The Coronavirus pandemic may have many of us house bound at the
moment, but that’s no reason to bunker down and wallow in boredom. To
get you through your self-isolation period, we’ve rounded up a list of
fun activities to keep you feeling entertained and productive, while
doing your part in reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Netflix and chill
If you haven’t browsed through your Netflix/Stan/Amazon Prime/Disney+
library lately, you’re in for a treat. 2021 has seen some great TV and
movie releases, and this is the perfect opportunity to grab your
Maltesers and strap yourself in for a binge-watching session. From
feel-good classics to true crime docos, you’re bound to find something
that tickles your small-screen fancy. Otherwise take the time to finish
that series that you started way back when, and never got around to
watching the last few eps.
Marie Kondo your life
Declutter your life Marie Kondo style. Marie Kondo’s method of cleaning (KonMari) is a minimalist-style approach to tackling your mess, category by category. From your wardrobe, pantry, or bathroom cabinet to that pesky kitchen draw full of random junk – take the time to organise your spaces, ridding yourself of anything that doesn’t *spark joy*. Decluttering will have you feeling productive, organised and will reduce your stress levels (winning!).
Sweat it out
While your local gym, F45 or yoga studio may not be open for business, there’s no reason to stop exercising! The wise Elle Woods once said ‘exercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy’ – and what’s not to love about that, especially when self-isolating! Take an online fitness class, practice yoga, meditate, or download an app like Keep It Cleaner, Headspace or 8fit to keep you in check. There are a myriad of options out there to help get your body moving while in lockdown – plus sweating it out is great for your health and mental well-being.
Read a great book
With plenty of time up your sleeve, it’s a great time to crack the spine on a fresh novel and delve into a good story. Not only do books help you relax, but they are also great for keeping your brain and imagination active! If you don’t have any books on hand at home, jump onto your phone, iPad or Kindle and download a book. Or, if reading isn’t your cup of tea, there are some brilliant podcasts and audiobooks available to help you unwind.
Cook up a storm
Raid your pantry, it’s time to get creative. The internet is brimming with delicious and simple recipes that will be sure to satisfy your hunger pangs. Browse through Pinterest, open up your old cookbooks and start bookmarking recipes that spark some culinary inspiration! From one-pot recipes for the cooking novices, to multi-step creations for the brimming MasterChefs – self-isolation is the perfect time to cook up a home-made feast.
Colour your walls
A change is as good as a holiday. And, when it comes to your home,
sometimes all you need is a change of hue. Whether it's a new feature
wall or a fresh base colour, a new coat of paint can work wonders. Grab
your brush, tin and drop sheet and get ready to give new life to your
interiors!
Break out the board games
A little healthy competition never hurt anyone, right? If you’re quarantining with company, then the time has come to dust off the cobwebs and break out the boardgames. Think Twister, Scrabble, Monopoly, Cluedo, Battleships, Trivial Pursuit…the list goes on. Or if you would prefer some on-screen action, then connect your old Xbox, PlayStation or Nintendo consoles for the likes of Mario Kart, Crash Bandicoot or SingStar.
Embrace your green thumb
The great outdoors are an important part of the Aussie way of life. So, if you’re feeling cooped up inside the house and are looking for a little slice of sunshine, then don your gardening gloves and head out into your garden – it’s time to get your hands dirty. Clear the weeds, remove any plant debris, fertilise the soil, and treat your garden to a little h2O.
Get crafty
Unleash your creative side! Whether it be restoration projects, papier-mâché or mindful colouring, embrace your flair for DIY and entertain yourself with some arts and crafts. Head to Pinterest for some great inspiration for Kmart and Ikea furniture hacks, or if you are looking to keep the little ones entertained, there are some awesome kids’ science experiments that you can do with the most basic household items.
Make a playlist
Take the coronavirus outbreak as an opportunity to curate some seriously good playlists. Create a chill-out playlist with mellow tracks, a workout playlist full of high energy beats, or a playlist to get you feeling motivated pre-coffee in the mornings. Otherwise, jump on to Spotify and enjoy some of the self-isolation playlist tunes that are already in circulation.
Self-love
Indulge in a little me-time and set yourself up for a day of pampering and self-care. Give yourself a DIY mani and pedi, put on a face mask, or enjoy a long, relaxing soak in the tub complete with bath salts, candles and the aforementioned chill-out playlist. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious in these uncertain times, a day of self-love may be exactly what the doctor ordered.
Take care of those odd jobs
We all have those odd jobs. You know the ones. They have sat in the back of your mind for months and you have all the right intentions of getting them done…eventually. The good news is, now is the time to mark them off your list. When was the last time you backed up your iPhone? Or washed your car? Cleaned your gutters? Sorted out old photos? Sold old items on eBay or Facebook Marketplace? You get the gist, now start ticking off those jobs.
Start a blog
Do you love writing? Or do you have a secret talent or passion that you’d love to share with the world? While you have some quality down time to spend with yourself and your trusty laptop, why not start a blog? Blogging is a great way to express yourself and have some form of creative outlet, and in 2020, more and more people are joining the blogging community! Talk about your travels, recipes, business ventures or fashion advice – the blogging world is your oyster!
Learn something new
The digital world means it has never been easier to learn something new. And if you’re choosing to self-isolate, why not try your hand at a new skill? Maybe you have always wanted to learn a new language, how to crochet, or take an online course that will help further your career? The online resources are endless. Plus, learning something new isn’t only educational, but it will help to take your mind off the external stresses of the world.
Connect with your loved ones.
Feeling lonely? Chances are you aren’t the only one. Social media, as well as apps like Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime and Houseparty have made it super easy to connect with your friends and family members, whilst keeping your social distancing measures in check. Checking in on your loved ones during this time is incredibly important to maintaining relationships (and keeping your sanity!). Schedule in video chats – whether it be with regular calls with grandparents, group exercise challenges or cracking open a bottle of wine with friends - connectedness is key for our mental health and wellbeing in times like these.
