Let’s face it – being in your house for days on end can become frustrating and boring, especially if you live alone or have no kids running around underfoot. There is plenty that you can do. Here is a list of 11 things you can do while stuck at home. If you are lucky enough to have an outside area, some of these things will be that much more enjoyable as long as the weather is good.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but by using your imagination you don’t have to be bored!
1) De-clutter Your Home
What an excellent opportunity to get rid of stuff you have no use for by cleaning out cupboards, linen & clothes closets, storage sheds, and garages:
Bag up clothes you no longer wear and donate them to a shelter or second-hand clothing store
Set stuff aside for a future yard/garage sale or to give to a neighbour or friend
Create needed space
Eliminate unwanted stuff so packing will be easier if you decide to move
By eliminating stuff you no longer need, your place will be tidier and you will also be helping others.
2) Exercise
You don’t need fancy gym equipment because you are stuck at home to get a good workout or stretch. Some people have an in-home-gym which is an advantage but not necessary. Grab a mat or a thick towel and away you go.
If you are looking for some portable equipment to use at home, there are many great options that are perfect for inside.
By exercising at home you will:
Save money
Control your time
Choose your own music
Wear whatever the heck you want
Stay fit
3) Take an Online Course
Taking an online course is cheaper than attending a university/college/community program.
It is convenient
Can be used as an addition to your career/online business/hobby
It’s a way to gain new knowledge
You can save on commuting
Many people have lost their jobs and may not have one to go back to. If you have ever thought about having an online business, being stuck at home is the perfect opportunity to get started.
4) Resurrect an Old Passion
What do you love to do? what have you started and never finished?
Dig out those paintbrushes, easels, drawing pens and get those dormant creative juices going
Work on the book/ebook you started a long time ago
Find the guitar you stashed away and start strumming!
5) Start a New Hobby
Hobbies don’t have to be expensive! This is a chance to let your creative juices flow while you are stuck at home.
Create new recipes
Start writing – all you need is a pen, paper, a grammar checker, and your imagination
Learn a new language – there are several online apps to get you started
Start a blog
Create a new website
6) Read Books
Reading books is not only a great way to pass the time, but they are also a source of knowledge. Read books for:
Personal development
Inspiration
Enjoyment
Relaxation (this is what I do when I need to stop thinking!)
Enhance your career
7) Watch Old Movies or Catch Something New
There’s no end to the number of shows available on Netflix in any genre you can imagine, and if that doesn’t appeal to you, try some of the old classics and compare them to the movies of today.
- Watch a new series on Netflix
Have some favourite classics? now’s the time to watch them
Gain some knowledge by watching documentaries
Relax and de-stress
8) Pamper Yourself
We get so busy when we are on the go that we seldom take time for ourselves. Since you you are stuck at home and can’t go anywhere, why not treat yourself?
Take an amazing relaxing bath with your favourite bath bombs or oils
Give yourself a manicure or pedicure
Surround yourself with soft music, candles, a beverage, and unwind
Meditate
Start a journal
Have a mid-day nap
Have a long conversation on the phone with a friend
9) Do Some Laptop/Computer Maintenance
Cleanup
Run a diagnostic
Clean out old files; organize ones you want to keep
Check out or add virus software
Get rid of old emails.
10) Reconnect with your Partner
If you live with someone, take some time to appreciate each other; do little things to let them know you care.
Have some heart to heart talks
Share goals
Plan something fun together for when you no longer have to stay at home
Get close!
11) Plan that Trip for When You Can Travel
Surf the web for travel ideas
Order some travel books
Prepare a budget (how much do you want to spend)
Contact your bank/financial institution about travel credit cards and no-fee ATM cards
Remember we talked about De-cluttering – sell some stuff and save the money for your trip
Research travel insurance companies
Check out your luggage – do you have enough? Is it in good shape?
FINAL THOUGHTS
Yes, we are in for a bumpy ride with travel restrictions, lock-downs, and self-isolation, but it does no good to sit at home and complain. This is a great opportunity to do some stuff you have always wanted to do. And when you can travel again you will be better equipped to get back out into your community and the world.
I hope our list of 11 Things To Do While Stuck At Home will give you something to look forward to when times are good again.
If you have already taken the plunge and are travelling, check out our 7 Tips for Staying Fit and Healthy.
What are you doing while at home? Do you have some other suggestions? Please share your comments below.
Mary Ann
I love to travel and my biggest regret is that I waited so long to do it, thinking I just couldn’t afford it. I have had some crazy fun, met some amazing people, and had some scary moments such as getting locked in a shower at a campsite. For our trip to Mexico, we were able to save money by house sitting, which was something completely new to us. If this is something that interests you, then check out TrustedHousesitters or HouseSitMexico (be sure and use Code thetr6210d47b7cc90). We hope you visit often.
Every idea is great but the exercise one is what hit me the most. I’ve been keeping up on my twice-daily workouts (though I do miss the gym every day and when I’m out buying food as needed, driving by the place with its lights off is arguably the most depressing thing in my life right now). But, I also live near trails and in a secluded area, so I can get a lot of outdoor workouts in without coming into contact with people – the closest living things I’m coming into contact with are birds of all sorts, deer, rabbits, and squirrels. If there’s one positive out of this lockdown, it’s that it’s happening during the springtime, and not the winter, where the outdoor workout in seclusion wouldn’t be an option.
Hi Todd. I think you are actually lucky. How great to be near some trails and see so much life! You are fortunate you can still do the trails. Some areas in Canada are closed. I know what you mean about the gym. My neighbour in Mexico is going through the same thing and is very sad he can’t exercise. But he is happy that he can at least bike every day. Thanks for sharing how you are getting around the exercise situation. Stay safe!
Yes, a lot of us find ourselves spending more time at home than we’d like right now. With rain on a daily basis, I haven’t been able to do as many projects around home that would keep me productive, but I’m not completely sorry about that. Cleaning out gutters isn’t high on my list of things I enjoy. I have been taking classes online, though. It’s a great time for doing that and there are a lot of opportunities for free education. Open courseware classes are offered by many top universities for free. Also, a lot of museums have started offering online virtual tours, since having to close their doors due to the pandemic. And when all else fails, there’s always time for a nap.
Thanks, Randy for stopping by and for sharing the information about the universities, and especially the museums. What a great idea – offering online virtual tours. Napping is always good, much better than cleaning out gutters!