For many different reasons, people can find themselves isolated at home. From wild weather to medical conditions to worldwide pandemics, restricting our movement and limiting our social activities can lead to boredom in even the most melancholic of us. Some days can appear endless; it can be a task in itself trying to decide how to fill them.
Here are 15 ideas of things to do when isolating at home. From learning new skills to taking on new hobbies, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Socialize While Isolating
In a time where technology is freely accessible, being in isolation doesn’t need to be isolating. Popular apps such as Whatsapp, Zoom, and Google+ Hangouts allow for socializing with the nearest and dearest from the comfort of the sofa. Keeping social is crucial for mental health when in isolation. Arrange regular catch-ups with friends and family, and even those you have not spoken to in a while.
Find Out the Family History
It’s one of those things that ignites the interest of many, but most never find the time. With endless time ahead, researching the family tree can prove extremely interesting. Many sites offering to host this research provide thousands of archives to search through and offer suggestions based on other connections. Find old pictures of long-forgotten family members and see if another family shares the same tree branch. There may be a long-distance cousin lurking in the background or some royalty running through those veins.
Spark Some Joy
Marie Kondo generated fans the globe over with her KonMarie decluttering method program on Netflix. Be prepared to spark some joy while watching this, and feel the need to clear out the house immediately. Cleaning has never been so much fun, and it’s like a form of unpaid therapy. Out with the old!
Learn Sign Language
It is estimated that just over 5% of the world’s population is hearing impaired. That’s more than 5% of the world that could benefit from people having the ability to communicate with them through sign language. Learning to sign has never been easier, with hundreds of YouTube channels catering to developing this ability, and this is a great way to pass the time while also enhancing communication skills.
Review Finances
Reviewing finances may seem like a tedious task, but it’s something that many of us put off claiming we don’t have the time. Well, the time has now come. Use a couple of hours to review incomings and outgoings to see if any changes can be made to cut down on costs. Who knows, there may be some extra cash left over at the end of it!
Make Homebrew a Hobby
Whether a beer or wine drinker (or even coffee), homebrewing can be a fun and worthwhile hobby. There are so many recipes and forums available for the beginner to gain advice from those who have been doing it for years, so no one ever has to feel like they’re going it alone. While the equipment can range in cost, the savings to be made making homebrew in the long term can be a huge advantage. Well-established beer company Brewdog have some of their recipes available online. Some fantastic hoppy goodness.
Don’t Forget About Self-Care
Lounging around in pajamas and joggers all day has never been easier, but this can take a toll on our mental health—plan in some self-care for an instant pick-me-up. From an at-home pedi to a face mask made with some contents from the fridge, a little self-indulgence is just perfect at a time like this. Relax and unwind.
Get Decorating
Everyone has a decorating wish list. We are just waiting for some time to free up before getting that odd job done. Stop procrastinating and use this time to decorate. It can be tiring but rewarding work, even if it can cause some tearing-out-the-hair moments, standing back and looking at what has been achieved by our own fair hands can be soothing to the soul. (Related: How to Make Your Living Room More Comfy & Cozy)
Enhance Career Opportunities
Many colleges and companies are offering free online training courses to bolster up the CV. There is no better time to develop skills that can be used in the workplace. It may enhance employability or increase promotion chances at work. Employers love a bit of self-development.
Binge Watch a TV Series
It is all too easy to feel guilty when binge-watching some TV. Too much to do and never enough time to do it in. With extra time on our hands, pick out a TV series, and watch away guilt-free; there is nowhere to be. Perhaps The Golden Girls?
Train the Dog
If there is a furbaby in the family, this is the ideal time to put some training into action. Books may have already been bought or training videos saved, either way, get Fido ready to roll over and sit. A great way to bond and communicate with the pooch in the house and a productive way to use the time.
Learn a New Language
Whether it’s Italian, Mandarin, or Urdu, learning a new language can be fun and fulfilling. There are many options from subscribing to courses and going on YouTube to speaking to a native speaker online, and watching movies in that language. Impress friends with new skills when isolation is over.
Read the Pile of Books Bought Ages Ago
We all do it – buy books in the hope that we will get round to reading them eventually, but through time we end up tucking them away out of sight. Delve into the cupboards and bring these unread books back into the daylight. It can be easy to forget how enjoyable relaxing with a good book can be.
Do Yoga
Connecting body and mind is essential if in isolation. It can be easy to lose our mind when stuck in the house day after day. With Yoga, find a balanced approach to life as it combines exercise and meditation to relax and calm the soul. It has also shown many health benefits, such as improved circulation and better sleep patterns.
Play Old School Computer Games
Most of us have our favorite computer games that remind us of our childhood. Have a look online, or even the attic, to see if childhood fun can be brought back to life. From Pacman to Tomb Raider, hours of enjoyment await, taking us back to much simpler times.
Being in isolation for long periods is not fun for anyone, but with this list of ideas, you will find the hours fly by. Armed with new skills and feeling refreshed, you’ll be ready to take on whatever life after isolation throws at you.
