5 Household Items to Make Virtual Life Easier

As I am sure many of you are tired of hearing, I’m here to remind you once again that this week marked one year since the start of this pandemic!

This time last year, I was celebrating my 21st birthday. Fortunately, my birthday was a few days before the world shut down, so I was able to celebrate that day with friends and family.

However, nothing could have prepared me, or anyone else in the world, for what would become of the pandemic.

Most days, even though we have been under pandemic protocols for quite some time now, it still does not seem real. As the hope for mass distribution of vaccinations and in-person life seems to get stronger every day, there is no doubt that it will take some time for life to feel completely normal again.

I’m not sure what my last semester of college will look like later this year, but I do believe that online learning will remain an option for most individuals throughout the near future. This can be a positive thing for many, while others would prefer to never take an online course again after this year.

This post is mostly for the latter, as online learning is something I have enjoyed throughout my academic career, but it is definitely not easy when you’re taking a full load virtually.

I hope this post also encourages anyone who is stuck in the house, working from home, or helping your kids with their online school. You are not alone!

With that being said, I wanted to share some of my favorite household items that have gotten me through this year of college.

1. A weighted blanket

I know many people who use weighted blankets for anxiety or sleeping, and I debated getting one for years until last Christmas my grandparents bought me one. It is life changing!

It works great for sleeping, but also helps you relax while studying and watching TV. I have a 15lb. one, but there are a variety of weights available. I have linked one from Amazon below.  

2. A planner

This item may seem obvious and simple, but I have used my planner more in the past year than I ever have. Which sounds ironic because I’m not really leaving my apartment; but trust me, those online classes and events start to add up.

Keeping track of assignments and due dates has never been more important!

I will block out each hour of my day to dedicate to meetings, classes, meals, and study hours. This alleviates some anxiety of not having a structured, in person schedule every day.

3. Essential oils

I have always enjoyed using essential oils, but diffusing them while doing homework and going to online classes is a MUST! Creating a comfortable space to focus on your work is so necessary.

One thing I have realized is that when I do not have a comfortable work environment, I really struggle to focus. So, diffusing oils, lighting candles, or putting on some chill music can really shift my mindset when it comes to studying.

You can get a diffuser and some oils from pretty much anywhere! Target has a variety of cute, affordable ones. My favorite oils to diffuse while I’m working are lavender and lemon!

4. PLANTS!

Everyone in my life is probably tired of me talking about my plants because I have become very obsessed in the past few months. Am I sorry about it? Hmmm…not really.

They significantly change the atmosphere of your space! I have them around my living room as well as my bedroom, and they liven up the environment so much.  

5. A milk frother

I realize this item might seem random and out of place but hear me out. This year I have spent less money on Starbucks than I have since I was 16 when driving to Starbucks was the highlight of receiving my driver’s license (sorry mom and dad for that financial burden).

I love a good Starbucks drink, but I’ve been enjoying making my coffee at home because of my milk frother!

Trust me and invest in one of these. You won’t regret it.

Here is the one I have!

I hope these items are things you enjoy as well. Being able to reflect on what makes me most comfortable and seeing how my mindset has shifted due to changes in my space has been a plus side of this virtual semester.

At the end of the day, your home should be where you are most comfortable, so take the time to invest in yourself and make it a place you want to be!

Virtual work/school/life is very challenging. While we begin to look forward to a future of living life away from the computer, it is still crucial we are looking out for ourselves mentally and physically every day.

This time can bring darkness to many, but I hope this post provides some helpful tips.

Take some time to be proud of how far you have come this past year.

Stay safe and well!