With the coronavirus outbreak causing people to stay at home, I thought I would share a list of ideas for those who are looking for ways to stay busy. Since I don’t want to spread the virus and everything is getting canceled and closing down anyways, it looks like I am going to be homebound for a while!
As an introvert, this isn’t a huge change for me. It’s actually giving me more time to accomplish my massive to-do list. I admit, I’m still disappointed because I actually do enjoy participating in large events, but I’m determined to look on the bright side. Being stuck at home will allow me to accomplish many creative and productive endeavors that I haven’t had the opportunity to work on yet!
Anyways, whether work is completely closed or if you’re working from home due to the virus, you’re bound to have more free time than you’re used to. I tried to incorporate a variety of activities-some are active, some are productive, and some are leisurely. I hope you are inspired by some of these!
Try a new hobby
Do you have tubes of paint sitting around that you have yet to use? Do you have a guitar sitting in the corner that you never learned how to play? A large stack of books you’ve never read? A puzzle you never pieced together? A camera you barely use? A YouTube channel you’ve never started? Now is your chance to try them!
There are also plenty of hobbies that do not require much material at all. You can try sketching if you have paper and a pencil, and if you have a computer, you have plenty of options! With a computer, you could practice writing, learn how to digitally paint on a free program like Paint or GIMP, learn how to design a website, or learn a new programming language. You can also look at websites like YouTube and Udemy (among many others) for tutorials and tips on a variety of things. Podcasts can be a great option as well!
Other random ideas for things you can learn: yoga, a new language (Spanish, French, Japanese, Latin, German, etc.), astrology, marketing, new software, new instrument, etc.
Dance party
Turn up your speakers to your favorite playlist, and have your own dance party! This is certainly a mood booster for me, and depending on how much you like to dance, this could be a good way to add a little exercise to your schedule. I might even pull out my Just Dance collection on the Wii to blow off some steam!
If exercise is something you’re concerned about, try researching various home exercises you can do at home! There are plenty of fitness blogs and channels out there! Or, if you’re educated enough, you can start your own routine! There are quite a few simple exercises that you can mix-up, such as planks, push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, etc. It can also be nice to get some fresh air and take a walk as long as you practice social distancing and do not walk in any crowded areas.
Organize and clean
Especially since I’m trapped inside due to a virus, I’ve been inspired to clean up the house and organize. I intended to do a huge spring cleaning this year, so I will certainly have the time to do one now. Besides, if you’re going to be working from home, you might as well have a decluttered and organized environment to work in anyways!
If you were in the process of job searching when the coronavirus impacted everything, you might be disappointed that many places have likely reduced their job openings (if businesses are not open, how can they hire people?). You can still work on interview prep and make edits to your resume so you can be fully prepared once jobs start hiring again!
Movie marathon
There are a lot of great yet long movie collections out there-Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars-now is the perfect time to cuddle up with your pets (or significant other, if you have one) and watch your favorite movie! Or if you have a tv show that you need to catch up on or want to binge-watch, now would be a good time to do so!
Play video games
Whether you have a game system or play games on your computer, now is the perfect time to play! If you play online games, this will also allow you to compete and ‘socialize’ without being in the same room as others.
Personally, I’m probably going to play Sims 4 quite a bit. It’s one of my favorite games, and with all of the limitations on travel, work, and socialization right now, I think it will be fun to create a sim who can do everything she/he wants to without worrying about spreading a virus. Plus, it’s always fun to design houses in the game too!
Self-care night
Self-care can come in many forms, but if you’re stuck at home, you might as well treat yourself to a nice and relaxing evening! Some options for this might include applying your favorite facial mask, painting your nails, reading, coloring, listening to your favorite playlist, watching a few YouTube videos, etc. It can be nice to spend some time away from social media too, especially with all the panic that’s being spread right now.
Online shopping
Out of something? You can always order it online. You should still maintain any restrictions you have for shopping-don’t go on a shopping extravaganza simply because you’re bored. If you want to pick up an extra book or puzzle that you could use to pass the time, go for it-but you don’t need to order a mass amount of things that you are not going to use. I’m only saying this because it can be SO easy to online shop purely out of boredom (I find myself doing this all the time), but you still need to keep your bank account in mind and make smart decisions!
Other Posts That Might Inspire Ideas:
- 2019 Favorites || Books, Movies, and TV Shows
- Hobbies to Start in 2018
- Snow Day Ideas
- Trying Udemy
- My Top 5 Video Games
Ugh being stuck at home is killing me, but trying to be patient.
I’ve been going on more outdoor walks since the quarantine (where I live is not densely populated). Great way to get out without being around people.
I have started to rewatch the Harry Potter films as well lol!
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Walks are definitely helping me out too! The fresh air is certainly welcoming after spending most of my time inside. It’s also the perfect time to watch Harry Potter! I really want to, but I think I’m going to rewatch the Marvel movies first so it might be a minute 😅
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These are some great tips! Unfortunately I work with children so I am still working at the moment and I am worried what will happen when that closes because I cannot work from home! But I definitely agree with the game nights and self care and just getting everything organised! great post xxx
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Thanks! I hope everything works out for you-it’s so tough when places close that don’t allow remote work. It’s definitely a crazy situation!
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These are great suggestions! A self-care evening sounds perfect right now, I love colouring and listening to music. Plus spending time away from social media is such a good thing sometimes, especially with all the anxiety right now. Thanks for sharing, hope you are keeping safe and well ❤ xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
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Thank you! Coloring and listening to music is such a great way to relax! I have been doing well, hope you’ve been staying safe too! 💕
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These are some great ideas to help keep you busy during this lockdown. I have used this time to spend it with family and work on my blog x
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Spending time with family and working on blog stuff are great ideas too! Thanks for reading!
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These are some great tips for those who aren’t used to staying inside during this lockdown. I don’t mind staying in, it’s given me time to rest and catch up on things. I’ve also been able to do a lot of decluttering and organizing.
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Yeah, it’s actually been nice staying in as it’s allowed me to work on a lot of things. And it really is such a good time to organize and de clutter!
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[…] my “Things to Do When You’re Stuck At Home” post, I suggested starting a movie marathon. I finally decided to do this myself and started a Marvel […]
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These are some great suggestions I’ve actually quite enjoyed being at home & having more time to do things I enjoy. It can be so easy to push them back in the business of normal life! x
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[…] decided to follow my own advice and pick up a few new (and old) hobbies. I tend to have phases-sometimes I read, sometimes I play […]
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