For most of us, self-isolation is like the whiplash you experience after an unexpected, abrupt halt after cruising at 70 miles per hour. It's jarring! But the new norm—working from home or learning from home, spending more time inside—is also forcing us all to slow down. It's not all bad, being home, once you start realizing all the fulfilling and productive things to be done there. And we're in it together! So we put together this list of fruitful and fun activities to do at home to spread the positivity around.
Bring Out Your Art Supplies
Whether you like working with clay, water coloring, or drawing, set up a little corner to start practicing art again. Crafting and getting creative is such a great way to get out of your head.
Volunteer Virtually
There are lots of communities to support right now, and though we can't necessarily provide relief or comfort with our physical presence, we can certainly contribute what we can.
Channel Your Inner Bartender
Instead of sticking to the same old drink recipes, challenge yourself with some trickier (and more exciting) cocktail recipes. Everyone will thank you—even if "everyone" actually just means you and your cat.
Take Up Needlepointing or Knitting
Studies show that knitting is actually a huge stress reliever. So not only will knitting a new blanket give you something to cuddle up with, but it'll also be a soothing process. Or needlepoint a pillow with a cheeky phrase or image on it to capture your mood.
Work Your Way Through a Cookbook
If you're someone who collects cookbooks but only ever really makes one of the recipes or you've never actually even made a recipe from them and simply use them as coffee table decor, this is the perfect opportunity to dive in. It'll make cooking and eating so much more enjoyable. Plan out themed dinners to spice it up even more!
Browse Auction Sites
If you don't want to over-spend right now but miss finding inspiration while window shopping, just do it virtually. Watch live auctions on eBay for extra excitement.
Put Together a Virtual Book Club
More downtime inside = more time to read. Try the book-a-week challenge and then get together on FaceTime with a group of friends to discuss it. Or, if you have a list of classics you've been meaning to get through, now's the time.
Bead Jewelry
Doing something detail-oriented and creating something beautiful is both soothing and long-lasting!
Flex Your Green Thumb
If you're able to safely spend time in your garden, now's a good time to dive into gardening. But even if you don't have a garden, you can get in on the fun with a small herb garden for the kitchen. Or just order an indoor plant online.
Meditate
Whether it's already a staple in your routine or you've been a long-time hater, now is the good time to invest in finding your inner zen. Tara Martello, M.S., says, "when we're worried about our resources, we have to look within. We have our breath. This disease is affecting our lungs and our breathing. If we still have our breath right now, let's find it."
Organize a Talent Show
If you're currently cooped up in a household of two or more, organize a little talent show. Whether it's playing the piano, spoons, or doing a little jig, a little light-hearted fun will be much appreciated. The more comedians in the house the better! Laughing is good.
Do Some DIY Projects
There are, no doubt, plenty of things around your house that could use some sprucing up. Whether you've been meaning to reorganise, paint a door frame, or install floating shelves, these minor home updates will improve your environment, and thus your mood plus, they'll keep you busy.
Master New Makeup Looks Just because you're not going out lately doesn't mean you can't have fun trying out some new makeup looks. Look on the bright side: You'll have plenty of time to master them before their public debut.
Teach Your Community
For example, host a virtual Zoom session in your area of expertise (like taxes if you're an accountant or yoga if you're an instructor) and spread the word on social media.
Learn How to Cut Hair
If you have a willing and able roommate who you're already quarantined with! Maybe they will be up for being your guinea pig.
Tour an Exhibits Online
Lots of museums are setting up their exhibits online, so we can still get our arts and culture fixes from the confines of our homes.
Research a New Topic
Been curious about a specific period in history, a public figure, some strange conspiracy theory, or really anything at all? Now's the time to educate yourself. Become an expert!
Do Yoga or Pilates
There are so many great at-home apps to try. You could opt for a guided class or just look up moves to replicate at your own pace.
Learn a New Language
If you were pro in a foreign language in high school but have since lost your magic or you're a first-timer, now is a good time to download a language app like Duolingo and start practicing. Or, if you're not interested in learning a new language, sign up for another kind of online class.
Teach Your Pet New Tricks
If you're lucky enough to have a furry friend right now, why are you even reading this? How dare you. Just kidding!! Might as well teach them to roll over.