12 Fun Things to Do at Home
When I’ve had an especially busy week, all I want to do on the weekends is stay home and relax. And if the weather is cold, it’s the perfect time to “hygge,” which is the Danish philosophy that is centered around being cozy and comfortable. Lighting scented candles that smell like cinnamon buns fresh out of the oven, wearing chunky cable-knit sweaters, sipping on hot cocoa by the fireplace, and curling up with my dogs while watching my favorite rom-coms on repeat are some of my favorite things to do when I’m practicing hygge at home—especially on a cold day.
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But what about when you’re stuck at home for longer periods of time? Whether you’re working from home these days or engaging in social distancing, you may start to feel a little stir-crazy at times. Fortunately there are plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained, new hobbies you can try, and tasks that you can accomplish—all without leaving the house. Check out these 12 fun things to do at home:
1. Finish that book you started.
If you’re like me, you have numerous books (Christmas gifts, impulse buys and such) that you’ve been meaning to read all of these years, but instead they’ve just collected dust. Now is the time to get started, not to mention that reading a good book is the perfect escape—especially when you need a distraction. Bonus points if you have a pool, backyard with a hammock, or comfy chair next to a window where you can snuggle up with your latest read.
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2. Binge-watch your favorite shows and movies.
With Netflix and all of the other streaming services out there, you have access to literally thousands of shows and movies at your fingertips. From stand-up comedy specials and documentaries on wild animals to being able to watch entire seasons upfront without having to wait for weekly episodes to air, you’ll never have a shortage of entertainment options. The only challenge? Trying to actually decide what you want to watch instead of trailer-hopping…
3. Get creative in the kitchen.
If you’re trying to avoid eating out or ordering in, now is the time to start refining those cooking and baking skills in the kitchen! You can find just about any recipe you’re looking for online—and if you need extra guidance, YouTube has countless cooking shows and tutorials that’ll break it down step-by-step, showing you how to make anything from “brookies” (brownie cookies) to homemade kombucha.
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4. Play games.
If you’re at home with friends or family, let your competitive streak shine while you all gather around to play Monopoly, Yahtzee—or if you’re feeling extra risqué—Cards of Humanity. If you’re hanging solo, you can opt to play games like Scrabble online, either against a robot or with other people. Other options include various video games, or travel to another dimension with virtual reality gaming.
5. Indulge in some self-care.
Treat yourself to some much-needed self-care time, such as soaking in a relaxing bubble bath, doing a face or hair mask, listening to some relaxing music, or giving yourself a mani & pedi. Or better yet, turn the day into an at-home spa session and do all of the above…
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6. Work out.
Just because you’re hanging out at home doesn’t mean you can’t work up a sweat! If you have a pool, swim some laps. Take the dog for a brisk walk around the neighborhood or grab a yoga mat and enjoy a relaxing session from the comfort of your own living room! With online exercise classes and YouTube workouts just a click away, it’s easy to stay in shape without having to go to the gym.
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7. Clean and get organized.
If you’ve been putting off various household projects like organizing your closet and going through old stuff, make your time at home productive by getting started on these various tasks, which will help improve your daily life. Having a clean, organized house will help you feel calmer and more relaxed—not to mention that it can help remove stagnant energy.
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8. Host virtual hangouts with friends and family.
If you’re missing human interaction but can’t see your loved ones due to distance or other factors, schedule a group video chat or call so you can all catch up with one another. Start a fun group text chain with your friends, or if you want more one-on-one time with a certain someone, pick up the phone and give them a call.
9. Find a creative outlet.
We all have hobbies that we either enjoy doing in our spare time or want to pursue, but we often don’t have the time for them. While hanging out at home, you can work sharpen your skills or pick up a new favorite activity—be it painting, creative writing, playing the guitar, and so forth. It’s a great way to keep yourself busy and pass the time, not to mention that you just might discover a hidden talent!
10. Enjoy quality time with your pets.
Our furry friends are our most loyal companions and are always happy to see us, so you can imagine Fido’s excitement when he discovers that he gets to spend the entire day with you! Whether it’s extra treats, a walk or fetch, be sure to enjoy spending some quality time together. Besides, is there anything better than snuggling under the covers with your pet? We didn’t think so.
11. Get some rest.
Healthy adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night to function at their best, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of American adults aren’t getting enough sleep on a regular basis. Sleeping fewer than seven hours is associated with an increased risk of developing chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other negative factors. If you don’t have to get up early, take advantage of the opportunity to sleep in a little later. If you can, go to bed early. Indulge in an afternoon nap so you’ll feel extra refreshed.
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12. Find ways to help others.
If you still feel bored and are at a loss for things to do, think of ways you can help others. Research charities and other organizations that you can donate to or see how else you can be of help. Check on your elderly neighbors to see if they need anything—it’s amazing how even a simple plate of freshly baked cookies or a sweet note can change someone’s day for the better.
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk