10 Ways to Stay Productive Through a Quarantined Summer

This week has brought a lot of highs and lows as far as summer plans go, from camp cancelation announcements to churches holding in-person services.  There has been a drastic change in the world around us, and “normal” will never quite be what we remember from pre-virus days.

  Perhaps these changes are hitting me extra hard because I’m a high school graduate and facing many firsts and lasts; plus, I always schooled through the summer growing up, so this is my first real summer break.  The day after graduation, I will admit I woke up CLUELESS.  I had no idea what to do with my time!  Then the cancelations poured in: no ACT.  No in-person college orientation.  No summer camp.  I kid you not, my entire summer docket was left with just 2 things to do.

  I knew I couldn’t sit around and do nothing all summer, so I brain-dumped a list of things I could accomplish over the coming months.  Thankfully, I haven’t yet run out of things to do. :)

  High school grad or not, I know I’m not the only one facing an empty summer.  For your inspiration, I thought I’d share 10 ways to stay productive in a quarantined summer.

1.  Invest in your Bible time.

  You’ve got the time.  God isn’t going anywhere.  No more excuses.

2.  Make prayer your ministry.

  Again, no excuses.  Prayer is a powerful tool God uses in ways we can’t comprehend.  Spend some time talking to the living King of the Universe.  He doesn’t just listen nonchalantly; He acts.

3. Do a project.

  Everyone’s got some sort of project they’ve been putting off or haven’t found the time to do; it could be something as small as hanging curtains, or as large as building a deck.

  This summer I’d like to hang some artwork and instrument stands on the wall and help my brother build a cajon.

4. Host a Zoom Bible Study.

  We are certainly blessed to have technology which allows us to maintain contact with friends and family across the globe.  How about hosting a Bible study over Zoom or another video chat service?

5.  Deep clean + organize + donate.

  I’m big on organizing things, so this past week I spent a day tackling my closet.  Trash got thrown out, giveaways went in a bag, and bins came in for storage.  What room at your house needs a good purging?

6.  Do something special for your parents.

  If you live at home or have siblings that do, your parents are probably a wee bit exhausted from isolation keeping everyone in close quarters 24/7!  Brainstorm for ways to make their day a little brighter.  If you’re moving away to college this fall, I would encourage you to do something extra-special to honor your parents.

7.  Invest in your siblings.

  I encourage you to block out time in your calendar specifically for this.  Try to find something unique to do 1-on-1 with each of your siblings.  Protect this time like you would any other scheduled event.

8.  Glow up.

  Why not re-enter the social world with a bang?  If you’ve been needing to do your nails, begin an exercise routine, make dietary changes, or get a haircut, quarantine is the perfect time to do this (though that haircut may have to happen at home). :)

9.  Keep practicing.

  Whether you’re learning a foreign language or an instrument, practice is essential!  Chances are, you’re on some sort of break or lighter schedule over the summer.  Make sure to spend some quality time maintaining and improving your skill.

10.  Reference this post.

  If you’re still out of ideas, I’ve got about 120 more in my post 100+ Things to Do in Quarantine. :)

  I’d love to hear from you!  How are you planning to have a productive summer?  Will you be making any summer goals?