Thanks to the coronavirus, you’re home, you’re bored, and you need something to do to differentiate each day. Hack your life and save money 11 different ways with YouTube.
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1. Skip The Gym Membership
When I tell you there’s an exercise video for everything, for everybody, at every level, you’ve got to check it out for yourself.
For instance, want to start off slow and only exercise for 5 minutes? Search for 5 minute full body workouts, 5 minute abs, 5 minute butt workouts, etc.
Looking for high intensity workouts? Not a problem.
20 min HIIT Workout for Inner Thighs, Glutes and Fat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsgUp3ldIysLoss
Maybe, you miss your yoga, Pilates or Jazzercise class at the gym?
30-Minute Feel Good Dance Cardio Workout To Burn Calories: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TOIWNAVADw&list=PLFHBoHD-0J3v6_sblpVewrOjtIqjyx71t
If you’re looking to exercise, you will find these and so much more on YouTube without spending a dime. Moreover, you can do this from the comfort of your home.
Here’s some more inspiration:
10-Minute Booty Shaping Workout: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=iAu_ueyPWdQ&list=LLCW40hJue5oxVeblH8fnvaw&index=4
10-Minute No-Equipment, At-Home Cardio Workout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUWFmn8f3H4&list=WL&index=6&t=0s
20 min Full Body STRETCH/YOGA for STRESS & ANXIETY Relief: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTANio_2E0Q
2. No Need for a Cable Subscription
Traditionally, cable subscriptions have always been a high expense. Internet cable options have lowered the price significantly.
But, if you’re really in a bind with money, it’s still not enough.
YouTube has full length 30-60 minute web series that are basically just like TV shows. What’s more, they have a ton of movies for free.
3. DIY Home Improvements
Unfortunately, you’ve been home a lot, like A LOT. You may be getting sick of looking at the same old decor, or that end table with the scratches and water rings.
Add a pop of color to your home, update your furniture get arts and crafty with things to hang on your wall, for example.
Make being stuck within those four walls exciting again by updating the look of your living space.
There’s so many ways you can update the space you live, by spending much less than hiring someone.
Check out some ideas here:
Backyard Makeover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ7nOcxMmFY
Kitchen Remodel Secrets That Will Save You Thousands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZozMSEYIRfI
DIY Master Bathroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6HXr0cW9lk
4. Become A Boss Gardener
Since COVID-19 rocked our worlds, I’ve been eating substantially less produce. Produce goes bad the fastest and I am not interested in going to the store (aka war zone) often.
This is why, growing your own produce is a great way to save a ton of money and stay healthy.
YouTube has endless videos on starting your own garden from scratch and maintaining it.
Don’t trust your soil? Put all of your fruit and veggies and let them thrive in soil you purchase with minerals added.
Aside from produce, growing your own flowers from bulbs or seeds is very cathartic.
Since you’re stuck at home, wouldn’t it be nice to run your hands through the soil and create beautiful plant life on your own?
Do some flower researching and see what different flowers entice you most.
I planted Calla Lilies from bulbs I ordered from etsy.com over a month ago and they are in full bloom and beautiful.
I love pulling up to my house and seeing the pop of color and added curb appeal.
Check out some of these videos to become your own boss gardener:
Gardening 101: How To Start A Garden: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0DrWAUsNSc
How to build a vegetable garden from lawn in three days: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIQhlAf_gh4
How To Start A Flower Garden In Your Front Yard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P7uRBK-ogc
Container Gardening 101: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObT9gF8E_tU
5. Take Up A New Hobby
Most days, you are likely feeling like you’re in an endless loop of the same old thing. Wake up, brush your teeth, have breakfast, work (if you’re lucky) watch television, rinse and repeat.
This lifestyle can feel pretty joyless and even maddening sometimes.
For a change, switch up the monotony by considering a new hobby to fill your time.
The possibilities are endless. Doing something new will add a sense of accomplishment and excitement to your life.
New hobbies don’t have to be expensive. Don’t think golfing. Think more like “I need a thrifty hobby that keeps me busy.”
Do some research on potential new hobbies. Narrow down one that excites you, and allow YouTube to do the rest.
Here’s some ideas you may enjoy:
Take Up A New Language: Learn Spanish in 4 Hours: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE-03EATjho
Write A Blog About Things You Enjoy
BLOGGING TIPS from a Full Time Blogger | What you need to know before you start a blog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnX9INqSflA
Learn To Knit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_R1UDsNOMk
6. Skip The Handyman
Does the thought of letting some strange man or woman, possibly crawling with COVID, into your home make you cringe?
I don’t blame you. You don’t know where they’ve been and if they are taking precautions.
The reasons you may need a handyman depend on how much you are able to do on your own.
When you own a home, there will inevitably be things that go through normal wear and tear around the house.
There will also inevitably be little projects that require some skill.
For instance, a door that won’t close properly, a torn window screen, leaky faucets, or even hanging pictures. These are problems we can’t or don’t want to do ourselves.
However, don’t sell yourself short.
