25 things to do to crush isolation
By Michele Barletta
With the stay-at-home order in place, one can find themselves with excessive amounts of time, but nothing to do with it. So, if the newest releases on Netflix just aren’t doing it for you, I’ve complied a list of 25 things that you can do at home to keep you busy, entertained and making the most of your time.
- DIVE INTO A BRAND NEW PODCAST
If you’re tired of watching the news, and that old music playlist just isn’t doing it for you, why not try listening to a podcast. Apple Podcasts and Google podcasts have loads of free podcasts available in a wide array of topics. You’ll be sure to find something you enjoy. - TAKE AN ONLINE COURSE THROUGH HARVARD
Harvard University has released a list of online courses they are offering for free during this global pandemic. What better way to spend your spare time than to complete a course from one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Take a look at whats on offer here. - GET OUT THE RUSTY DECK OF PLAYING CARDS
Check out a list of different card games you can play at home with your family in this article written by Abigail Kohlberg. - BAKE SOMETHING SWEET
Don’t be afraid to get a little messy and throw the apron on. There are tons of recipes online and tutorial videos on YouTube on how to bake your favorite dessert. - TAKE A LEAP INTO SOME CLASSIC LITERATURE
If you love to read, but you’ve already read all the books on your bookshelf twice, then head to the National Emergency Library where you can take your pick of the books on offer there, for free! - GET ACTIVE
If you’re missing the gym or simply just tired of lying around all day, check out YouTube to find a home workout video that appeals to you. - CREATE YOUR OWN QUARANTINE COCKTAIL
Get creative in the bar and experiment with different drinks to create your own quarantine drink, or just practice making your favorite so you can impress your friends with your freshly acquired bartending skills! Assuming you’re of age, of course. - LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE
Whether you’re planning a trip to a new country or simply just want to broaden your horizon’s and learn a new language, head over to Duolingo and choose from over 30 languages. - CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET AND DONATE
If you’re anything like me, you’ve still got clothes in your closet from years ago that haven’t seen the outside world in ages. Now’s the perfect time to clean it all out and donate your old clothes to those who might need them. - TRY OUT COLOR THERAPY
It’s believed that coloring in is a form of meditation that might help one relax and stay calm. Or, if the little ones in the family have started to draw on the walls, head to ‘justcolor‘ and download a free coloring in book. - HAVE A THEMED DINNER PARTY
Pick a theme and get everyone in the family to dress accordingly whilst enjoying music that sets the scene and food that keeps to the theme. Classic black tie? Or maybe something a little more creative like ‘a day at the beach.’ - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A NETFLIX DIGITAL PARTY
Watch your favorite shows with friends by using Netflix’s new watch party option. Click here to learn how to set it up. - TRY YOUR LUCK AT BECOMING TIK TOK FAMOUS
The latest social media craze involves videos of people dancing on Tik Tok. Download the app check it out, trying to learn the dances will certainly keep you occupied for a long time, and who knows, you could be the next social media celebrity! - PLAN YOUR NEXT GETAWAY
Just because you can’t travel anywhere for now, doesn’t mean you can’t plan for when you can. Use this time to find new places to explore, and plan that vacation down to the very last detail, it’ll definitely be one to remember. - LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE NOVEL FOR FREE
Audible has opened up a huge section of their library of audio books for everyone to listen to for free. Wether you want to listen to an old classic, or put something on to keep the little ones occupied, Audible has the answer. - RIDE A ROLLERCOASTER
Yes, you read that right. Although your hair might not flow in the wind, you can go on a virtual ride of some of the most famous thrill rides in the USA. Click here to visit a blog by ‘Time Out’ with a list of 10 rides you can go on. - PICK UP THE TOOLS AND CREATE SOMETHING PRACTICAL
You’d be surprised with what you can build using only the simplest of resources and tools. A piece of garden furniture or maybe something as simple as a picture frame. The internet is crawling with tutorials on how to make things like this. - HOST A HOUSE PARTY
Yes, you read that right too. ‘Houseparty‘ is an app that allows you to have a face to face group video call with your friends or family. There’s also different games you can play with your friends. It’s the perfect way to see everyone without, well, seeing everyone. - ROLL BACK THE YEARS AND WRITE A LETTER
In a time of technology and social media, why not take a break from that and pick up a pen and paper. Write a letter to a loved one and bring back the idea of a ‘pen pal.’ - CREATE YOUR OWN PODCAST
If number one on this list has inspired you to start your own podcast, you can find a number of free podcast platforms online, check out a popular one, ‘Podbean’ here. - WATCH CLASSIC SPORTS GAMES
There might be no sports on TV, but thanks to technology, you can watch highlights and full games of your favorite and some of the most iconic games in sporting history online. - UPDATE YOUR BUCKET LIST
The worst feeling is regret, and if we’ve learned anything from this pandemic it should be that nothing is guaranteed. With that being said, use this time to update your bucket list and add some things to it you really want to do before its too late! - PUT TOGETHER A CARE PACKAGE
Create care package for a loved one and send it to them or drop it off at their door step. Include their favorite snacks, DVD’s, books and even a letter. This is perfect for our older loved ones who might not be able to get to the shops, use this time to create a care package made up of the essential items and a whole lot of love! - CAMP OUT IN THE BACKYARD
Get the camping gear out, pack a bag full of snacks, and pitch the tent, right there in your backyard! - REWRITE THE STORY
Put on your favorite show, mute the volume, and create your own dialogue with your family members. This one will get the creative juices flowing and will definitely result in loads of laughter.
