4 Ways to Keep Yourself Occupied during the Coronavirus Pandemic

4 Ways to Keep Yourself Occupied during the Coronavirus PandemicBeing stuck at home isn’t necessarily a bad thing.  Maybe you can relax, binging a couple of seasons of your favorite show, catch up on housework, or spend time with your kids.  After a few days, however, and along with the reverse psychological effect of being told you can’t leave your house, you’ll probably start to become a little stir-crazy. If you’re looking for a break from constant television or surfing your phone, here are some ideas to get you inspired during the coronavirus pandemic to see this as an opportunity to better yourself.

1. Get a grip on your finances.

This probably goes without saying, but if you’ve suddenly found yourself without a steady income, this could be a perfect opportunity to get your finances in order.  Do you have a budget that you stick to?  Right now, especially if you don’t have an income, it’s most important to get a budget and stick to it.  You can’t do much about building an emergency fund if you’re intent on surviving.

However, an emergency fund is designed to cover these sorts of unexpected events, and once things return to normal, it’s imperative that you start building a savings fund that can cover 3-6 months of expenses for yourself and your family.  If you’re fortunate enough to still have a job, maybe this is the stimulus you need to get a better handle on your finances so you’re prepared in the future.

2. Declutter your house.

With almost unlimited time at home, you might as well try and make that home more comfortable for yourself and your family.  Decluttering can help keep you occupied and can really help you feel a sense of accomplishment when you clean out that closet you’ve been dreading for months.  Additionally, it can help provide a little bit of income to help you get you through a rough patch.  Just don’t go out and buy more stuff to replace it!

3. Find a side hustle online.

The internet is home to almost endless opportunity if you’re trying to make some money on the side.  Whether it’s just a way to spend your time productively or an attempt to replace lost income, an online side hustle is a great way to work from home.  Make a list of some of the things you’re good at or that you’re interested in, and search for ways to use those skills and interests.

There are ways for a person with any skill, whether it’s leading streaming fitness workouts, writing freelance articles, or helping a business with social media marketing, to ply their trade in the online arena.  And with people online more than ever, this is really the perfect time to try something new.

4. Learn a new language

There are few mental activities that are shown to be correlated with longer mental clarity into old age than learning a new language, and with time at home, you have that opportunity.  There are plenty of free or inexpensive apps out there to learn from, and online resources aplenty.  There are even websites and apps that link you with native speakers in your chosen language that allow you to trade translation services and get feedback on your speaking and writing.

Americans are notoriously bad with foreign languages simply because they’re not stressed in school and we’re not constantly interacting with foreign language speakers, but you could see this as an opportunity to change that.  If there’s a language you’ve always wanted to learn but never could seem to find the time, make that a priority now.

You could choose to spend your time watching television and surfing your phone, and indeed, everyone needs some downtime to do that.  However, being kept at home can be a blessing in disguise as it allows you to slow down, figure out what’s really important in life, and take some steps to improve yourself.  Hopefully this article provided some inspiration and motivation to see this as an opportunity rather than a restriction, and you can develop some good habits you can carry into the future as a result.

Are You thinking of buying a Home in Tampa Bay?

Use our site to search homes for sale in Tampa Bay and all of our surrounding areas. Unlike the “big name” sites out there, our site is directly connected to our local MLS and is updated EVERY HOUR. By creating a Property Manager account you can stay on top of the newest homes for sale and get Price Change alerts so you can stay ahead of other buyers and beat them to the BEST deals!

In the meantime, check out these 1 click searches:

Move in ready townhome, great location in back of community very quiet.  Unique townhome with screen porch and private fenced yard.  New LVT flooring throughout.  Close to airport, shopping, dining, entertainment, vets xpwy and more.  Two assigned carport spaces, community pool $239,900 Active

7107 Hernando Court Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,296 SqFt 0.02 Acres

Under contract-accepting backup offers. Mid-Century Charm Meets Modern Comfort offering Timeless Appeal. Welcome to your own private paradise in the heart of Lake Magdalene—as you step into this inviting home with its blend of nostalgic character and thoughtful updates. Fun retro details give a nod to the home’s roots while modern updates provide functionality and style. Situated on a large corner lot with mature landscaping-over one-third-acre homesite. This beautiful three-bedroom, two-bath home offers the perfect blend of tranquility, space, and style in one of Tampa’s most coveted neighborhoods. Step inside to discover luxury vinyl flooring flowing seamlessly throughout the home, complemented by fresh, neutral paint that sets the stage for any décor. The spacious, light-filled living and dining area creates an inviting atmosphere for entertaining, while the separate family room offers a cozy retreat for everyday relaxation. The kitchen is thoughtfully designed with a charming eat-in area—perfect for morning coffee or casual meals. Retreat to the generous master suite, featuring its own private bath complete with a newly-tiled walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms are ideally situated sharing a well-appointed hall bath. Major updates provide peace of mind, including a new roof in 2024 and updated windows (2016 & 2017), ensuring years of worry-free living. Outside, the expansive yard is a verdant oasis, ideal for gardening, play, or future outdoor enhancements.
Tucked away in a serene yet centrally located neighborhood, members of the neighborhood civic association enjoy lake access to the picturesque Lake Magdalene, along with nearby park, fishing, and basketball courts. It’s a lifestyle of leisure and convenience—just minutes from shopping, dining, and major thoroughfares.

