By Elizabeth Dubos
Planet Earth is currently being haunted by the pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19). Schools and businesses are closing to help reduce the amount of exposure. Government officials are strongly urging people to stay home and self-quarantine themselves to avoid getting sick. Does the idea of staying at home for a long period of time make you nervous? Are you a social butterfly that prefers human contact? Are you worried that there’s nothing to do and you’ll get bored?
Here is a list of suggestions that you can do at home to help make the time pass by faster.
1. Clean. Spring is right around the corner, so why not get a jump start on your Spring cleaning? When was the last time you vacuumed, did laundry, or organized your things? This could be the time that you go through old clothes, toys, and books to see what you don’t use anymore. Utilize this time and embrace your inner Marie Kondo. You could donate these items to your local shelter for the less fortunate.
2. Craft. Look around your house and see what you can turn into a work of art.
3. Watch TV. You can finally catch up on those shows you’ve been missing on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or Disney+. Maybe you could use this time to start a free trial on a new streaming service to see if you like, too.
4. Play video games. Does it feel like your Nintendo Switch, Play Station, or Xbox has been calling you lately, but you couldn’t answer its call? Now is the time answer the call! Plus, you can play online with other friends and family, so you’re not missing out on sociability.
5. Exercise. You don’t need exercise equipment to be in shape at home. Try checking out YouTube videos. I highly recommend the YouTube channel Blogilates because Cassey Ho has the #1 fitness channel. She has all types of videos for exercise and nutrition.
6. Movie marathon. Pick any genre and search top 10 movies. Then, pick out movies that interest you.
7. Cook or bake. It’s time to utilize your Pinterest cooking or baking boards. Try to pick an easy recipe, so it’s likely you’ll have all the materials necessary in the house to avoid going out.
8. Meditate. Try to go on YouTube to find soothing music. It can be ocean sounds, a thunderstorm, or instruments. Try to pick music with a slow pace because it will help you to relax. After you’ve selected your meditation music, sit down with your legs crossed. Close your eyes and take deep breaths in and out. If you want to enhance your meditation experience light some candles and dim the lights.
9. Build LEGOs. You can easily order a LEGO kit from Amazon and have it delivered to your house. You can spend minutes, hours, or days building one by yourself or with your friends and family.
10. Spa day. Take a nice shower or bath. Light some candles. Play meditation music in the background. Put on a face mask with cucumbers. Think about what would relax you at the spa.
11. Shop online. Search through your email and see if you’ve gotten any coupons recently. A little online retail therapy never hurt anyone. Plus, online shopping helps to distract oneself from the shortage of toilet paper.
12. Watch and try YouTube tutorials. YouTube has all types of tutorials for all ages. They have tutorials for art, music, crafting, baking, writing, dancing, and more.
13. Interact with your pets. Try teaching your dog, cat, rabbit, or fish a new trick? Maybe you want to cuddle with them all day. Try baking a pet-friendly treat for them.
14. Practice singing or dancing. Blast some of your favorite music and dance or sing your heart out!
15. Try sewing, crocheting, or embroidery. If you’re a beginner, try to watch YouTube tutorials, so you will know how much material you need and the instructions to make the item. If you’re looking for patterns, be sure to check out Pinterest because they always have fun designs. If you practice enough of this hobby consider donating your sewn, crocheted, or embroidered items to the less fortunate.
16. Make a bucket list. Take a minute to step back and think what you want to do the rest of the week, month, year, or life. Take a take breath and reflect what you want most out of life.
17. Take a nap. Try utilizing this time to catch up on some much-needed sleep.
18. Play a board game, card game, or put together a puzzle. Amazon is a great resource for finding board games, card games, and puzzles because they offer a variety of different genres for all ages, individuals, and group sizes. For example, if you’re a book lover in a reading slump consider putting together a literary themed puzzle.
19. Video chat with friends and family. You’re staying indoors to avoid getting ill; that doesn’t mean shutting off the world completely. Hit up friends and family on FaceTime and Skype.
20. Document your experiences. Write down and photograph your experiences of being at home. It’ll keep you busy and when someone asks what you did, you can show them.
Edited by Emily Chance