Making the Most of this Global Stay-cation

It is time for all of us to change our thinking about the global pandemic caused by the coronavirus. As you know, success in life and business is all about keeping a positive attitude and keeping unexpected situations in perspective.

We need a new perspective on the situation we find ourselves in today!

I’d like to suggest that we think of this as a “global staycation” rather than get caught up in all the hype and hysteria that is all around us. Think about it – most of us would love to have a nice, relaxing staycaction every now and then. So let’s make the most of this one!

Here are 10 things you can do right now to make the most of what many are seeing as a frustrating situation. Just by changing your mindset and making the most of this “opportunity” you could make a positive impact on your family and your life. 

Try these ideas:

1)  Read a Good Book. You know that book that you’ve been talking about but never seem to have the time or energy to start. Now is a great time to sit back, turn off the media madness and fill your brain with some good reading material. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is one of my all-time favorites.

2)  Play games with your family. Let’s admit it, we want to spend more quality time with those we love. And now, we have been given that gift of time. Don’t miss the opportunity. Board games, card games or puzzles. Pick your favorites from childhood and go back there for a while. We particularly enjoy Catch Phrase, Code Names and the 2x4 Game. Which are your favorites?

3)  Go Hiking in Nature. Far too often we are stuck in the office or on the road with our business. Now that we’ve been limited in our travel and we don’t want to hang out with large groups of people, take time to put on some hiking boots and go spend some time in nature. You will avoid the germs and refresh your soul!

4)  Bake or Cook with your loved ones. Think about the fun you have on Thanksgiving or Christmas when everyone pitches in to make a special meal. Why not do that this week. Don’t wait for the next holiday, make this a special holiday moment and hang out in the kitchen with your special peeps.

5)  Jam to your Favorite Music. Often times the only time we turn off the TV of get off social media and enjoy some good tunes is when we’re on vacation. So, now’s the time. Tune in Pandora or Spotify or better yet, drop a record on your turntable and enjoy the memories that our favorite music always brings. Makes me want to turn on The Doobie Brothers right now!

6)  Start Writing that Book you’ve been talking about. I can’t tell you how many people have told me they want to write a book someday. Well, this is now “someday”. You’ve got time, you’ve got quiet, you’ve got alone time. Use it to get the first chapter started of your new book. Once you get started, you’ll catch fire and get it done!

7)  Plan your next Great Adventure. One way to get beyond the doldrums of today is to dream about the future. Take some time to design your next epic adventure. Look, this crisis will pass and life will return to normal. Will you be ready to go when it happens? Make your plans now!

8)  Phone a Friend – or 10. Yes, you’re feeling a bit isolated, and so are many of your friends. In fact, many of them you haven’t talked to in some time. So now is the time to change that – reach out and give them a call. FaceTime them if you can. Make a game of how many old friends you can re-connect with during this staycation.

9)  Re-engage your Exercise Program. We all need to stay in great shape (or get in better shape) to fight off any possible infection. So now is the time to dedicate some regular time to our workout. You don’t need a gym. You don’t need equipment. Just get up, move and break a sweat for 45 minutes each day.

10) Sit, Talk and Reminisce with your loved ones. This slow down comes with the gift of time if we are smart enough to take advantage of it. Pull out some old picture albums and tell stories that make yourself and others laugh. We all need it right now!

Enjoy your staycation! I promise if you do this well, you’ll be planning another real soon. Next time, it will be on YOUR terms. But for now, let’s find the joy and hidden gifts that we’ve been given.

Here’s to your Staycation!

Rich Allen