What do you do when things don't go quite to plan?
We flew half way around the world for a dream holiday to Miami and The Bahamas, only to find ourselves locked in a hotel room on Hurricane alert.
I won't lie, I had an initial cry as our dream and much needed holiday was smashed apart, but then 'what to do?' - you have to make the best of it. So, over the course of a few days literally locked in, I focused positive and here's some ideas for things to pass the time whilst holed up in your room.
1 // Enjoy "you time" you never get.
How often do we really get time truly to ourselves?
This is the time to indulge and make you happy. If reading books is something you don't get the time to do, enjoy every moment and read 1, 2 or 3 books. Or if there is a TV series you've been meaning to watch - now is the time to binge it all in one go.
Make a list of things you love and never get time for and do them. Or as many as you can in the confines of your room ;)
2 // Focus on the people in your life and human connection
People and human connection is the most important thing in life, so this is a great time to nurture it. Either with those sharing your room or your loved ones wherever in the world they may be.
Schedule Zoom calls or Facetimes with loved ones you've not spoken to in a while over the course of the days you're locked in and enjoy a good old fashioned catch up.
I got out my diary and used the time to order and schedule all my Moonpig Birthday cards for the next 6 months. Honestly out of all the things I did during this time, this gave me some of the best satisfaction and it's also a lovely feeling to acknowledge those in your life you love. You can also spend more time choosing cards and writing meaningful words than usual when in a rush.
3 // Catch up on tasks you never normally get to
This was a big part of what I did during this time and while not that exciting, it made me feel GOOD.
I listed all the things that I felt out of control and messy with and I tackled each and every one. I responded to all the messages outstanding in my Facebook inbox. I did the same for my LinkedIn inbox. I updated my Outlook contact address book. All those annoying little bits - I did it and some.
4 // Take up a hobby
Now is the time to embark on that crash course learning a new language or skill. Today, most things are available or accessible online with no materials needed, so everything is possible. If locked in your room 1 or 3 days, just think what you can achieve.
4 // Write your life bucket list
There is nothing better to do in this "lost time" than to write your life bucket list of places you want to visit or things you want to do. Maybe you never did this, then it's a great time to start. If you already have a list, re-visit it as things change and so do you over time. Better still, if you're in a position to, book one of them and create something to look forward to at a time when things may not feel they are going to plan.
5 // Self Care
This is the perfect time to self care and look after you. Even if you didn't bring lots of things with you (we won't lie, we did!), you can get creative and create your own.
Hair conditioner left in a long time asks as a hair mask. Use honey most hotels have as a face mask. Blend some sugar in with a body wash for a bit of a scrub. Google can be your friend for many home made remedies.
If your hotel has a spa or salon and they have space, pop on down to them and lie back and relax.
6 // Sleep
This may sound simple, but how often these days with the realities of life can we sleep? Most of us are doing the bare minimum when it comes to sleep, when it's actually one of the greatest healers and can also help us stay younger and healthier. Enjoy 10 - 12 or 14 hours when you can.
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