As our world turns homebound, most of us are trying to stay busy. And while the world of social media and the Internet gets busy with bored, mindless browsing, finding indoor activities that don’t involve screen time is a challenge.
Here are a few ideas to get you started on projects that are sure to make you feel good and create a positive mindset.
1. Gardening
The best approach to staying home might be to step outside the door and pay your garden some attention. Even if you don’t have a huge garden a small ledge is all you need to start planting seedlings or herbs. According to Mowers Online, you should “take a few pictures of the garden from a bedroom window so you have a visual of its design to study.” Shops online for plants, tools and accessories. Gardening gives undoubted stress-relief benefits, and will mean you have a beautiful outdoor area for when summer rolls around.
2. Puzzles and jigsaws
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Start with a 1000-piece puzzle (make sure you have a big enough table to accommodate it). Involve everyone in the home. One puzzle can spell days of relaxed fun – especially if you’re feeling particularly weak or not up to much activity. If you really like the finished work, there are ways to preserve your accomplishment so you can hang it on your walls.
3. Cooking and baking
You might not be able to get to all your favorite restaurants anymore, but why not try recreating your best-loved dishes at home? Look for recipes online and get creative with ingredients you might not have considered using before lockdown! There are so many healthy and delicious possibilities out there. Get fellow house members to join in, lay a table and maybe present a homemade dessert.
4. Art
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If you’ve been daydreaming about making something artistic, but never found the time, this is the perfect time. YouTube videos can be surprisingly effective at teaching you any technique or step-by-step project you can imagine, and they’re free. Start with simple pencil sketches if you’d rather not invest in lots of materials, or commit to a particular project.
5. Musical instruments
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It can be lonely being cooped up at home all day, but music can brighten anyone’s spirits. Learning the violin, keyboard, guitar or flute is easily done at home and will improve your mood. Most people understand the value of maintaining healthy routines while under lockdown— so schedule an hourly instrument practice and you’ll start looking forward to it.
6. Writing and poetry
There’s a lot to process with the current situation. Writing—whether it be poetry, journaling or a novel—has the power to put your feelings down, and feel the thrill of creating. If you don’t like the idea of creative writing, you could start up an email pen pal, helping you feel a little more connected during social distancing.
7. Fitness
There are countless free videos online showing you how to stay fit when you can’t get outdoors. Now’s the time to try something new, too. Give yoga a go, or try calisthenics, old-school 80’s exercise videos, Pilates, or even a heart-pumping dance class.
With just a little effort, you may soon find that there’s just as much to do at home. Stay connected to others, keep a routine and you may find yourself emerging from lockdown with a new skill or interest.
