41 Things To Do Indoors During The Coronavirus Quarantine

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic has drastically impacted our lives. Nations around the world have declared a state of emergency, and we are now subject to social distancing and quarantine. There is a sense of panic and confusion everywhere. Grocery stores have been cleaned out, and many businesses have either reduced their hours or shut down altogether. Also, countless people have lost their jobs. Then there is the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

Our regular routines have been affected. Due to quarantIne, many people now have to work from home. Schools have been closed, and students have to take classes remotely. All events have been postponed or canceled. In many cities, there are lockdowns or curfews in order.

Some people embrace this change; they welcome the opportunity of not having to fight traffic or take public transportation, especially those that have long commutes. Others look forward to waking up a little later than usual. Let’s not forget to mention the anxiety surrounding this pandemic, and many are grateful to either work or attend classes from home.

However, some balk at the idea of being quarantined. They dislike the idea of staying indoors all day and get cabin fever just at the thought of having to do so. While they also have some concerns about the Coronavirus, they refuse to let fear dictate their lives.

If you are one of those people who can only stay in the house but for so long without getting a little stir crazy, here are some ideas to keep yourself occupied during the quarantine:

41 Things To Do Indoors During The Coronavirus Quarantine

Whether you live alone, with your significant other, roommates, or have a family, there is something for everyone on this list.

1. Continue business as usual.

Start your day as you usually would; brush your teeth, wash your face, shower, moisturize, and do your hair. Put on some makeup if you choose to or don a fresh look. Get dressed in some comfy clothes, or get dolled up as if you still are heading out for the day. Either way, you are more likely to be productive as opposed to lounging in your pajamas all day.

2. Have some breakfast.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but many of us rarely make time for it. Usually, we would either have to grab something quick and make a run for it or skip breakfast altogether. Now you have the opportunity to make a hearty breakfast and actually sit down to eat it.

3. Breathe

We all have a lot on our plate right now. Some have the challenge of homeschooling while working remotely while others are coping with staying in the house alone. Not to mention worrying about the health and safety of elderly loved ones and family and friends who are serving on the front lines of this pandemic.

Just pause for a moment and take a deep breath. As you are breathing out, release all of your fears and worries. Repeat as often as you need to. Remember that this too shall pass.

4. Do some spring cleaning.

Since you have a little more time on your hands, it is a good idea to get your home in order. Clean, organize and declutter your living space, and your mind will be at ease.

5. Catch up on TV shows.

This is a great time to get caught up on some of your favorite shows. Log on to Netflix or Hulu, sit back and let the binge-watching games begin.

6. Listen to music.

Boost your spirits and soothe your soul by putting on some tunes. Listen to those songs that remind you of the good old days and let nostalgia lead you to a happier mood. You can also play something upbeat while you workout or more mellow when you want to relax.

7. Read

For the perfect escape, do some reading. Now you finally get a chance to read those books that you have been putting off for a while. You can also join an online book club and socialize while analyzing something you just read.

8. Move your body.

With the gyms being closed, you can still keep fit by working out at home. YouTube has plenty of yoga, calisthenics, and strength training videos. You can also search the internet for online exercise routines.

9. Create a vision board.

Set, visualize, and clarify your goals by creating a vision board. Search the internet for some images and print, cut, and paste them on a poster board.

10. Use Flashcards

A great way to memorize concepts is to use flashcards. Whether your children are preschoolers or in college, use them to quiz the kids on vocabulary words, math examples, and science terms.

11. Take some online courses.

Increase and sharpen your skillset by signing up for some online courses. Coursera and Udemy have plenty of free and low-cost classes that you can take.

12. Journal

With all that is going on, it is understandable that your brain is in overdrive. Writing in a journal is a great way to self-reflect and analyze your thoughts and feelings.

13. Cook

This is now a great time more than ever to put those pots and pans to work. Use this opportunity to make that delicious but time-consuming recipe. You can also take your culinary skills to the next level and learn how to cook some new recipes.

14. Play Games

For some fun and friendly competition, games are a fun way to pass the time while being indoors. There are so many to choose from such as:

• Video and mobile games
• Board Games: Monopoly, Scrabble, Trouble, and Connect Four.
• Party/Word Guessing Games: Charades or Taboo.
  

You can also test your knowledge with games such as Trivial Pursuit.

15. Listen to podcasts.

If you don’t want to spend your entire day watching TV, a great alternative is listening to a podcast. If you wish to hear entertaining conversations or learn something new, there are a variety of podcasts to choose from that will suit your specific interests.

16. Write

Take your journaling a step further and write creatively. Devise an alternate ending to your favorite movie, TV episodes, or come up with an entertaining short story. You can even try your hand at poetry or even a  novel.

17. Play cards.

Put your best hand forward with a game of Solitaire, UNO, Black Jack, Spades, Rummy, or Poker.

18. Bake

Few things are more relaxing than the smell of baked goods permeating through your kitchen. Those blueberry muffins will be a welcome change from the usual cereal and toast. Bake some chocolate chip cookies for a delicious afternoon snack. An apple pie will hit the spot just right as an after-dinner dessert.

19. Do minor repairs you have been putting off.

There is no time like the present to cultivate your inner handyman. Repair or replace that loose doorknob that you haven’t gotten around to or repaint that garage door.

20. File your taxes.

If you have not already done so, file your taxes. Some excellent online services are TurboTax and H&R Block, or you can seek the expertise of a professional.

21. Learn or make up a dance routine.

A fun way to pass the time is to learn a dance routine. Watch YouTube and learn the choreography to your favorite music video or invent some dance steps of your own.

