Whether you’re working from home or completely out of work as a result of the Coronavirus, you’re likely wondering what to do with the extra time on your hands. Needless to say, we’re all doing our best to stay sane.
For me, I miss my friends SO MUCH. I miss my family, the gym, and the regular day-to-day. I, like many people, took it for granted. That said, I’m doing my very best to stay calm and occupied by staying busy. If you’re having a tough time or aren’t sure what to do next, see below for my ultimate list of things to do under self-quarantine. I hope you enjoy it!
1. Start a book
I’m finally getting around to reading Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. The New York Times bestseller chronicles human evolution from the stone age up to modern day. The book is fascinating, albeit dense. I’ve only made a dent, so I can report later!
2. Take an online course
There are tons of free educational resources available at this time. Whether you’re interested in polishing your knife skills via a virtual cooking class or care to embark in an Ivy League level course, there’s something for everyone. Right now, people are excited about Yale student favorite, The Science of Well-Being.
3. Start a side hustle
The average millionaire in America has, on average, 7 sources of income…no pressure. With increased downtime, now is the opportune time to assess your financial goals. However, don’t stress yourself out – side hustles come in many forms. Clearing out your closet? Start a Poshmark page. That’s one surefire way to draw in some extra cash.
4. Send a handwritten note
There’s something so sweet and thoughtful about a handwritten note. The lost art is sure to put a smile on the receiver’s face. For the science of thank you notes, see my post here.
5. Try a new recipe
Not sure where to start? My bestie makes awesome crispy oven baked chicken. I highly recommend!
6. Take on a new hobby
It’s tough to keep anxiety at bay during a time like this. For me, diverting my energy to a task that requires full focus helps calm my nerves. Not sure where to start? My roommate Madelin and I are using this downtime to make gold jewelry. Not your thing? Consider drawing, painting, sewing, or knitting.
7. Start a blog
It’s never been easier to start a blog! You don’t need to learn code or be a skilled web designer to get started. User-friendly sites like Wix and Squarespace are free to get started.
8. Learn TikTok
Learn TikTok with me! I haven’t published any videos yet. However, I’ve already discovered hundreds of hilarious videos on the platform.
9. Go for a bike ride or hike
As long as you maintain proper social distancing (6 feet), it’s still okay (and encouraged) to get fresh air and exercise.
10. Have a themed movie night
Whether you’re practicing social distancing with your family or roommates, consider having a themed movie night. Think: Hitchcock movie night
11. Foster a dog
With social distancing in place, adoption events are cancelled and volunteers are home in quarantine. Shelters are reaching capacity and are in desperate need of fosters and supplies like collars, leashes, food, and more. If you’re capable of fostering a dog, adopt-a-pet.com is a good place to start. Or, simply Google “animal shelter near me” for leads 🙂
12. Have a game night
Put away the phones and bring out OG games like Scrabble, Jenga, or slightly less PG games like What Do You Meme or Cards Against Humanity. Wine optional, but recommended 😉
13. Start a DIY project
Transform an old denim jacket into something cute and cropped with a DIY tutorial. Or, make your own bath salts. The internet is full of awesome DIY projects. Explore!
14. Practice yoga and/or meditation
Now is a time to look inward. I’m doing my best to clear my head and get centered. There are guided yoga poses on Youtube, workout DVDs by celebrity fitness trainer Tracy Anderson, and online classes by Alo Yoga. Interested in trying meditation but not sure where to start? Headspace will guide you through the basics and monitor your benchmarks.
15. Make a donation
No, this probably won’t solve your boredom. But it will feel good and, hopefully, put things in perspective. You don’t need me to explain that circumstances are dire. Emergency relief organizations like Direct Relief continue to coordinate with public health authorities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in the U.S., China and globally to provide personal protective equipment and essential medical items to health workers responding to COVID-19. Donate here. Is money tight? That’s okay! American Red Cross is desperate for blood donations.
16. Learn (or brush up) on a second language
Dualingo makes it easy and *relatively* fun to learn a new language at just $10. No, this isn’t an ad. But, I have used this app and believe in its effectiveness.
17. Learn how to make a craft cocktail
Probs my favorite on this list. Cheers!
18. Learn how to style different kinds of updos
Okay, the further we get down this list, the more we’re reaching here. But, wouldn’t it be cool to be able to style an elegant updo? Or, style a dutch braid?
19. Rearrange your sock drawer
Told you, we’re reaching! I did this during quarantine week 1 and it was oddly satisfying. I ordered these drawer organizers from Amazon, which made all the difference!
20. Learn a new program
Programs like Adobe Photoshop offer free trial periods. Learn a new skill to uplevel your business or beef up your resume.
21. Learn how to speed type
How many characters per minute can you type? If you’re interested in typing exercises, check out this website.
22. Learn how to speed read
Do you know how many words per minute you can read? Get through your book list faster with free speed reading exercises.
23. Expand your vocabulary
Vocabulary is sexy. Expand yours through books or apps like Magoosh.
