Here are a few (sometimes silly) ideas of things to do if you find yourself bored in the house while self isolating during this corona outbreak. Please take them lightly and most importantly stay safe!
Some of these require equipment, ingredients or tools that you may not be able to procure yourself at this time. However most rely on basic home appliances or re-using something you already own, you should definitely be able to get some inspiration if you have run out of ways to occupy your time.
Just a note though, confinement and social distancing is not some writers retreat or sabbatical. I mean this in the sense that yes, you have a lot of time on your hands but this is also a very stress-filled and anxious time – worrying about loves ones, healthcare systems, loss of income, the general atmosphere is tense and I recommend you try as much as you can to be kind to yourself in these trying times. Of course, self-care comes in many ways and getting up and dressed in the morning can definitely help with morale, just try to find a balance between that and the minute-by-minute scheduling that has been going around on social media.
Note: As my experience in that field is lacking, this list contains only very little entries about ideas specifically targeted to parenting and home schooling. However I did read this really amazing thread about more in depth learning catered to your child’s learning style and I do think a lot of suggestions will apply (crafting, reading, etc.)
- cook a new dish (pasta alfredo? Gnocchis)
- de-clutter your cabinets and junk drawers
- germinate some seeds
- replant some plants
- grow other vegetables out of your vegetables (pepper for instance, more here)
- watch TV shows (here are some faves)
- watch a movie (like Shrek)
- read a book
- do a decorative DIY project (find inspo on youtube like lone fox)
- bake a cake (and decorate it!)
- work/study from home (tips video from the great Ashley aka bestdressed)
- up-cycle clothes
- descale your sink and kettle
- clean your windows
- take up a new language (so many options)
- start a detox/cleanse (like tumeric, apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper)
- barbecue (if you have an outside area of course)
- cut your hair (fringe?) or let it grow out (over your undercut? Now is the time)
- dye your hair
- volunteer/help out where needed if it is safe
- journal (video or written)
- paint (perhaps a portrait? or give Bob Ross a try)
- deep clean the oven
- learn a tik tok dance
- make parkour paths for your cats/kid
- knit/crochet
- play board games or card games
- call your loved ones
- yoga or at home workouts
- tidy your playlists
- go full Marie Kondo
- watch a documentary
- start an online course on coursera for instance or skillshare
- learn to code
- take some photos
- organise your paperwork
- facetime/skype for business or pleasure
- reply to emails
- unsubscribe from unwanted mailing-lists
- take out the recycling
- go on a short walk and enjoy some sunshine and fresh air
- listen to a podcast
- learn to braid your own hair or do your nails
- take up an extensive skincare routine
- face mask (or your own sugar wax)
- fix things around the house
- mend your clothes
- air out your duvet
- play video games (on phone or console, easy with friends)
- read comics/manga
- plank/push up/sit up challenge
- watch anime
- learn a new skill like Morse code or lock-picking
- try the ice coffee cream trend
- make some elaborate cocktails
- chill out and do nothing
- mind map/mood board
- write a theatre piece or haiku/poems
- learn calligraphy
- write letters
- try to master the perfect cat eye, cut crease or lip liner
- watch some YouTube (how about making over a yurt)
- try your hand at decoding emojis (movie version, friends version, Disney version)
- Sudoku, crosswords, etc
- colouring/connect the dots
- take a bath
- paint a wall/furniture
- (remotely with friends) make silly PowerPoint presentations about niche topics
- think of some really good gift ideas
- online shop (responsibly)
- volunteer online (for instance with the UN)
- tie dye
- hand wash that silk shirt you’ve had at the bottom of your laundry basket for ever
- keep up with news and best practices without obsessing
- pottery
- puzzle
- make jam
- make bread (even further: make a sourdough starter
- learn a monologue
- find a way to support your local small businesses (some have gift coupons for instance!)
- scout social media for relatable memes
- thoroughly moisturise
- sleep
- plant herb garden or terrarium
- make jewellery
- (depending how many people you are confined with) have a wine tasting
- finally go through all the pictures on your camera roll and delete some
- donate within your means
- learn a new instrument (if you don’t have one lying around, try the cup song LINK)
- sew an easy project like reusable bags or scrunchies
- (if with partner, alone or via video call) go through the 36 questions to fall in love
- make up your own board game
- origami
- practice touching your toes everyday (or handstand, or cartwheel)
- re-arrange your furniture
- defrost your freezer
- make your own peanut butter/cashew milk
- spelling bee?
- mini indoors treasure hunt
- watch cute animal videos
- if applicable, have in depth conversations with your pet about how good they are
Hope you enjoyed this list, please share in the comments or on your social media platforms if you tried any of these! Do you have any other ideas? If we gather enough I will make a part two. Stay safe everyone!