. Enough for – for now. We cleave to routine, to structure. But this weird dislocation hangs over everything.
Same with me. Things seem to expand to take up all available free time.
Interesting.
In an odd way, my life has not changed much. And yet I feel this pressure to perform because of the message we all feel – make use of your time, don’t waste it. Yet is time wasted if we aren’t doing things we think we should? “Being” time is highly underrated.
I do believe that we all need the downtime everyday. We should all have some time for ourselves. I always have had some time for myself, even on my busiest days. The problem I am having right now is the amount of downtime. Although I do everything I can think of, that still leaves me with a lot of time. Maybe we should just get used to having a lot of ‘me-time’.
It’s shocking to find out how much time there actually is in a day.
Right?! I am surprised at that too! Also at how much time I used to waste going back and forth.
You said “Ideally, I want to have a project to help people, which has always been my dream. This might be the perfect time to be able to work on such a project.” Might not be easy, but you could try that? Good luck! 🙂
I want to! I was thinking of doing something after I finish my PhD (so, about 1.5 years later). This quarantine was so sudden, so I don’t know what to do. I need to figure something out:)
Oh wow, I wish you the best on your PhD! Very cool 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
I’m writing a book. And working on my baking skills!
I am baking but not writing a book yet. Maybe I can work on that!
Post it when it’s done
Will do!
Do you practice mindfulness? I’ve been using the extra time to practice so that I know what to do when I don’t have the time? x
I do meditate for a bit every day. Is that what you had in mind?
Yes – a little bit of mindfulness meditation 🙂
I like to sleep extra. I should be working on my play but can’t seem to get the focus up enough to be doing anything productive.
I also have concentration issues now, although I am better compared to two weeks ago. I think I don’t like sleeping extra. I still wake up at 5.
Do you write? Because enforced solitude is perfect for us writers. I’ve picked up on the thread of an idea I had a couple of years ago when I was completing my degree, and am writing a story about a virus that sweeps the world and forces people to give up physical contact completely. It’s strange how life imitates art.
Other things I am doing include reading the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett, watching an old TV show that’s streaming online, one I used to watch when I was younger, plus trying to knit a patchwork blanket for our cat. I guess it’s easier for me to fill in my time because I’m an introvert and a loner at heart. I love reading and writing so this sort of situation suits me more than it does others.
That is so interesting! These days will inspire you more for your story! I do write but I don’t want to write too much because I don’t want to burn out. But maybe, I can try to edit my previous writing, things that I want to turn into a book one day. That will give me something. As for watching TV shows, I don’t like binge-watching because I get bored, so maybe not that:)
The power of rest cannot be underestimated. Yes, we can full our time, but it’s also important to recognise that we don’t have to fill time and can simply do nothing. And to enjoy that.
Yeah. I want to be able to do that but that is really hard for me. I should probably try more.
Go inside the universe and open it up. The universe is within us, we are the center. Get to know the real you. Inner Work. Mirror Work. Shadow Work. Not all at once, but they are concepts of self exploration.
I have always been very interested in self-introspection, which is why I am now the happiest and calmest I have ever been. I don’t think I was ever this much at peace with myself. But this is a vast area and I will find a lot more if I look deeper!
We are the center.
Hi Betul
Do as the “Romans do”!
From time to time if you feel bored, go to your balcony or out of your door and bang, for while, a frying ban with a metal spoon!
That way you can connect with your neighbours and passers-by while maintaining the distancing requirements!
All the best
Abdifatah
Well, I don’t have a balcony that sees the street nor are my neighbors here. But I get the general point of your suggestion! Good one! Thanks!
The pillow test seems to be a great litmus, especially when our daily routines and habits are upended. Ask yourself when your head hits the pillow: “Who did I help and how do I do more tomorrow?”
Nice suggestion! I will try this!
Fill in time with hobby, be it productive like doing art or consuming like learning art or likewise. In case of none as hobby, simply meditate (obviously after knowing about it as there is much more in it than just a sitting posture).
I’ve a sudden idea – you may take karate video lessons; actually I meant ‘Chi’ lessons – might help immensely in respiratory controls.
Hmm, the karate idea is nice! With hobbies and meditation, I started integrating them into my day. They are helpful!
