Sometimes, life keeps us closer to home, whether by choice, personal needs, aging, disability, or other life changes. When you stay home more often, staying engaged and active is key to maintaining your well-being and gaining fulfillment. By finding small, meaningful ways to improve ourselves and our daily lives, we can build healthier habits, boost our mood, and enrich our overall quality of life.
Here Are Some Easy Self-Improvement Tips for Staying Active at Home
Whether you’re seeking inspiration or looking for practical tips to stay active and positive at home, these easy self-improvement tips can help enhance your day-to-day life and support your journey to well-being.
Tip 1. Continue your education and build new skills.
One of my first tips for self-improvement when you primarily stay at home during the day is to consider how to build new skills or learn something new!
Are there classes online that can enhance what you already know? For instance, could you use this time to take a new course at your local community college or an online university? Or is there a new skill you can learn through online education that can help you get an even better job position? Also, you might just be interested in learning a new subject, a different language, or some skill you’ve always wanted to learn but never had the time until now.
Here are a few helpful resources for free online courses:
You can also contact your local community college or university and find out what courses they offer online. Many colleges offer assistance options with financial aid, grants, and student loan repayment plans.
In addition, consider picking up a new hobby or honing a talent to fill your time at home. For example, you could learn how to play an instrument, become a better home cook, learn a new language, try out new home projects, or pick up a new skill in arts and crafts. Many resources, courses, videos, and even smartphone apps are available online or on your phone for free or a small monthly fee.
Tip 2. Work on your mental and emotional health.
If you’re living with a spinal cord injury, you might also be dealing with more feelings of loneliness, isolation, depression, or health anxiety. If so, you might think about joining an online support group so you can find other peers who are going through similar circumstances.
Connecting to a therapist or licensed counselor who offers virtual therapy through Zoom or FaceTime may also be a good idea because it’s a way to connect with another person while also taking time to improve your mental and emotional health.
Additionally, you might think about joining a mindfulness or meditation class online. YouTube offers various classes and exercise ideas, including adaptive yoga.
Tip 3. Develop a home exercise routine.
I know firsthand that it can be easy to become complacent about regular exercise. Unfortunately, this can affect our quality of life. YouTube offers a wealth of free resources, including adaptive exercise routines. You can find an exercise routine that works for you, whether lifting weights, simple stretches while sitting, aerobics, or wheelchair yoga.
You might be pleasantly surprised about your options for exercising without spending money or leaving the house. Find some time in your day to spend at least 15 minutes working out. If you’re home with your children, make it a part of their daily routine, too. Kids thrive best with a regular routine, so it’s a win-win for your whole family!
Tip 4. Shake things up with a makeover.
When you’re homebound or staying at home a lot, it can be easy to start neglecting your self-care, too. It can be tempting to skip showers more often, sit around in your old sweats, and barely run a toothbrush across your teeth. I know many of us living with a disability already struggle with depression and anxiety. However, it all begins with you. That’s why one of my easy tips for self-improvement is doing something to feel good about yourself, like a makeover!
Every morning, find a way to make yourself feel good by grooming and getting dressed for the day. If you prefer wearing comfy clothes, then go for something that feels comfortable but also makes you feel better about yourself. Put on some makeup, style your hair, or even try a new hair color! Why not?
You can check out YouTube or Pinterest for ideas for upgrading your look with new makeup, hairstyles, and even fashion ideas. Above all, have fun with it. It really can make a huge difference in your attitude.
Tip 5. Connect with disability resources.
Check out the Social Security Administration’s Online Services to find out what benefits you may be eligible for or to apply for disability benefits or Medicare benefits. Also, consider contacting your local Vocational Rehabilitation office. Make an appointment with one of their counselors to find out which of their programs you may be eligible for. This might include accommodations for returning to work or school or getting assistance in obtaining adaptive equipment. Lastly, check out local resources, such as your community YMCA, a community center, or even a local spinal cord injury support group.
Whatever you choose to do for self-improvement when you’re homebound, try to utilize this time wisely. Take a brand new stand for yourself, your beliefs, your mindset, and your education. No matter what, as long as you breathe, you have a purpose. A hidden talent may just be itching to be revealed.
