The question everyone is asking is; how can I maximize my time at home during this temporary COVID-19 “new normal” ? Try a few of these options:
- Take the Online New York State defensive driving course: You get a 10% discount for three years on your auto insurance premiums. Groupon has it for $19. Use their online coupon code “SALE3”. It gets you 20% off, bringing the cost down to $15.20. You can start it and stop it and have 30 days to finish the course. AAA, AARP, and a variety of others offer the same course at different prices.
- Learn a new language: Babbel’s FREE registration gets you the first lesson on every course for free. If you like it, you can register for $12.95 for one month or a 3-month plan for $26.85. Further discounts available for 6 and 12-month memberships.
- Organize your finances: Scan statements digitally, set up hard copy binders, and/or order financial “accordion files” at Staples.com online. They have pre-labeled auto insurance, mutual funds, and retirement tabs for you to file your hard-copy statements.
- Take on-line Zoom classes: Take a class on how to “Zoom” if you don’t know-how. I took one last week myself and have started running my own Zoom meetings. Set a goal of how many Zoom classes you take (or run) every week or month and watch your productivity increase dramatically!
- Improve your diet: It’s easy to slip into bad eating habits while comfort food is on the rise. Remember, your diet starts at the supermarket or on-line ordering. I find that buying fresh veggies forces me to eat them quickly before they go bad. It’s cheaper to eat healthy which could prevent you from getting sick.
- Learn to cook new dishes: Refer to #5. Every meal you cook is one less meal of take-out food. I’m still a work in progress myself, lol. This helps both your body and wallet or purse.
- Try to exercise at least every other day: This will help your energy, cardiovascular fitness, and concentration while boosting your metabolism. It’s a healthy part of any routine during this “COVID-Era”.
- Go through photos and make an album: Something that people say they’re going to do; however, they never do it.
- Positive letter and writing ‘thank you’ notes: You will be amazed at the response you get when writing letters and “thank you” letters to those that have helped you. When is the last time you received a thank you or personal letter in the mail? Try it and let me know what happens.
- Read positive books: I suggest choosing positive books at this time; self-help, business start-up, or whatever else you are passionate about. These are good times for introspection.