If COVID-19 has you stuck at home, you may be wondering how to fill the time. These 16 activities will help you stay busy and entertained.
Whether you are self-isolating due to having COVID-19, or to try and avoid catching it, too much time spent at home can be tricky.
After years of dealing with this pandemic, you may feel comfortable spending lots of time at home, but it’s also totally normal to find it difficult to manage.
Here are some ways to make your time at home more enjoyable, productive, relaxing and even educational.
1. Read a good book
Read those books that you’ve been dying to read but never had the time. Now is the time! You could ask a bookworm friend for recommendations, or check out Goodreads.
2. Learn a new language
Always wanted to speak another language? It’s a great time to learn, with online resources like Duolingo, Livemocha, Babbel, and so many more. Dedicating even 10 minutes a day will help you along your language-learning journey.
3. Calm your mind
This is a great time to learn how to quieten and calm your mind. If your thoughts are whirling around a million miles an hour then it’s time to find some stillness. A helpful tip to remember is that you are not your thoughts — you are the person observing the thoughts. You also cannot be bad at meditation — it is a practice. If you have never tried it before, go for a short, guided meditation. There are plenty of apps out there to start out with, such as Headspace or Smiling Mind.
4. Get out the board games
This is great non-tech way of bringing the family or flatmates together and passing the time.
5. Write a short story
Have you ever wanted to be a writer? Or a poet? Now is a great opportunity to allow your mind to wander and tell a tale. Remember that you don’t have to show anyone — it can be just for yourself.
6. Watch movies
Probably the most popular choice: Netflix and chill. Watch movies or get hooked on a TV show. To make it more social, you can also have a Netflix viewing party with your friends by using Facetime, Skype, Zoom or whatever allows you to all (virtually) be together.
7. Learn something new online
After you’ve watched every movie and TV show on Netflix, now is the time to learn a new skill. With the world at our fingertips, you can literally learn about anything, from drawing or painting to cooking or yoga. Try Udemy, The Great Courses, Coursera, Open Yale Courses, edX, Skillshare, LinkedIn Learning, Udacity – there is so much out there.
8. Clean your house
Blast some uplifting music and start scrubbing the floors, walls and windows. By the time your isolation is done, you’ll be living in a brand new, shiny apartment or house. If this feels a bit out of reach, dedicate 15 minutes to tidying one corner of your space at a time.
9. Do at home workouts
As we all know by now, exercise is a great way to boost our mood. Start small if you are struggling to get going. There are plenty of short yoga and Pilates videos online, as well as apps that offer short workouts.
10. Virtually hangout with your friends
You can stay connected even if you’re physical distancing. It can help to have a particular topic to discuss over Zoom, such as a book you’ve all read or a podcast you’ve listened to.
11. Cook a delicious meal
Become a five-star chef and make a delicious meal. Light some candles and pretend you are eating at a high-quality restaurant! Supercook is a website and app that has you enter the ingredients you already have and suggests lots of recipes using those ingredients.
12. Create a playlist
Create a playlist of your favourite songs that helps you feel better if you’re feeling low. Have a dance party in your living room!
13. Go for a walk
Go for a walkaround your neighbourhood, unless you are sick – then you should stay at home. Otherwise, go for a stroll while still keeping your distance from others. Make sure to smile at the people you pass, it’s a difficult time and a smile never hurt anyone.
14. Plant something
All your leftover veggies can be planted into fresh soil. The waiting period to watch them sprout will help you practise patience.
15. Get creative
Why not try something artistic? You can draw pictures, create something with watercolour or acrylic. The craft ideas are endless, check out Pinterest for ideas.
16. Let yourself rest
The pandemic has been a stressful time for many of us, so if you’re overwhelmed and exhausted by everything, then take a break. Have a nap and allow your body to relax.
Self-isolating can be challenging, so remember to be kind to yourself and know you don’t have to always be productive. Give yourself credit for everything you’re doing and how well you’re coping.
If you feel like you need extra support, get in touch with one of Relationship Australia NSW’s counsellors.