Lifestyle

Life At Home: How Families are Spending Their Time at Home Durning COVID-19

Published

6 years ago

May 25, 2020

The outbreak of COVID-19 has sent shockwaves through everyone in the entire world. The virus tends to favor those with weakened immune systems but also thrives in healthy individuals as well. Because of its rapid spread, government officials have implemented city lockdowns to flatten the curve of the virus. And although the lockdown has forced people all over the world to stay at home, it has also made families get creative in how they spend their time at home.

You have to admit, this extended time at home might have been a little painful at first, but now that you’ve adjusted to home life for a few months now, it’s really not that bad. In fact, according to axios.com, COVID-19 is reshaping family dynamics.

While families are cooped up together under one roof, they’re, of course, going to bicker and moan, but history also tells us that when families endure hardships like what the coronavirus is putting families through, it helps families build strong connections.

Everyone, of course, has their own opinion on how coronavirus is impacting their family life, but there’s certainly no denying the fact that it has forced families to find alternative ways to spend their time at home TOGETHER!

Because of the virus, it has forced people to do most things virtually that they would normally do in-person. Nonetheless, people are adjusting just fine and making the best of the situation… that’s really all you can do if you think about it.

So how have you and your family been spending time together to make things fun? Here are some ways other families have been making the most of their time at home and having fun.

How Families are Spending Their Time at Home During Coronavirus

Cooking: Bringing Meals From Their Favorite Restaurants to Their Own Kitchen

With COVID-19 not only impacting families but businesses too, it has made the restaurant industry take a hard hit… All businesses, including restaurants, have been shut down in efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.

Because restaurants are closed, it’s forcing families to blow the dust off of pots, pans, and skillets that they haven’t used in ages. There are some restaurants that have been doing food deliveries but most times, it’s your favorite restaurants that need a food delivery app of their own but they don’t and that’s why you have to recreate those meals on your own.

Places like hibachi grills, Mexican restaurants, and burger joints are all being recreated in the homes of families all over the world. An electric griddle is what has been saving the lives of families all over the world!

You can buy an electric griddle at most grocery stores or supermarkets for as little as $19.99. And for $19.99, you can sautee your vegetables just like you see at hibachi restaurants. You can make grilled burgers that taste just like the ones at your favorite diner; And let’s not forget about breakfast… With a griddle, you can make a big batch of pancakes for the whole family in less than 10 minutes!

Patio Installation: Keeping the Fun Going From Indoors to Outdoors

Remember how you’ve been saying that you want to have a patio deck installed but never got around to it? Well, there’s no better time than now to have this particular home renovation project done. You just need to find the right contractor to install it for you. If you need a patio contractor in Kansas City, you have a wide selection of reputable and trustworthy companies to choose from.

By having a patio installed, you have the ability to fully enjoy your outdoor space whether you want to have a barbecue or simply enjoy the warm weather and pretend you’re on a beach. The biggest perk with a patio, especially during the coronavirus outbreak, is that it gives your family a change in scenery… Even though you’re still at home, you’re at least outside, and that’s something.

Tik Tok Challenges: Seeing Who’s the Better Dancer of the Family

Tik Tok has taken the world by storm during these challenging times and it has been a reliable source of entertainment for all ages. You see everything from grandparents doing the “Savage Challenge” to frontline nurses doing the “Flip the Switch Challenge.”

Because we’re in trying times and are seeing every day how COVID-19 is taking the lives of those we love on a daily basis, it’s sometimes a refreshing mental break from the sadness of life as we know it. Whether you decide to make TIK Tok videos with your pet or with your kids, take the time out to do it…

It might be silly to you but once you get the swing of how it works, you’ll look up and realize your family is having a great time together just being silly, and for that, coronavirus has brought a silver lining for lots of families.

Lifestyle

The Breakroom Reset: Small Changes That Improve the Workday

Published

1 day ago

February 11, 2026

Michelle Langton

The office breakroom is a space that’s often neglected and can sometimes feel more like an afterthought than a key feature of the workplace. This is unfortunate, especially since employees typically visit the breakroom to rest and recuperate before finishing their shift. Considering its intended function, the breakroom should be viewed as one of the most important spaces in the entire office.

