A List of Things to Do at Home

My heart goes out to everyone who has to continue to work throughout this pandemic and to those who are dealing with lost wages.

While I don't want to bombard people with more messages and discussion around this issue - I thought I would throw up a list of suggestions for things to do to pass the time. Be well, and feel free to add more suggestions in the comments!

Play chopped with your fridge 

Choose a few ingredients from your fridge/pantry and put them together in innovate ways! You can do this solo or have your partner/roommate choose the ingredients for you.

Try a new recipe

I promise these are not all about food, but I love trying new recipes when I have a lot of time to kill. I tend to choose an ingredient or two that I already have and look up recipes using that ingredient. One of my favorite recipe sites is Minimalist Baker, and you can search an ingredient using the search bar! P.S. You can usually get away with ommitting/subbing non-essential ingredients, so don't feel like you need every single ingredient in a recipe (perhaps baking is an exception, look up mods if you need to). Just experiment and have fun!

Play a board game

Chances are you have a game or two hidden away! Pull them out and try something new. A few of my favorites are Ticket to Ride and Settlers of Catan.

Organize your drawers

We all have a drawer or two that could use a bit of love. Start with one, and go from there!

FaceTime your family and friends 

FaceTime is under-rated in my opinion! I FaceTimed my friend the other day who I typically see at least once or twice a week and it helped refill my social cup a little more.

Do yard work 

If the weather is nice during this time, it's a great time to tackle some spring projects. Pull those weeds that have begun popping up, mow the lawn, or get the garden prepped for Spring/Summer veggies!

Repot some plants 

Do you have some houseplants and some spare pots? Now might be a good time to pot up your houseplants and give them a little extra care and love.

Propagate a plant

Speaking of houseplants, it's a great time of the year to propagate plants. Each plant is a little different, so google your specific plant if you are unsure how to do this. But typically you can cut a little piece off and stick it in water until it sprouts a root or two - then transfer to a pot with soil. Where to cut depends on the plant, so double check this on the internet before proceeding! I love propagating philodendrons, monsteras, and snake plants.

Try a journal prompt 

I am not a natural journal person, but every time I do it I really enjoy it. There are tons of prompts available for free online, but one of my favorites (given to me by my therapist) is "If I really tell the truth, I...."

Give your dog a bath 

Obviously this applies to dog people, but perhaps you have a cat or another pet who also needs a bath :p

Write a letter/note to someone you love

I love hand-written letters, and what better time to make a card or write a letter to your love or your pal!

Watch a documentary

It's easy to get sucked into a show or binge a season of something, but you can switch it up by watching a documentary. It's fun to learn about a new topic!

Make yourself a cup of tea 

Do you also have a well stocked tea drawer? Now is the time to make yourself some tea. Highly recommend the calming varieties like chamomile and lavender.

Take a hot bath 

Every time I take a bath, I end up zoning out for an hour or two and it's the best. I especially love setting up some candles and low music. Such a nice time to be with yourself!

Do a face mask

Perhaps you have a face mask tucked away? Now is a great time to catch up on some self care!

Try a new make up tutorial 

I almost never do make up tutorials, but YouTube is full of them! Now might be the time to try and figure out that smokey eye or how to use a beauty blender...

Clean out your closet

Does your closet overwhelm you? Well, doing a deep clean is best reserved for a day where you can dedicate quite a few hours on it. I love the Marie Kondo method - take everything and put it on your bed. Only put it back in your closet if it sparks joy! Donate and sell the rest (only throw clothes away that are deeply used).

Deep clean your bathroom 

Perhaps I am a weirdo who loves cleaning, but I really do. I feel like I have been a bit behind lately, so I am hoping to tackle a couple of deep cleaning projects over the next couple of weeks.

Do an at-home workout or yoga video 

So many free resources nowadays to work out or do some gentle yoga at home. Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube is one of my personal faves!

Bake something from scratch 

Do you have an entire cupboard full of baking supplies? Now is the time to make a sweet treat and try something new :) I love this chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Make a list of everything you want to accomplish in the next 5 years 

Sometimes it helps me to think about the future instead of the present. It can give me something to look forward to and motivation to continue on. Think big AND small.

Research a new career

If you want a career change, now may be a good opportunity to research how to make that happen. I have quite a few friends who have done/are interested in coding and have taken on coding bootcamps. Perhaps you are in this camp as well? Now may be a good time to dedicate time to learning a new skill and research potential career opportunities.

Write a poem

Even a simple haiku will do!

Draw/paint/sew - be creative 

Remember to do something you love and that makes you happy. Even if you don't think you are very good at it!

Mend things in your closet 

That shirt you have with a hole in it? The cardigan with a missing button? Now is a good time to go through that stack!

Listen to podcasts / audio books 

I love true crime podcasts and non-fiction books and tend to listen to these while driving. However, you can listen while you do creative tasks or cleaning around the house!

Rearrange a room 

If you are tempted to online shop during this time, one alternative may be to rearrange a room with existing furniture instead. This can help breathe new life into a space that you have been quite bored with.

Make a gallery wall 

Often times when we hang art, we never move it again. But sometimes it's nice to take everything off and rearrange! Make a gallery wall or just switch things up.

Come up with a list of house projects you'd like to do (not necessarily for the immediate future, just in general) 

A few days ago, I came up with a list of a bunch of house projects I'd like to accomplish this year and suggested months to do each one. Some are simple like cleaning the garage, but some are quite exciting like building a breakfast nook!

Figure out a monthly budget 

This year is my first time doing a monthly budget, and it might be a good time to revisit your finances as well.

Make pasta from scratch 

I have never done this, but I have always wanted to try it. Will this finally be my time?

Try a new hobby?

Do you have a hobby you have tried but put away? Knitting, drawing, sewing? Now is a great time to pick it back up.

This list is not meant to be a to-do list but maybe a few items have struck your fancy! However, if you just want to lounge and relax 90% of the time, that is totally valid as well. I know I will be catching up on Love Island UK :)