When schools closed I made a list of small things I wanted to achieve each day. The list gives each day a purpose and stops the days becoming monotonous. I’ve started a blog to keep track of each activity I’ve done – I think you ‘liked’ one of my posts earlier. Maybe make a list of specific things you want to achieve – not just ‘read a book’, but something like ‘read a biography’ or ‘read something over 100 years old’.
I do have a list now but I think I need to make it longer. Maybe I did not structure my list well yet. Also, yes, I liked one of your posts:)
https://www.amazon.com/Do-Nothing-Overworking-Overdoing-Underliving/dp/1984824732
Maybe this could be a book to consider?
Looks interesting! Thank you!
I’m working from home and the days just fly by. And I feel like I’m getting very little done.
If you have free time you should let your self do nothing for some of this time.
We are all so wound up all the time that given the opportunity to shift the old brain into neutral, we should do so.
Yeah! I am in grad school and I am so conditioned to do stuff all the time. But this is not the time to rush anymore. It is time to relax. I hope to get into the mood soon.
Sounds like you got a lot of free time, Betul! I agree with you with going either or…that’s awesome of you for wanting to have a project to help people. I think sometimes it’s the little things that make so much difference. Reminds me of Pay It Forward or Poetry Month– posting “Post pocket-sized verses in public places”, from poets.org 🙂
Ahh:) I always wanted to do some kind of a project and this free time made me start thinking whether I should start doing it now. For now, I am trying to keep my desire for that going with the little things:)
Try meditating or Thai Che one good for the soul, the other for body and mind. You can find lessons in both on YouTube. Or just spend sometime daydreaming of the future. 🙏🏼🌎✌🏻❤️
Daydreaming is a nice idea! Is Thai Che also a meditation technique? Sorry for my ignorance on this.
Meditation is extreme focus and foresight, you do not have to close your eyes to begin meditation. Tai chi uses slow, concentrated movements and it becomes released through energy by certain points of movement. These points would be connected to the meridians of the body, or essentially the “energy” of the body.
Great! Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome. 🙂
It will not fall into your lap, you must strive for it..even though you do not know how to go about helping others…..this is one of the biggest hinderances to progress. We want to be a choir leader or assistant pastor, but those roles are already filled…so we wait, because those are the roles we have our minds set on…, and while waiting we grow cold , old, and stagnant..
In leading up to the desired ideal project, keep the table open…be willing to do the small in order to arrive at the great.
If you or me cannot scrub a toilet correctly, or neatly, what makes us think we can manage a project of a larger nature.
Hmm, that is good motivation! Unless I actively look for it, it will not come to me. Thanks for this reminder!
Hi Betul, Read my post creatures of habit.
My belief is we were created with two lives and there is a battle going on for our souls. The answer I believe is to not over think it, that is our default mode, in fact I believe the answer is not to think about it all but just trust your HEART, allowing your LION to roar for our OX to implement the plan, instinct will tell you if the plan is working, if it is not then its time for the lion to come up with an answer. The HEART of the wise is to the RIGHT, the HEART of the fool is to the LEFT. The question then to ask “Is what spirit is behind the IMAGES your HEART produces. To build something solid, the foundations need to go deep, the bigger the building the deeper the foundations. Any project needs to start with the end, what is your goal, what is the big picture. To get there will take time and lots of energy, As Ben says it will not fall into your lap.
The OX needs to rest, recuperate and recharge, so use your spare time wisely, spend it on the RIGHT allowing your HEART to speak to you, then implement the those thoughts, both REST and CREATIVITY are valid, both will work together, dont let that deceptive spirit using and confusing both emotions you feel to rob you of the dream that as transpired in your HEART. There is a thief out there who want to steal, kill and destroy. Knowing who you are puts him behind bars and allows you to become that which you were created for.
Wow, that is great comment and I will definitely check your post! I will check my heart deeper to see what it tells me. I think i am getting closer to having such a project but not right at this moment. Maybe, say, a year later. Thank you a lot for this great comment!
This is the exact reason why mindfulness exists! We have been conditioned to be something, do something! All the shoulda…… coulda ‘s. I’m interested in a project to help always as well! What would that look like! I love photography as a hobby and love the front porch photos going about! Something so sImplement and yet so uplifting! Can’t wait to here what lands in your hands!
Let’s pray that the best for us falls in our hands:)
The easiest answer, Betul, is to ask yourself what you want from life, and then spend the extra time getting that (or at least heading in that direction).
Let us know how you get on. 🙂
Kindness – Robert.