Having a welcoming and rejuvenating breakroom can promote social interaction, enhance workplace culture, and reduce stress. Employees who feel restored after visiting the breakroom are more likely to feel happy at work and be more productive the rest of the day. If your workplace breakroom leaves a lot to be desired, here are some small changes you can make to totally reset it.

Small Breakroom Changes That Improve the Workday

Unless your breakroom is in shambles and needs major reconstruction, you don’t have to spend a fortune on it to make it more inviting. In many cases, small and simple changes can make a big impact on the overall vibe of any space.

Whether you’re working with a limited budget or limited space, there are still plenty of things you can do to reset your boring breakroom. Here are some small breakroom changes that can improve the workday and give you maximum bang for your buck.

Convenient Hydration Options

Employees need to stay hydrated to keep their health and energy levels high. Unfortunately, many employees are chronically dehydrated because they don’t have access to tasty beverages at work. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to install a soda machine in the breakroom. Giving workers unlimited access to sugary drinks could backfire in the long run by contributing to illnesses and increased sick days.

Instead of offering sugary beverages (that can actually contribute to dehydration in the long run), make it easier for your employees to stay hydrated with pure water. Providing a filtered office drinking water system is one of the best ways to encourage optimal hydration. Most employees will appreciate the clean, tasty alternative to standard office tap water.

Comfy Seating

When was the last time you took a look at the seating arrangements in your breakroom? If it’s been a while, take a walk over there and give it a good look. Is there sufficient space for multiple employees to sit at the same time? Are the seats comfortable and rearrangeable so employees can interact with others or achieve greater privacy as desired? If not, you might benefit from a breakroom seating reset.

Seating arrangements in breakrooms should be both comfortable and flexible. You might want to bring in some modular furniture because it’s easy to move and rearrange as needed. For maximum versatility, seating arrangements should include a mix of traditional breakroom chairs and tables, lounge chairs, and even bean bags. Making the space as open as possible will also help it look more roomy and inviting.

Nutritious Snack Options

Most employers don’t provide full meals for their employees. It’s perfectly reasonable to expect workers to make their own lunch or dinner arrangements. However, if you want to support your employees’ energy levels, keep healthy snacks in your breakroom. Nutritious snacks can enhance employee performance throughout the day, so workers find it easier to get more done.

Instead of investing in chips, candy bars, and other sugary sweets, opt for snack options that won’t cause sugar spikes and inevitable crashes. Some great options include trail mixes, protein bars, fresh fruit, popcorn, and veggie trays. Instant oatmeal cups can also be a convenient source of energy for those who don’t have time to grab breakfast before heading to work. You might want to send out an employee survey to see what types of healthy snacks your workers prefer.

Optimal Lighting

Did you know that poor lighting can negatively impact your employees’ psychological and emotional well-being? Improving workplace lighting (including in the breakroom) can make a huge difference in worker morale and energy levels. Warm white light may be a great choice for the breakroom because it creates a soothing, calm atmosphere. Cool white light might be a better fit for conference rooms and cubicle areas because it enhances focus and energy.

Of course, natural light is arguably the best option for the office whenever it’s available. If your breakroom has windows, try to keep the shades open during working hours. That way, employees can experience the mood- and health-boosting benefits of natural light exposure.

Entertainment Options

Some office managers and CEOs mistakenly think that a breakroom should be boring to serve its purpose well. However, the terms “boring” and “relaxing” are not synonymous. Employees may find a boring breakroom to be surprisingly non-restorative. On the flip side, a room equipped for entertainment can be very relaxing and rejuvenating.

To make your breakroom a more enjoyable place to spend time, you might want to install a corner television. That way, workers can watch their favorite sitcom while they relax. You might also keep a few card or board games stocked in a cupboard for employees who prefer to interact in fun ways during their lunch breaks.

Reset Your Breakroom Today

Your employee breakroom can reveal a lot about your overall workplace environment. If it’s not lit well, or if it’s boring and unwelcoming, workers are more likely to feel underappreciated and discontented. The good news is that you don’t have to sink a lot of money or effort into resetting your breakroom and getting a fresh start. Use these simple tips to revamp your breakroom and make it a place where workers can go to feel truly cared for and relaxed.