Homes of this caliber in Lake Magdalene rarely come to market—don’t miss your opportunity to make this one your own! $477,000 Pending

2308 Cape Bend Avenue Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,653 SqFt 0.36 Acres

Stunning Florida Home in Gated West Hampton in an A Rated School District & Highly Desirable Area -NO CDD fees 

Welcome to your dream home in sought-after West Hampton. This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom + large bonus room home boasts 3,086 sq. ft. of heated living area and a spacious 3-car garage, offering both elegance and functionality. With its thoughtfully designed 3-way split floor plan, this home offers ultimate privacy and room for everyone.

Upon entering, you'll be captivated by the rich wood look plank and tile flooring throughout, seamlessly blending with the home’s tasteful finishes. The expansive kitchen opens to the family room & features stainless steel appliances, wood cabinets, breakfast-bar, pantry closet, a built-in desk, and plenty of space for family meals or entertaining. The heart of the home flows effortlessly into the open living and dining areas, making it perfect for gatherings of all sizes. Escape to the alluring primary bedroom & ensuite featuring dual walk-in closets & vanities, separate water closet, large shower and a relaxing soaking tub. 

Upstairs, you’ll find a huge bonus room — an ideal space for a media room, playroom, or home office. The possibilities are endless!
The private fenced yard offers a tranquil retreat, with a covered lanai and lush tropical landscaping surrounding the space. Whether you're enjoying the Florida sunshine, hosting a barbecue, love to garden, have kids (to include fur babies), this backyard is perfect for outdoor and low maintenance living. 

Recent upgrades including a 2023 Roof, 2024 AC system & Paint ensure peace of mind for years to come. Additional features include a decorative glass front door, gas tankless water heater, crown molding, volume ceilings, recessed lights, ceiling fans, inside laundry room with utility sink, built-in desk.

In addition to the home's impeccable features, this West Hampton community offers a range of amenities perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. 

Take a stroll along the sidewalks, explore the scenic walking trails, or relax by the tree-lined tranquil pond with a fountain and park bench. Kids will love the nearby playground, and nature lovers will appreciate the wildlife sightings — deer, turkeys, hawks, and even eagles are frequent visitors to this beautiful setting.

Convenience is key with Top-Rated schools, Shopping, World Renowned Beaches, Tampa Bay Downs, Local Breweries, Theme Parks, Elev8, Culinary Diverse Cuisines & Breweries for the Foodies, Ice Hockey & Skating rink, TIA, Fishing, Skiing, Boating, Kayaking/Canoeing nearby and the 36-hole Eagles Golf & Country Club, where you can enjoy a round of golf and more wildlife encounters. 

This home offers an unparalleled combination of comfort, luxury, location, and peace of mind. A smart choice with NO CDD fees & NOT in a flood or evac zone. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make this West Hampton beauty yours & schedule your tour today! **Seller contribution toward Buyer closing costs with Approved contract agreement** $749,800 Active

12801 Stanwyck Circle Tampa, Florida

4 Beds 3 Baths 3,086 SqFt 0.23 Acres

Outstanding home in the Carrollwood area with over half an acre!  This 5BR & 3BA pool home includes an enormous flex room for a multitude of living options!  Entertain & host away - with a huge center kitchen island, a gas range, large cabinets, exhaust, & an open floorplan design.  Your family room overlooks impressive pavers, a covered lanai area, & a private pool.  The deep lot offers privacy & a paver fire pit & sitting area too.  This split plan design is perfect for families & also an in-law design (if needed).  No carpet here.... the main living areas & bedrooms have gorgeous (wood style) tiled floors.  Seldom do you have the opportunity to have all this space & be in the heart of Carrollwood!  Close to everything convenient to the Carrollwood area & minutes from shopping centers, dining, parks, & easy access routes for commuting!  Come see how private & spacious this lot & home feel & why you'll value the incredible location!  This home has a whole house water filtration system, a newer roof ('23), water softener system, & propane for selected home functions.  A portion of the garage was enclosed for additional living area.  Currently a functional oversized 1-car garage with ample storage.  A home and location like this does not come on market often!  Schedule to view and see what makes this home so special! $1,000,000 Active

3906 Floyd Road Tampa, Florida

5 Beds 3 Baths 3,787 SqFt 0.57 Acres