Bored at home? Here’s how to stay busy while socially distancing

Getting creative through coloring, journaling, and puzzling are great ways to stay busy while in isolation // Photo courtesy of Micayla Roth / Online Executive Editor.

With nearly the entire nation confined to their homes, many people find themselves unsure of how to spend their time. We compiled a list of creative activities, ways to stay connected with friends and family, and self-care tips to add a little bit more structure to your day. We’d love to hear your ideas on social media as well!

Get creative:

Do It Yourself (DIY) Projects – There are tons of DIY projects on YouTube that are easy to do and require common household items you likely already have. Click here for some fun ideas.

Coloring books – Adult coloring books are extremely popular and a great way to entertain yourself for hours by coloring in intricate designs. These can easily be found on Amazon

Try a new recipe – Learn how to cook something new with family or prepare yourself a nice meal. Try looking up new recipes and expanding your food horizons. Buzzfeed’s Tasty has unique recipes with videos of the cooking process so you can follow along. Host a cooking contest with family members with a challenge ingredient. 

Take up a new hobby – Have you ever wanted to learn how to knit or play the piano? Now is the time to try; there are plenty of helpful YouTube videos to teach you how to do virtually anything.

Stay connected: 

Try Netflix Party – Netflix Party is a great extension to Chrome that allows friends to watch Netflix together. It is a simple installation that allows one person to start a movie or television show and sync it up with others. This is a great way for friends to have a movie marathon or binge watch a new show and chat about it together. 

Play Game Pigeon – Game Pigeon is a great way to stay connected to friends through your iPhone. This app is an added extension through iMessage and contains games such as 8 ball, Anagrams, Cup Pong, Paintball, Sea Battle, Darts, Word Hunt, Checkers, Chess, and 20 Questions. These games can be played in pairs or groups and is a fun and easy way to stay connected to your friends while social distancing. 

Video chat – Zoom is an extension you can download, or you can Group FaceTime. This is a great way to talk to multiple friends at a time while maintaining good social distancing.

Take Care of Yourself:

Exercise – Take this time off as an opportunity to better yourself  by following basic workout videos on YouTube. There are hundreds of videos to choose from with different focuses: from core to legs there is something for everyone. Another option is to run outside; if you are able to run outside it is a great way to get a good workout while also getting some fresh air.

Skin care – A face mask is relaxing and a great way to take care of your skin. Affordable masks can be found and ordered online from Target and CVS. For more expensive options, Ulta and Sephora have great higher-end masks. 

Journal – Journaling is a great way to refocus your thoughts and document an interesting time in your life. You can use any notebook, a proper journal, or even write on your phone. Bullet journals are also a unique way to keep track of habits or feelings over a long period of time.

Clean – Take this opportunity to clean your house, room or whatever space you frequent most often. A simple action like making your bed can make your environment more organized and more conducive to learning. If you are feeling super motivated, going through your room section by section is a great way to clean your space.

We hope you stay healthy and make the best of your time at home!