2020 was going to be my year of travel! I was lucky enough to travel late last year and I was able to get in two more mini getaways earlier this year. In January, I flew to beautiful Puerto Rico for a weekend, and in early March I visited Colorado with the whole family.
The week I returned from Colorado was when things took a turn in the U.S. Closures and quarantines were put in place. The organization I work for opted to remote work, like many other business out there that resorted to working remotely to keep their employees and clients safe.
Like many of you, I’m a little a bit of an extrovert and introvert at the same time. I like my alone time and lazy days but I also love being out and about, spending time with friends and family members. Due to the recent circumstances, we all have to do our part and spend time at home to decrease the spread of the coronavirus. So for those of you looking for things to do at home during times of quarantine, here are some fun ideas!
Get Active
Rollerblade or Ride your Bike: A good pastime is rollerblading/skating or going for a good old bike ride. Social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t take a step outside of the house. If you want some fresh air, then go for a quick bike ride or skate session around your neighborhood. It’s a great way to workout and you also get some much needed Vitamin D. This will help you relieve some stress too. If you don’t have the gear for this, then a good old walk or jog will do. Get that blood pumping and go for that stroll!
Paint and Draw Outside: I haven’t done this in a while myself, but some time ago I bought a few tubes of paint, mini brushes and small canvases from Target and I’m ready to use them! Get some inspiration and grab some painting gear to paint or draw. This can help you relax and will help get your creative juices flowing. This is actually a great date idea too, you can make it into a challenge with your significant other. About a year ago, I checked out Paint ‘n Hang ,where I took a terrarium making classes. This is also a cool idea if you want to do something different! See final masterpiece below.
Meditate, do Yoga or do a Home Workout: For all my active folks, I know it must be tough when your stress reliever is closed, aka the gym. But there are great at home workout options that can help you get stay moving, or get you moving. Also, yoga and/or meditating will help de-stress while getting your heart pumping.
Solo Activities
Read a New Book or Journal: So, if you’re anything like me then you probably have a ton of books on your shelf that you just haven’t finished or even possibly started. You find a new book you just need to purchase but just don’t have the time or energy to read it. Well now’s the time! Social media can be draining lately and the news can stress us all out with everything that’s been going on this year; try and disconnect and grab a good book to cuddle up with. It will distract you from the current events. Another good option is journaling. A great way to get your stress out and share what’s on your mind is by writing it all down.
Create a Blog or Start your own Business:
This is the perfect time to start up that blog or business! If you have more free time now or if you have cut your commute time significantly (because you are working from home) then now’s your chance! Spend a few hours per day working on it, making a business plan, doing your research, and make your dream a reality.
Family Fun
Cook or Bake with your Loved Ones: If you have more time on your hands, you can attempt to make more meals at home for yourself or your family. Baking is also so fun! You can make a sweet treat. A while back, I used to order BlueApron to cook at home. They would deliver all the necessary ingredients right to your door and provide a step by step guide. These services are also a great tool to use to start learning to cook at home, and the whole family can part-take.
Play Board Games with your Family: I haven’t played board games in a while, but what better way to spend your time than playing some good old fashion board games. There are so many out there to choose from, or if you have an oldie but goodie then use that and enjoy a night of friendly competition. Also, why not get back to playing those fun video games. We have a few old school Nintendo consoles at home which are always a blast to use when the family gets together. You’ll spending time bonding and laughing, just enjoying each other’s presence.
Movie Nights: Have a good old fashion movie night with your family. We have so many streaming services nowadays, from Netflix, Hulu to Disney+. Netflix now has a Watch Party option that I need to check out! I remember the days of heading over to Blockbuster, grabbing some snacks and enjoying a night watching movies with family and friends. We can finally get back to those fun movie nights at home snuggled up with a good film.
