Now more than ever, many people are spending more time at home. There have been predictions that organizations will highly consider work-from-home arrangements for employees even after things cool off. More at-home jobs are created. And scores of people will continue to invest more time at home.

While the outside world is definitely going to be popular as safety measures are put in place, we also think the home is becoming a hub of a lot of activities now and it may continue to be so even after this. And with a little time, organization and storage hacks, it can accommodate all these things that may not have crossed our minds initially. 

Home libraries

We can no longer visit libraries or physically hang out in book club meet-ups during this time. 

Book lovers are stocking up more books, creating mini-libraries at home. It is a great opportunity to start virtual book clubs. And all these ideas are emerging now while we try to find ways to adjust to the current times. 

Books, readers, reading nooks and internet access can bring this concept to life. It is that easy. 

Salon and beauty spa

Fashion and beauty enthusiast Caroline Abok has been braiding her own hair and weaving it too from the comfort of her home for a number of years now. 

She recommends having products that you have used before or that you have been advised by an expert. Some of the items in her hairdressing kit include lots of hair shampoo and conditioner, blowdry, a small dryer, rollers for hair styling, styling gel, weaves, braids and towels. 

Entertainment at home

Well, house parties have been there. But it is the first time to see live concerts and deejays mixing on social media. While we are not really certain if this is going to continue and be as popular as they are now, what we know for sure is that it has as a shock that parties can be attended through social media. 

More people have been hit by the baking bug and try to bake more at home.

And if you would like to whip up your own cocktails and mocktails at home, Ruth Nzau taught us this 6 Easy Mocktail And Cocktail Recipes To Make At Home

A home workspace

A desk and chair, a laptop or desktop, pens, pencils, sticky notes, calendar are some of the needed items to have.

Kitchen on baking. Many birthdays this year will get people to bake their own cake.

Fitness at home

Skipping ropes cost between Sh400-2,000 on Jumia. You can also get exercise mats and a head-to-toe fitness gear.

“I engage in morning jogs while in the evening I do lower body and upper body workouts. I do train boxing on Saturday,” said Edda Otieno.

Distance learning

When school reopens, there is a possibility that parents and guardians can still continue to team up more their children in teaching them at home too. This is also in line the Kenya’s new school curriculum.

Some of the essential items for studying at home include technology, books and stationery.

We would love to know, what activities have you invited into your home?

A home is a safe haven- or we hope it is for everyone.

All the same, we could do with our own private spaces within a home. A mini sanctuary, ‘cocoon’, a ‘cabin’ as we call it here. A private space to retreat to. A space to recharge. A small space to just be in silence, reflect, meditate, rest, pursue a hobby, or just to daydream, you know.

This reminds me of a colleague who explained to me about how introverts sharing living spaces with others could become drained of energy in the past weeks of staying at home. He said that there may be little time and space for them to be alone to restore energy. And they still need to stay at home to be safe.

A research has it too that every person within a household needs to have their own personal spaces. And even when living alone, having a small space you can retreat to inside your home is certainly good for the soul.

It is greatly advised for introverts and highly sensitive people to cater to the need of alone time. This is because people with these qualities become overstimulated by a lot of things; noise, bright lights, busy schedules, very often. As a result, there is a need for a plenty of downtime. A quiet time is a well-wrapped gift.

You do not have to go above and beyond in getting a private space. A little ‘cabin’ can be on the bed, in a room, a balcony with a good view, at the back of your house, at the window, at a home office, and so on.

Each one of us deeply knows how we want a private space to be. We offer tips you can pick to create your own little ‘cabin’ as you wish it to be.

Keep it tidy and organized

A cluttered space can easily lead to a cluttered mind.

Studies have revealed that people with cluttered homes have higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Besides, the idea behind having a space of your own is to help recharge your body and mind. A neat space is a good start.

Create a space where you can definitely enjoy the time spent in it. A space you would want to go back to again and again.

Absorb yourself in rejuvenating hobbies

Mindfulness colouring and painting, writing, taking a nap, journaling, reading, gardening, exercising, listening to music are some of the hobbies to pursue in your little ‘cottage’. Engage in activities meant to build you is a powerful way of showing love to yourself.

Make it a phone-free zone

We agree that phones are convenient tools for communication. They can cause distractions too.

We could go on a social media detox for the time we intend to spend alone. Clicking on news updates is not really spending time alone. If we really have to stay with the phone, we suggest going online when what we seek contributes to idea of enjoying personal company.

But a phone-free zone is much better, we think.

Collect items that you like for the space

Treat your private space with your favourite items. A sentimental gift, candles, good books, a mirror, a cozy blanket, handmade decorative objects, or anything that speaks to you. If you are outside the house, have a small garden or a plant to nurture.

Imagine collecting some of the objects you absolutely love for your sanctuary.

Go for a soothing scent

Burning scented candles, essential oils and incense, or making your own scent at home, can transform a simple space to an inviting ‘cabin’. A pleasant aroma helps in rejuvenating the mind and body too.  

Indulge in your guilty pleasure

Favourite movie or TV series, a bar of chocolate, a delicious slice of cake, a smoothie, a cup of coffee, or anything that makes you happy can be done in your little sanctuary.

Establish a serene place

The mind submits to our actions and words. If say, we dedicate an area solely for work and nothing else, that is what our minds will identify the place to only be about.

Establish boundaries of how you want the place to feel and your mind will pick that up quickly. Also, the energy in the space will remain as you want it to be. Dim lights, warm blanket and a relaxed place can be some of the elements to go for.

What are some other really simple tips to creating your own ‘cabin’?