Instead, teach yourself how to do basic home repairs with YouTube.
Here are some videos walking you through basic home repairs that’ll make you feel like a Badass, home healer:
How to Fix a Dripping Faucet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_uADyhDDpE
Top 5 Picture Hanging Tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUJ6VqeYfeU
How to Repair Your Screen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33pzHnBW8GE
10 Awesome DIY Wood Projects For Absolute Beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyWlBRlHilI
7. Sleep Like A Baby
Once upon a time, in your old life (pre-coronavirus), you used to love to go to yoga. It relaxed your mind and your body and helped you sleep like a baby.
You may be missing out on that group interaction and feeling of social connection.
Luckily, youTube will supply you will all of the night time wind down resources you need without spending a dime.
Guided Sleep Meditation (Relaxation Before Bed): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUQHDhS7US0&list=LLCW40hJue5oxVeblH8fnvaw&index=3
Sleeping Music for Deep Sleeping: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVuYogsBGF0
Sleep Music To Fall Asleep Fast, try listening for 3 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCSCPujLs14
Yoga For Deep Sleep & Relaxation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO51xniCqDs
Bedtime Yoga: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txasA5fOtGI
8. DIY Cleaning Products
I adore the smell of a fresh cleaned home.
But, there are times when some of my cleaning products make me feel like I’m poisoning my children. When I use them when they’re around, I feel unsettled.
Then, I tend to say “I’’ll clean later,” because I’m not comfortable using bleach or traditional window cleaner near my children.
The problem is that later may not come because time gets away from me. Also, my children are pretty much always around.
Access the power of YouTube for DIY ways to make your own cleaning products and save money using many ingredients you already have at home.
You’’ll feel a lot more comfortable cleaning with solutions that your children can safely inhale.
DIY cleaning products:
20 DIY Natural Cleaning Recipes, Tips and Hacks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PJfpprBJy0
Easy Homemade Cleaning Products: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak36GSWVj1g
15 Awesome Cleaning Hacks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kaq9jmOuvPU
9. Keep Your Kids Busy
Gone are the days where you can drop your kid off for a playdate.
As the world starts to slowly open up again, sending your kid to camp or going anywhere in public may feel a bit frightening.
Save money and your sanity by keeping your kids busy at home.
Keep Your Kids Busy: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=keep+your+kids+busy
17 Easy DIY Ways To Keep Your Kids Busy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFLu_uJkugA
22 Home and Street Activities To Keep Your Kids Busy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv6-7rTWmQg
10. Relaxation Exercises
Relaxation exercises can significantly reduce stress when done consistently. I am not implying in any way that YouTube is a substitution for therapy.
If you have mental health concerns that are causing you to feel unsafe, or consistently impeding your functioning, a therapist is the best route to explore. If you fear for your safety, always call 911.
However, if you’re dealing with mild stress and you need skills to lessen this stress, YouTube has so many great resources for relaxation exercises.
Use them regularly to significantly help reduce your stress during these difficult times.
Here are several I share with my clients:
Progressive Muscle Relaxation:https:www.youtube.comwatchv=86HUcX8ZtAk&list=LLCW40hJue5oxVeblH8fnvaw&index=3&t=3s
Guided-Imagery Meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFEnruF-dts
Diaphragm Breathing Demonstration: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2/#search/in%3Asent+youtube/KtbxLzFrMRqFkckvsFvxqJShpWzdmVjNGq?projector=1
5 Minute Stress Relief Guided Meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1QOh-n-eus
5 Minute Self-Love Meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFeCUfw657g
Guided Meditation: Setting a Morning Intention: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1brtXpPyN0&t=197s
11. Eating At Home/Meal Planning
You may have told yourself a belief such as “I can’t cook” or “I don’t need to cook.”
The truth is, when you know where your food comes from and you can control the portion size, you set yourself up for better success for a healthier you.
Don’t be afraid to take your clothes out of your oven (Sex and The City reference) and try new recipes.
Prepare your food yourself and set your week up for dietary success.
Here’s some inspiration:
Basic cooking skills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTociictyyE
Weekly Meal Planning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToDbJsR5YRI
His and Hers Weekly Meal Prep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI97A0E9fPs
There you have it. Hack your life with youtube.com. Take control and open your mind to trying new things while you’re stuck at home.
More from SLM
- Relaxation Techniques Made Simple
- 5 Ways To Stay Sane and Improve Your Mental Health While Stuck At Home
- How To Enjoy The Holidays Without Alcohol
- 10 Items To Put In A Self-Care Kit For First Responders To Show Your Gratitude
- The Best Items To Include In A Self-Soothe Kit
- Learn Mindfulness From One Of The Best: Jon Kabat-Zinn
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About Post Author
Christina Stanco, LMHC
Hi I’m Christina. As a licensed mental health counselor, I love to share my expertise on how to manage stress as a millennial through scientifically backed strategies as well as my own life experience managing stress.
I want to help you stress less. Please join the newsletter Stresslessmillennial.com anytime!