Covid-19 has quickly made enormous disruptions to our world and across all industries - travel being one of the most impacted. Travelers worldwide have had to face difficult, heart wrenching choices to cancel flights and awaited adventures due to closed borders, risk of exposing vulnerable populations and overwhelming local health organizations. It’s a time unlike any other for our planet.

Just yesterday, my work closed its doors for two weeks - prompting us to practice intense social distancing to help alleviate the curve (more insightful information about this effort here). It’s been a strange sensation to see everyone, including myself, adjust to the idea of #introverting for a while. Some of us with restless feet and a heart for wandering are left feeling overwhelmed by the notion of staying put.

Before we begin… as always, it’s important to always practice precaution with this sort of event, so before diving headfirst consult your local governments recommendations and follow protocol your workplace asks. Health officials are our guiding light in this time. Listen to their advice.

Today I wanted to share some lighthearted ideas for adventurers to practice social distancing. As a creative adventurer, I know first hand the importance of re-imagining exploration to a more local, individual level through reframing our perspective about travel. (You can also read a few of my other local adventure ideas here!)

In this unprecedented time and situation, it’s my hope that this little tips and tricks can help you find something wondrous and magical in the depths of distancing. Here we go!

• Make Your Block (or Home) Your WonderlanD

  Take a half hour to explore your block or home, documenting colors, textures, shapes and worldly influences either via notebook, sketchbook or your camera. Do an alphabet quest and capture a photo or draw a sketch of objects starting with each letter of the alphabet. Re-imagine your block or cozy abode as your artistic canvas to learn from.

• Make Your Home A “Destination” You Love Being In

  We may be at home, but I truly do believe there are incredible, creative ways to make our abode’s something that reminds us daily of our travels. I’m sharing my biggest secret to bringing in a sense of wanderlust to my home on Redfin’s blog… be sure to read it here. There are so many great ideas on the post!

• Get Lost… Creatively

  Now is the time to invest in a deliciously beautiful book, documentary, or start that watercolor practice you’ve always wanted to try. Not sure where your creative passions lie? YouTube university will be your best friend. Take this time to learn. The time is now.

• Give Where (& What You Can)

  Research what small yet mighty ways your time away can be served for the greater good. Research what your local community is in need of. Call your local food bank, check in on your elderly neighbors… little acts of servitude go a long way.

• Set Daily Goals

  Going stir-crazy is something I’m sure all of us adventurers fear the most. I’ve learned from my self-employed / freelancer friends that the best way to break this is to set daily intentions of what you’d like to accomplish. Each morning, list your top three goals and set a schedule to make them happen.

• Replace Worry With Wonder

  It’s overwhelming to read the headlines minute by minute. If you’re feeling anxious by the news cycle, it might be time to limit your screen time.

• Invest In Self Care

  Prioritize your own well-being through all avenues you are in need of. Self care looks different for every single person. That may mean prioritizing sleep, reading a book, or taking the time to reconnect with an old friend via a FaceTime “coffee date.”

Wishing you all health, optimism and hopefully some inspiration in the chaos that is our world right now.

- Laura