Lately, it has been hard to keep track of time. As each day passes, it seems as though I feel less motivated to stay productive and keep a regular schedule. I've been in a "funk" to say the least. However, I have recently learned that finding ways to stay creative has immensely helped my mental health during this scary and uncertain time. If you are looking for more ways to pass the time during this period of social distancing, perhaps try exercising your own creative muscle. You may end up feeling more relaxed, inspired to stay productive or you may even discover a new hobby through the process. Here are 10 ideas I have compiled that might be a good starting point for your own creative pursuits!

1. make your own soap...no, really!

Creating soap...a hobby that can be both useful and fun during these trying times. Although handmade soap won't be as efficient as your standard Dial soap, it can still be a great way to keep your mind occupied during social distancing for a few hours. When making soap, you can play with different molds, colors and scents. They also make great gifts for down the road.

2. create an epic mood board

This is one of my favorite ways to relax. To start, use any old magazines, photographs, cards or other mementos. Then, arrange them however you see fit, and display them on a piece of paper or cork board for your final product. Sometimes, I design my mood boards with a theme in mind, and other times it's a free-for-all. For mood boards, pretty much anything goes, and that's why I love them.

3. write in a blog or journal

I mean...I'm doing this as we speak! Whether you have your own blog or a personal diary, writing can be a great outlet to express yourself. I often find myself writing the most when I'm anxious, so as you can imagine, I've been writing a lot since I've been social distancing! And if you've never been a writer, maybe now is the time to start.

4. revamp your nails with nail art

This one might be easier said than done...at least for me, anyway! I don't have a steady hand to save my life, but I know some friends who can create some killer nail art. For me, I'd probably start with an accent nail and work my way towards a print or pattern, like polka dots or stripes (if I'm feeling really daring)!

5. learn a new instrument/ improve your musical skills

Remember that guitar you have sitting in the corner of your room that's grossly out of tune and collecting dust? Maybe it's time to learn a new tune or too. I personally learned the guitar when I was about 12, and let's just say I took a long hiatus from it (and it shows)! However, once I pick it back up and spend about an hour teaching myself a song, I start to fall in love with the guitar all over again. If you have an instrument you'd like to pick back up again, what better time to start than now?

6. use an adult coloring book

Photo Credit: Michaels

In recent years, adult coloring books have been incredibly trendy. And how about this travel-inspired coloring book? In an age where we feel like there is not much that we can control, it's therapeutic to be able to color inside the lines, for once.

7. redecorate your space

Okay, so I might be a little bit obsessed with room decor. BUT, if your room needs a facelift, now is the perfect time to rearrange your room or add a few room decor elements to switch things up. This is a picture of a side table that I have in my room. One of the ways I like to decorate my room is to incorporate my love of travel, which is why I displayed a travel book and a framed photograph of my trip to Portugal. And when it comes to the wooden piece on the left...well, let's just say it spoke to me.

8. make your own face mask

There's nothing more luxurious than a face mask and a nice bubble bath to soothe the soul. Although I typically buy my masks from the drug store or places like Lush, I've also had success making a few of my own over the years. If you have the ingredients, they are super easy to put together, and leave your face feeling nourished and refreshed. I personally can't wait to try out a few different recipes from this Allure article I found online.

9. design your own stationery

This has been by far my most favorite way to pass the time. Whether you use stamps or create designs freehand, there are endless options when it comes to creating handmade stationery. Plus, the more you make now, the more you will have on-hand for future birthdays and other occasions. In other words, this is another productive yet entertaining craft!

10. transform a mason jar into room decor

Mason Jars. Need I say more? Some people say that the mason jar trend is outdated, but I personally can't get enough of them. There are so many ways to use mason jars, especially when it comes to using them for room decor, from throwing some fairy lights in them or turning them into luminaries.

I hope these crafts will not only help you relax during this scary time, but maybe even inspire you to take up a new hobby. Do you have a favorite craft that keeps you calm? I'd love to hear about some of the creative activities that keep you calm.