As many of us have been in quarantine for an extended time, and will likely be there for at least a couple more weeks, I have come up with a list of things to do that could help to pass the time as we all get anxious to return to a more mobile life. Before I get into my ideas, there are a few assumptions about the lists that I wanted to share.
It is not intended to be insensitive; not everyone has the resources to do any/some/all of these things. There is a vast range of the human experience during this stressful time. These lists are only meant to be a way to help or give ideas if anyone is interested. Many of us are quarantined with a few people so some of these activities can be done without additional risk BUT legal rules and regulations vary based on where you live. Please follow them. There are things that apply to different ages and interests – some for young kids, teens, and adults. Generally, I feel better when I am doing something productive. However, I realize others may be experiencing extreme hardship or simply do not feel the way I do about dealing with quarantine; that others could be experiencing feelings that just aren’t allowing them to do much of anything from day to day – and that’s just fine. Surviving might be all some of us can do right now.
Keep your mind active
- Crosswords
- Board Games
- Sudoku
- Puzzles
- Journal
- Read. Read. Read.
- Nap (sleep is great for your brain!)
- Listen to an audiobook
- Take a free online class
- Listen to TedTalks
- Listen to podcasts
- Listen to music
- Meditate
- Write a story
- Watch a documentary
Tap into creativity
- Color
- Draw
- Paint
- Journal
- Do It Yourself crafting
- Set up an obstacle course
- Set up a scavenger hunt
- Make a bucket list
- Scrapbook
- Make friendship bracelets
- Build with legos
- Make slime
- Listen to music
- Make a vision board
- Dance
- Make a time capsule
- Take a virtual tour of a museum (there are so many online!)
- Do some tie dye
- Take a scenic drive
- Discover new music; make new playlist
Maintain good health
- Recreate or exercise
- Cook at home
- Go for a bike ride
- Take a walk
- Try a hike
- Start a running program
- Do some strength training
- Shoot hoops
- Yard games – Too many to list! A few favorite include:
- Wiffle ball
- Badminton
- Nerf wars
- Spike ball
- Play in the sprinkler
- Sidewalk chalk
- Fly a kite
- Ride a scooter
- Get a free trial to an online workout platform
- Start stretching or doing yoga
- Zumba
- Dance
Learn or build a new skill
- Study a sport that you want to get better at; practice it!
- Learn to cook
- Fix something or try that DIY home project
- Learn a language
- Learn to play an instrument
- Learn to sew
- Learn to crochet
- Learn to juggle
- Learn magic tricks
- Learn to meditate
- Make a budget
- Learn to iron
- Learn to fish
- What’s that one thing you have always wanted to learn how to do?
Take care of yourself
- Facial
- Manicure
- Pedicure
- Massage
- Stretching
- Yoga
- Journaling
- Write down some goals
- Make a vision board
- Take a bubble bath
- Check out our self care piece
Connect with others
- Call someone
- Check-in on someone
- Set up a video call with friends
- Write a letter
- Send cards to those in a nursing home
- Set up an online workout with a friend
- Make / send / drop off a homemade gift
- Look at old pictures or yearbooks
- Have a bonfire
- Have a backyard campout
- Plan a party for after quarantine
- Go on a picnic
- Watch the sunset
- Volunteer
Other ideas to stay productive during quarantine
- Organize stuff!
- Clean stuff!
- Back up files and pictures
- Research jobs
- Research schools or colleges
- Plan (or at least research) a trip for after quarantine
- Make or update a resume
- Research careers
- Take an online assessment of your strengths
- Research volunteering and ways to help
- Clean out email; leave email listservs
- Do yard work
- Look up new recipes to try
- Deliver items to those in need
- Update and record all of your passwords
- Change the batteries in smoke detectors
- Wash the car
- Clean the garage