As a student at the University of Tampa, I wasn’t surprised when the school announced it had to close due to Hurricane Helene. Living in Florida, we all knew hurricane season could disrupt our routines at any time. The university made the call to shut down for a few days, and suddenly, instead of going to class, I found myself at home, stocked up on snacks and water, figuring out how to survive a few days indoors. As a content creator, I saw this as an opportunity to be productive, but I knew not everyone felt the same way.
The first thing I did after hearing about the school closure was head to the store for hurricane essentials water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and batteries. The lines were long, and people seemed to be preparing for a week-long isolation. I tried not to overdo it, knowing we’d likely be back to normal soon, but I still threw in some fun snacks like popcorn and candy. After all, if I had to be stuck at home, I was determined to make it enjoyable.
Once I got home, I realized that staying indoors wasn’t going to be as bad as it seemed. I set up a cozy workspace near the window, with plenty of pillows and blankets, in case the power went out and I needed natural light. As a content creator, it was essential to stay productive even while off-campus. I took the time to brainstorm new content ideas, plan my next blog posts, and think about ways to grow my business, JG Creates Media. Without the usual distractions of campus life, it was easier to focus on my projects. It felt like the perfect opportunity to reflect on what I wanted to create next.
But being a student in Tampa, it wasn’t just about staying productive. I also knew how important it was to stay connected. During the hurricane, social media became a lifeline. I took advantage of my downtime to engage with my followers. I posted updates about how I was surviving the storm, shared tips on staying productive during hurricane season, and even asked my audience how they were holding up. Social media became a great way to interact with others who were in the same boat, sitting at home waiting out the storm.
As a content creator, this unexpected downtime due to a hurricane like Helene can actually be a great opportunity to focus on my projects, build my brand, and connect with my audience in a creative way. Here are some tips on what I did as a content creator during this time that can help you:
1. Plan and Brainstorm Future Content
Take advantage of the quiet time indoors to plan your future content. Whether it’s blog posts, videos, podcasts, or social media content, use this time to brainstorm new ideas. Jot down potential topics, create outlines, or even storyboard your next project. Sometimes, a forced break from the usual routine sparks new inspiration.
Pro tip: Create a content calendar so you have a structured plan once things go back to normal. This will save you time and keep you organized in the future.
2. Engage with Your Audience
With more people likely stuck indoors just like you, it’s the perfect time to boost engagement. Post stories, ask your followers how they’re holding up, share your own experiences during the storm, or even create fun polls or Q&A sessions. You could also live stream your activities (as long as you have power and internet) to bring your audience into your space.
Pro tip: Use this as a chance to be relatable. People appreciate authentic content, especially during uncertain times like a hurricane.
3. Create Short and Fun Content
If you can’t focus on big projects, try creating bite-sized content. TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, or short YouTube clips can be filmed from the comfort of your home and don’t require heavy equipment or planning. Maybe create “day in the life” hurricane edition videos, share your hurricane survival tips, or even put together a funny storm-related skit to entertain your followers.
Pro tip: Use trending hashtags related to the hurricane or downtime to reach a broader audience.
Of course, not everything had to be about productivity. I found that some of the best moments during the storm were when I let myself relax and have fun. I played card games, had movie nights with friends, and even recorded a few goofy TikTok videos. Laughing with friends helped lighten the mood during the more stressful moments when the wind was howling outside, and we didn’t know how long we’d be stuck inside.
Looking back, I also made sure to take care of myself. In between content creation and social media engagement, I found time for self-care. I meditated, caught up on sleep, and did a face mask here and there. Hurricanes could be nerve-wracking, but this break from normal life allowed me to recharge in a way that I didn’t often get the chance to during the school year.
Hurricane Helene came and went, but the lessons I learned from those few days stuck with me. I learned that sometimes, the unexpected breaks in our routine can lead to some of the most rewarding moments. Whether I was brainstorming for my next big content idea or simply enjoying a bowl of ice cream watching a tv series, I realized that surviving a hurricane wasn’t just about staying safe—it was about staying positive, creative, and connected.