22. Call your family and friends.

In a time like this, it is important to stay in touch with your family and friends. Call your loved ones to catch up, or check up on them.

23. Monitor your media consumption.

With the extra time on your hands, it may be tempting to indulge in some mindless scrolling. While it is perfectly okay to use social media to connect with others, it is rampant with misinformation concerning the Coronavirus and with other posts that may possibly upset you. It can also be distracting when you are working remotely and homeschooling your children. Use social media wisely and set a time limit.

Also, try not to watch the news too much. Although it is important to keep abreast of what is going on, absorbing all of those stories about the pandemic is bound to cause anxiety.

On the bright side, some DJs are playing music and throwing live parties on social media to help people cope with being indoors. Singers, musicians, and comedians are also giving live shows and concerts in the midst of the quarantine. Then some people are using their social media accounts to spread positivity and offer words of encouragement during these uncertain times.

24. Start a new project.

To keep yourself busy, start a project. You can create homemade natural lotions, upholster throw pillows or create floating shelves out of bookends.

25. Socialize virtually.

The quarantine has definitely put a damper on socializing. However, one of the best things about technology is the ability to “see” your loved ones through video chat such as FaceTime, Skype, or WhatsApp. Have a virtual brunch with your friends or “visit” relatives that live afar.

26. Take care of yourself spiritually.

With all the hysteria surrounding the Coronavirus, it is essential that we maintain our inner peace. Although it might suck to be stuck indoors, realize that the quarantine is allowing you to look deep inside and do some much-needed soul searching and self-reflection. Evaluate what should really be important and think about what you need to do to grow and realize your purpose in life.

Prayer can help give you the comfort you need to get through these rough times. You can also attend a virtual church service or read the book that pertains to your religion.

Also, remember to practice gratitude. While you may not enjoy being cooped up in the house, there are others who do not have a place to call home, so be grateful that you have a somewhere to live.

Related: 52 Reasons Why I Am Thankful

27. Appreciate your family/loved ones.

I am hearing so many stories about people saying that their spouses or children are driving them crazy and would prefer to be at work away from them. While I know that family can work your nerves, all jokes aside, there are people out there who wish they were in your shoes.

For many, this quarantine forces them to remember that they have no one. Some people are widowed and would give anything to have their husbands or wives back. Others have lost their parents and children. Also, many won’t visit elderly relatives because they are afraid of the possibility of transmitting the virus to them.

So count your blessings and be thankful that you have a family to quarantine with. Just learn to be patient with one another and look at this as an opportunity to create new memories. After all, this is over, it may be a long time before you get to spend some quality time with each other again.

28. Meditate

Now that you have the time, add mediation to your daily routine, It will teach you to be present, give you focus, and keep you calm.

29. Join an online community.

The quarantine makes it difficult to socialize in real life. Why not join an online community and link up with others that have interests that are similar to yours.

30. Help those in need.

If you are otherwise in good health, lend a hand to those who may need it if you are in a position to do so. Run essential errands such as grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions.

31. Make arts and crafts.

Bring out your creative side by engaging in some arts and crafts. Try your hand at knitting, crocheting, basket weaving, origami, or scrapbooking.

32. Practice spelling.

Turn your children into spelling bee champs by practicing spelling with them. There are many apps, games, and websites that give them fun ways to study and remember words.

33. Take a virtual museum tour

Immerse some culture and education into your day by taking a virtual museum tour. Many museums are offering virtual tours, exhibits, and shows, and you can support the arts while broadening your horizons without having to leave the comfort of your couch.

34. Have a movie night

Give yourself the experience of going to a movie theatre by having a movie night. Prepare some of your favorite snacks that you would normally enjoy at a cinema such as popcorn, nachos, cheese fries, or pizza. Don’t forget the Twizzlers, M&Ms, pretzels, and something to wash it down with. Now pick a movie, turn off the lights, put your phone on vibrate or silent, sit on the couch, and enjoy the show.

35. Update your resume.

If you have been thinking of looking for another job, take this opportunity to update your resume. When the quarantine is over, that will be one less thing you have to worry about as you embark on your job searching venture.

36. Talk to a virtual therapist.

With everything going on, countless people are suffering from fear, anxiety, and depression. Many therapists are offering their services either virtually or by telephone, so feel free to book an appointment to help you deal with your emotions.

37. Pamper yourself

Apply a face mask, or give yourself a manicure and pedicure. Have your significant other give you a massage and then return the favor.

38. Paint

Get your Picasso on and paint your boredom away. A picture is worth a thousand words, and you can create a beautiful one using watercolor or oil paint.

39. Color

If you want an activity that will keep the kids quiet and busy, let them color. I used to love as a child and did it every chance I got; I found it to be so peaceful. There are also coloring books that are catered to adults, just in case you also want to put those colored pencils to work.

40. Start a side hustle.

With the uncertain future of the economy, many people are rethinking their financial situations and looking for ways to generate additional streams of income. Find something you are passionate about and turn your hobby into a side hustle. Some good ones are copywriting, selling items on eBay or Poshmark, or managing social media accounts.

41. Rest.

Before the quarantine, many of us led hectic lives. Although some of us may enjoy living a fast-paced lifestyle, to keep from burning out, sometimes you have to slow down. Take advantage of this break to relax, recharge, and get some much-needed rest.

I hope that you find some of these ideas helpful and I am sure you can think of your own ways to keep yourself busy and entertained during this time. What are some of your favorite things that you like to do when stuck inside? I would love to hear some of your thoughts in the comments!

Thank you for reading.

Yours Truly,

Tracy