Stuck at home for a while? Scrolling through social media and binging on Netflix can certainly bide some of the time, but there are only so many Office episodes (or Instagram stories) you can watch before the boredom sets in. Yawn.
For some variety, here are 10 ways you can fight those stir-crazy feelings and actually enjoy your home while you’re in it.
1. Have a Movie Marathon
Put that media room or home theater to good use. Ask each family member to pick a movie, and spend the day watching everyone’s all-time favorites. You could even do themed marathons (scary movies, animated films, musicals, etc.).
If
the weather’s nice (lucky you) consider taking the marathon to the backyard.
Set up a projector and screen, lay out some blankets or pull out the lawn
chairs, and watch a movie under the stars.
2. Catch Up on the Latest Best Sellers
Haven’t
had time to reach much due to the hustle and bustle of daily life? Now’s your
time to catch up. Check out the New York Times’ bestsellers
list, and pick one that piques your
interest. If you’re really feeling in the mood for some reading, commit to
working through the whole top 10.
Settle
into that study, reading nook, front porch swing, or even just a window seat,
and let your thoughts drift away from it all. (We could also use a little of
that right now!)
3. Get Active
Don’t let being housebound turn you into a couch potato. Take advantage of your yard, pool, home gym, or any other amenities you have. If you have a playscape, send the kids out for a spell and let them enjoy the sunshine. You could also set up obstacle courses, play fetch with the dog, or put on an exercise video and workout in the great outdoors.
4. Put on a Play With the Kiddos
Tap your creativity and stage a play with the whole family in your basement, game room, or playroom. Get the creative juices flowing and write up a quick script, add in a song or dance, and assign a role to everyone. If your kids are younger, a puppet show can be a great alternative. Just use some paper bags or old socks, make a few characters, and create a short story you can act out via FaceTime for long distance loved ones.
5. Have a Picnic on the Patio
You might be stuck eating whatever’s in the pantry, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun while you do it. Stock up the old picnic basket and take your meal to the yard, patio, or back porch. If your neighborhood has a local park, you could even take a nice evening stroll and dine there. Get creative and enjoy the outdoor amenities your community has to offer.
6. Get Hands-On
Now’s the perfect time to get crafty or do some handy work. Put that she shed or craft room to good use, and paint, draw, or sew something unique. You could also head to the man cave, basement, or garage and do some woodworking. Use the time to build that tool bench you’ve been wanting to do for years, or that doghouse Fido needs.
7. Learn a New Instrument
Enroll
in online music lessons through Fender or another reputable source, and start
honing your craft. You could even learn along with your spouse or kids to
really get the most out of your investment. Just make sure to do all your
practicing in the basement or that insulated media room, so you don’t disturb
the neighbors.
8. Have a Game Night
Dig out those old board games and make a night of it. Let every family member choose a game (or two) and make a tournament. Who will win? You could even have prizes for the first and second-place winners. If you have a large game room or dining area with table space, you could also work on puzzle as a family.
9. Bake a New Recipe — Or Make One Up
Look
through your recipe books (or let your kids do it) and pick a new recipe to
whip up. Maybe make a new dinner you’ve never tried or bake some cookies or
cupcakes. You could even bring out a variety of ingredients and try your hand
at making something up. Put on that apron and use that fancy chef’s kitchen and
double oven to its fullest!
10. Plant a Garden
If
you’ve got a green thumb (or even if you don’t), head outside and get to
planting. You could plant new flowers in your existing garden, add a tree or
two, or even start a vegetable or herb garden. If the weather isn’t so great,
indoor gardens can work, too (they just won’t increase your curb appeal).
Use This Time to Enjoy Your Home
If you find yourself at home for long stretches of time, use it to enjoy your space. You might not get a work-free, school-free chance to do it again — ever — so take this golden opportunity to unplug, unwind, and really soak it all in.
I’m a freelance writer and journalist from Houston, covering real estate, mortgage and finance topics. See my current work in Forbes, The Motley Fool, The Balance, Bankrate, New Home Source and The Simple Dollar. Past gigs: The Dallas Morning News, NBC, Radio Disney and PBS.