I think right now I am not sure what I want to achieve in life. It will take me a while to discover
Good luck with that. 🙂
Thank you!😊
Perhaps it is a time to be used to get closer to God, to study, review and pray. There are also lots of ways to volunteer even if you are staying within your house. Most local governments have information on what is needed on their websites.
I am trying to focus on my prayers too and i think that has been the most beneficial side of the quarantine for me. I can check these websites too!
I’m a Hospice nurse…still working full time…and wishing I had some OFF time to be at home and relax and dig out projects from my procrastination bin!!! 🙂
Oh, is there extra work because of the situation now?
Not extra work related to the virus…just always busy and the thought of staying at home for a while sounds like vacation! 😁
Oh, i hope you get that vacation soon!
Rest and hard work co-exist; flip from one to the other as you see fit!
Nice perspective!
I’m keeping in contact with a lot of friends & family via email/messaging & chats. I also signed up for free online courses via Future Learn 🙂
I am also keeping contact but haven’t done the online learning thing. Maybe I should check it out:)
Amazing post!!
Thank you!
My 1st thought was go online dating. Then i was like, just kidding. Yes of course u need time to recharge and to be creative. U need time to reflect and ponder on life.
Exactly! That is one of the big, maybe the biggest, benefits of this time.
Glad to know I am not the only one feeling the time gap! I like to think that we are suppose to always fill it.
Yes, but relaxing is perhaps a way to fill it, an idea I am finding difficult to adapt to. You?
I feel the same, especially with setting a routine, but also not filling all the time in the day. Something petting my dog and staring at the wall feel just right. How do you like to relax?
I usually sleep when I want to relax, which is why my total sleep hours in a day is kind of a lot. I think I find it hard to relax when I am awake. But that would be different if my family was around. With them, I can just be lazy for the whole day.
I would prefer this time period to take a break, breathe and relax. Probably this is the moment of peace we all were looking for at some or the other point in our lives. I hope you are doing well in such tumultuous times! 🌸
I am doing fine! Just finding it hard that I can relax now; the idea is weird. And I have been waiting for this time for so long! I will adapt, though!
Do what makes you feel well! Time thinking about time takes up too much time
. 🙏😀
Well-said!😊
Relaxing is a hard thing to do, especially when we are programmed to “go go and do do”. I’ve felt pretty similar in feeling like In wanting to take on new projects. I’ve adopted new plants that are thriving and producing. I’ve also taken on household tasks that I have been putting off. A time of relaxing is required and seems kind of mandated (lol). Take the time to enjoy it to the fullest. Slow down, notice more , be more aware in your life. I’ve found that this is something that I can struggle on myself from the “constant go”. I’ve also figure it might be time to get rid of those 5 pounds. Hahaha then again maybe I may gain 5 more from all the baking I’m experimenting with.
I am trying to learn to relax! I will get there! Also, yeah, I am working out but also eating more. So, I might be able to balance it. Or more likely, I will eat more that I burn. Maybe that is a time to let go of that worry too.
Try not to think of this time as something to be filled. Rather think of it as time to relish, to appreciate, to live, to take advantage of.
Working on it! I need to drop this idea that I need to be productive all the time.
Hello Betul! The ‘productive’ mindset is not so easily dismissed, but rather, deeply ingrained in many cultures. I find redefining the meaning ‘productive’ helps. I try to see ‘productive in terms other than the economic model. Try thinking of it as increasing personal development capital.
Hmm, I like that!
I’m still not bored have lots to do. My time waster is Facebook. I try to stay away but someone messages me then it’s hours looking at the news feed
For me it is Twitter! But I am getting less interested in news lately, which is a good sign.
Me too. Starting to create a new normal routine.
We got this!💪
Hi….In my opinion the spare time can be used for many useful stuffs.
I have mentioned 7 important things in my article.pls check it out and let me know ur opinion abt it.
https://happinesshublife.wordpress.com/2020/03/31/7-important-things-to-do-in-spare-time/
Will check!
Damn,
I don’t have any tips for you guys to utilize your time.
But today I just found this blogging site with way too beautiful and interesting content.
I feel I got something very beautiful blogs to read during this Quarantine or so-called Lockdown times.
Thanks.
Gladly I can say I am part of your team!
Pointless Overthinkers!
We are so glad to have you here too! Blog-reading is a good activity to spend time with!
Thanks Bogdan (DM)
Very thought provoking piece! Great read
Thank you!