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Learning to be comfortable alone -

These days it’s easier than ever to keep yourself distracted, but learning to spend time with yourself and to actually enjoy your own company can do wonders for your mental clarity, self-awareness, and long-term happiness.

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Try out a new look in private -

Maybe this is your time to try out bangs, or a mustache.

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Journaling -

Cut off from the world, this is the perfect time to get around to that journaling you never had time for. Reflect on how self-isolation feels, what you’re noticing, and it’ll help you relax and sort through your thoughts.

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Eating alone -

While some studies say that eating with others is better for digestion, eating alone once in a while is a great way to reconnect with your hunger signals and really enjoy your meals without any other stimulus. You also eat less without distractions!

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Cooking more -

Look at you, you’re eating healthier and spending less money already!

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Doing less laundry -

Let’s be real, you’re likely going to stick to pajamas and sweats, and now no one can judge you if you outfit-repeat.

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Pets are so happy you’re home -

This social isolation is amazing for pets, as they now get to be loved and rubbed all day long!

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Saving makeup -

Not going out takes away the pressure to look polished, and it’ll save you so much makeup—which is certainly not cheap.

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You can be without clothes -

The mental and physical benefits of being without clothes, including boosting your self-esteem and even your immune system, are not to be overlooked.

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Spending less money -

Going out to do things almost always costs money, whether it’s going out for a drink or to the movies.

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Having time to do those home projects -

There’s always something that’s been sitting on the back burner, and now you can finally paint that wall, install that shelf, or whatever else you said “I’ll do that later” to.

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Get in touch with yourself -

Reintroduce yourself to yourself, and figure out what you want, what you like and value, and take stock of what you're grateful for.

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No pretending to like people -

Your friend’s new partner, the self-determined “devil’s advocate,” will no longer be coming to your dinners as your dinners will be postponed!

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Developing a healthy habit -

Maybe you’ve been struggling with getting started doing a little yoga in the morning, but now is the time to get your body used to the routine.

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Rewatch a favorite movie -

Who said you have to be super productive? Enjoy the chance to indulge!

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No FOMO -

FOMO, or the fear of missing out, is nonexistent when everyone’s supposed to be in self-isolation, as anyone who is going out and about is actually shamed for not doing their social duty.

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Increased creativity -

When your brain has time alone, it’s much more creative. Write that story you’ve been thinking about, or paint a big canvas.

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Reading time -

The main reason people give for not reading is that they don’t have time, but now there’s an abundance of it to yourself.

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You can finally watch that series -

It’s time to stop avoiding spoilers and watch that show that everyone’s been talking about.

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Catching up with relatives -

Especially if both of you are in isolation, it’s a great time to catch up with those who you haven’t spoken to in a while.

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Kickstarting that savings fund -

You can take stock of everything you would have spent money on if you weren’t in isolation, and then put that amount into a savings account.

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Finally trying out home exercises -

You can finally admit to yourself that you don’t need that gym membership, and you’ll see that you can get a satisfying sweat on in your living room.

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Time to tackle that hair treatment -

Plus, you’re in isolation, so if it turns out badly, no one will know.

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A manicure/pedicure that won’t get ruined -

Sure, no one will see it, but you can enjoy it for much longer!

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You don’t have to pay for a babysitter -

Or a dog sitter, or a house cleaner, or anything else. You only need ideas to entertain kids at home.

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Doing boring things for future you -

Like comparing insurance rates, since it’ll save you money and you never seem to find the time otherwise.

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A better look at your relationships -

Just like we need thirst to seek out water, being isolated makes you seek out exactly the kind of connection you need with other people, and can give you a better look at the connections you do have.

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No annoying coworkers -

Whether it’s a hovering boss or chatty colleagues, you will have a safe distance from which you can gossip about them to your dog.

See also: How to use the Burnt Toast Theory for personal growth

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