24. Create an at home spa day
Take a hot bath, put on a face mask, give yourself (or quarantine buddy) a mani/pedi, and all indulge in all the works. Sip champagne in your robe to really play the part… cheers!
25. Create a neighborhood porch swap
Check out the one I made here. It’s a hit!
26. Plant a garden
While most nurseries are closed, hardware stores remain open. Head over to Home Depot or your local hardware store to purchase everything from soil to potted varieties. You can also order supplies online. Already have a garden? Exercise your green thumb by pruning your plants.
27. Organize your kitchen cupboards
Take everything out, place it all on the counter, and take a look at potentially expired goods. Don’t forget to pay attention to spices and vitamins! Some expired items can sneak by for years.
28. Fill out a goal planning sheet
The goal, at least for me, is to leave this quarantine with a clear vision of what I want to accomplish. If you take this time to look inward, you might identify personal goals. Get it all on paper! Not sure where to start? I have a free printable available here.
29. Organize your digital files and store them properly
This is easily my least favorite item on the list but it’s so necessary. If your digital files aren’t saved, stored by year/month, you’re in for a headache later. Store your memories properly through Dropbox, Google Cloud, or iCloud.
30. Make a vision board
The law of attraction is real. At least I think so. Gather up magazines or load up your printer to collect images, pictures, and affirmations that represent your dreams and ultimate desires. The board is designed to serve as a source of inspiration and motivation.
31. Deep dive into a subject that fascinates you
Master the subject you loved in school but didn’t pursue professionally. Whether you loved marine biology or psychology, get a couple books or fire up a few documentaries. Lean into what you love!
32. Perfect an AM & PM routine
Most successful people stick to some kind of morning and nightly routine. Whether the routine includes meditation or journaling, now is a great time to form new habits.
33. Go on a virtual museum tour
From galleries to natural history museums, see 10 of the world’s best virtual museum and art gallery tours.
34. Try to tackle a home repair on your own
Whether you have a broken window screen or shower door, now is a great time to watch a Youtube tutorial or Facetime your handy uncle to troubleshoot the issue on your own. You’d be surprised by how easy some things are to fix.
35. Make something for your mom or dad
Both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are coming up. Make them something special like you would when you were a kid. It will mean 100x more than the sweater you were considering purchasing.
36. Write a list of the top 3 things you’re grateful for. Look at it every morning.
Modern research indicates that gratitude makes us happier, more resilient, and even more likable. Harnessing this mindset can literally add years to your life according to Dr. Robert Emmons, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis and the founder a research lab that studies the effects of grateful living.
37. Clean your makeup brushes & organize your cosmetics
Our makeup brushes accumulate bacteria, dead skin cells, dirt, oil, and even pollution. Get in the habit of washing them and organize your makeup/skincare items while you’re at it!
38. Try a makeup tutorial
On the topic of makeup, try a new tutorial. If it looks like sh*t, don’t worry, no one will see you (if you’re practicing this social distancing thing correctly!).
39. Watch a documentary
Need inspo? My favorites include The Jinx, Going Clear, Three Identical Strangers, Icarus, and Don’t Fuck With Cats.
40. Have a cook or bake off
Pick one ingredient (example: mushrooms) and see who makes the best the best dish in your isolation bubble.
41. Listen to a podcast
Go for a walk and put on a Podcast. Listen to news updates with The Daily or dive into a variety of topics with The Joe Rogan Experience.
42. Make a quote book
We’re all going crazy in this quarantine. My roommates and I are getting weirder by the hour. Let’s document the crazy shit we say so we can look back and laugh later (or burn the book, who knows).
43. Host a virtual happy hour
Another favorite on the list. Get on Skype or FaceTime with a group, pour yourself a glass of wine or whip up the cocktail you made from #17 on the list.
44. Sit outside, listen to music, and color in your adult coloring book
Another highly therapeutic activity that will help you Calm The F*ck Down.
45. Make a bouquet
Play florist by creating your very own bouquet. Trader Joes is a great place to start as they sell individual bunches, including both flowers and fillers like eucalyptus. Take it to pro level by watching a tutorial.
46. Make a cellulite scrub out of old coffee grinds
Don’t toss your coffee grinds. They make for an awesome cellulite scrub. Be careful in your shower though, it can get messy! Here’s a DIY for reference.
47. Rearrange your furniture or decor to freshen your space
Tap into the art of feng shui by rearranging the furniture and decor in your space. The new arrangement will give you a fresh perspective while trapped indoors. Check out this interview on feng shui if you’re interested in digging deeper.
48. Have a karaoke night with your quarantine buddies
Karaoke isn’t really my thing, but it might be a fun thing to do with your roommates or quarantine buddies. There are sets sold on Amazon if you want to take it to the next level.
49. Go through your inbox, unsubscribe to all junk mail
Unroll is the perfect way to do this without having to tread through your inbox.
50. Order new prints for your family frames
Take a look around your home. Chances are, the framed photos are quite old. Order new prints to be delivered through Walgreens or CVS.
Will you try any of these at home? How are you staying sane at home? Would love to know your thoughts below!
