No one likes to be trapped inside all day every day, but that’s the situation the world has found themselves in due to Covid-19. During this time of social distancing, it’s important to keep your mind active and your body moving. You don’t have to write the next bestselling book or come up with a way to stop global warming, but you should find ways to bring yourself joy, spark your creativity, and get your blood flowing from time to time. If you need a bit of inspiration, check out the list of ways to stay entertained while you’re stuck at home.
Skype or Zoom With Your Friends
There are several creative ways to connect with your friends on these virtual platforms. You can host a virtual game night, have a dance party from your individual living rooms, or watch the same movie with a group of your besties while you binge eat popcorn and candy.
Take an Online Class
Have you always wanted to learn how to paint? Now’s the time. Find an online course, grab a sketchbook, and get started. There’s no better time to pursue your dreams and pick up new hobbies. Even if you don’t become the next Picasso, you’ll have fun and keep yourself entertained until you can venture outside again.
Teach Your Dog New Tricks
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Use your time indoors to prove them wrong. Teach your dog a new command or fun trick that the two of you can show off the next time you have guests over.
Meditate
The world finds itself in a very scary and uncertain time. Meditation can help you center yourself, find clarity, and process any unsettling emotions you might find yourself feeling right now. Start each day with a few moments of focused silence, set your intentions for the day, release as much fear and doubt as you can, and call to mind a few things you’re thankful for.
Play a Board Game
While it’s fun to challenge your roommate or spouse in the virtual world of Playstation or XBox, take a break from technology for a night and go old school. Duel it out in Monopoly or Risk, or test your knowledge in Trivial Pursuit.
Read
Now’s the perfect time to tackle your reading list. Dive into a world of epic fiction, or broaden your knowledge with a book about world history. If you’ve been wanting to better yourself, crack open a self-help book and learn to be more patient, purposeful, or selfless.
Cook
Watch a bit of the cooking network to get you in the mood to dice some onions, and then create your own version of Top Chef. Create something simple or challenge yourself to a more elaborate dish.
Workout
If you’re used to going to the gym, it might be a bit of a challenge to adjust to at-home workouts, but it’s not an impossible task. Many personal trainers and fitness coaches are uploading workouts to YouTube and Instagram to help people like you get a solid workout in your living room.
Get Out in Nature
You should certainly not visit crowded spaces or get too close to anyone, but find a secluded area, whether it’s a small neighborhood park or a quiet side street and take a walk, jog, or bike ride. Getting out into nature is a great way to avoid spending too many hours sitting in front of the TV, get your daily dose of vitamin D, and help brighten your mood.
Update Your Look
If you’ve been wanting to change your hair color, get bangs, or see what you’d look like with a beard, now’s the time to update your look. If you hate your new style, there’s plenty of time to fix it before you go out in public. And if you end up loving your new look, you can proudly show it off when all of this is over.
While binge watching Netflix is certainly a great way to pass the time, there’s more to quarantine than TV. Take a break between shows to go for a walk, educate yourself on a new subject, cultivate a new hobby, and spend quality time with your friends, family, or pets. The time will pass much faster that way.