20 Fun things to do during self-isolation or quarantine

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The outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted us all in one way or another. Everyone all around the world is feeling the impact of this virus and are taking measures to hope it doesn’t keep spreading. Since a large majority of the world is either in self-isolation or quarantine and probably feeling a bit stir crazy, I wanted to share a list of fun things to do during this time. Although I can’t help you get outside and back to work I can hopefully help ease your stressful and stir crazy feelings and enjoy being home a little more. 🙂

Below are 20 of my favorite things to do during my time at home. If you have any to add to my list then leave a comment below because I would love to hear!

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1. Exercise!

You may be going stir crazy, so, if you are able to leave your home, going for a walk or jog is wonderful. You will have alone time, feel the sun and can breath in fresh air.

Since I live in the woods the roads by my house are very quiet so me being outside will not affect anyone. But if you live in the city or a more heavily populated place and don’t feel comfortable going outside then try some of these other tips.

2. Meditate

Mediation helps reduce stress and there are so many apps that help make meditation enjoyable! If you are able to sit outside in the sun, in the grass, or on your balcony, breath in the nice air (hopefully) and relax.

3. Watch Netflix

Here is a list of great shows/ movies which are perfect for passing time- Screenshot and save to your camera roll to reference.

TV shows

• Gossip Girl
• Grey’s Anatomy
• Zumbo’s Just Desserts
• Arrow
• The Flash
• Gracie and Frankie
• Great British Baking Show
• The Crown
• Glee
• The Office
• Vampire Diaries
• The Originals (Sequal show to Vampire Diaries)
• Once Upon A Time
• Criminal Minds
• Victorious
• That 70’s Show
• Supernatural
• Jane The Virgin
• Young and Hungry
• New Girl
• The Walking Dead
• Sherlock
• H20
• Andy Griffith Show
• Sugar Rush
• Riverdale
• Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
• I am a Killer
• Amazing Interiors
• The Fosters
• The OA
• The Good Place
• Call the Midwife
• Secret Food
• Inside the Criminal Mind

Movies

• He’s Just Not that Into You
• Monster in Law
• Hook
• Hitch
• Burlesque – one of my favorite movies!
• My Girl
• National Treasure
• Lord of the Rings (only last two movies are on Netflix)
• Back to the Future part III (only last movies on Netflix)
• As Good As It Gets
• The Ugly Truth
• I Don’t Know How She Does It
• What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
• Marvel Movies
• Marry Poppins Returns
• Love, Rosie
• To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
• The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas
• The Cat in the Hat (not the cartoon one but the one with real people)
• Some Kind of Beautiful
• The Spectacular Now
• When We First Met
• Spy Kids
• Tinker Bell Movies
• Anna Karenina
• Sex and the City 2
• Judy Moody movies
• The Princess Switch (Christmas movie)
• How The Grinch stole Christmas
• No Kiss List
• Failure to Launch
• A Family Man
• Valentine’s day
• Like Father

4. Use this time to catch up on some reading

Reading is a lot of fun especially if you’ve got a good book. May I suggest, the Harry Potter Series, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Twilight Series, the Good Earth (10/10 read)! or if you’re looking for a challenge, my all time favorite book, Great Expectations by Dickens, or his other equally enjoyable books.

Related posts:

My favorite summer reads

5. Do yoga indoors/outdoors

Yoga, much like meditation will relax and help de-stress. Yoga outdoors or indoors is great! And a big plus is the outfits are cute. Check out alo yoga for cute fits.

6. Plan your winter vacation.

Sadly all vacations are being put on a hold for the time being but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan a Winter getaway or early Spring 2021 travel!

Check out some of my travel guides:

Summer Vacation of a budget- the best places to travel for a dime

Tips & tricks for easy stress free traveling during the holidays

10 best places to visit this summer

Travel diary hiking in the adirondacks

The best places to travel this summer

My block island vacation travel diary

7. Do some work

Just because you are not able to work at your job doesn’t mean you can’t work around your yard/house. I find it helpful to make a list of chores: sweeping, disinfecting, gardening, (post on early spring gardening tips) spring cleaning, organizing, rearranging your rooms, or decorating, here is a great post on making the most out of small spaces in your home.

Spring cleaning posts on my blog:

Spring-cleaning 101- clean the right way -the clean way

Spring tidying using bins 101- organize with style

Spring cleaning done right- tips tricks

Early start to spring don’t fall behind

8. Get a jump start on Spring planting

Now is the perfect time to start preparing your garden for Spring! Use my guide here to get started!

9. Bake more

Baking is another great way to pass time. Use my ‘recipes’ tab at the top of my blog to find tons of delicious dishes to make during your time off! I share gluten-free, vegan, paleo, raw vegan, and healthy recipes so everyone from all lifestyles can ENJOY! 🙂 This is also a fun activity the whole family can do, or facetime with loved ones and bake with them!

Here is a taste of a few of my recipes:

Paleo apple pie

Gluten-free & Dairy-free Banana Bread {GF, DF} – The BEST bread EVER!

Raw vegan carrot cake

Healthy, gluten-free and vegan thai chicken pasta

The best gluten free, dairy-free, vegan potato salad ever

The best paleo almond butter chocolate chip cookies- soft & gooey {gf,df, paleo, healthy, flourless}

10. Make crafts / Color

Make some DIY decor for the upcoming seasons. Check out my ‘decor’ tab at the top of my blog for some inspiration! You need very little materials and can create some beautiful decorations!

Or bring out the old coloring book and fill in those blank pages with some beautiful colors.

Here’s a taste of a few of my DIY posts.

DIY Spring Home Decor

Spring has sprung – DIY DECORATIONS

DIY Spring and Summer decor

Egg cellent easter decor

11. Facetime/ Video Chat with those you love

It’s especially important during this time to stay connected with your loved ones. Facetime or video chatting is a great way to catch up, stay connected, and increase the level of connection. Chat while you’re making dinner, bake together, play puzzles or games, enjoy a cup of tea during your talk, or sit outside in the sun and catch up.

12. Bring out the puzzles

Puzzles are a fun game to play with the whole family and keep everyone connected. They are also a fun way to pass time and keep your mind SHARP!!

13. Family game night

Much like working on a puzzle together, playing games with those in your house is another great activity to partake in.

14. Do all the things you’ve been putting off

Chances are there is a long list of things you have been putting off due to being crammed with work, being tired, or simply not enough time. Well now is the perfect time for you to catch up on those tasks. Then it’s one less thing to stress about.

15. Cuddle with your Pets

Have fun with your pets in the yard, going on walks (if safe) and playing games. Your pets are also the best partner to bring with on your jogs. You’re also not the only one feeling couped up, chances are most pets are experiencing similar feelings. Bringing them outside to play, whatever the activity, is the perfect mental break for you and them!

16. Enjoy spending time with the family

I know it’s probably hard because of how close quarters everyone is and spending 24/7 with them, but try to enjoy this time because next thing you know it will be over and everyone will be back to their work. Use this time to have fun, play games, watch movies, cook together, family walks or runs, go hiking, garden together, or clean the house. This time in isolation doesn’t have to be annoying, find the fun with those you love!

17. Stay fit mentally and physically

I understand how tempting it is to eat all of the food you have stocked up, but resit. Instead of sitting on the couch all day, use this time to stay fit, you certainly have it. But not just physically fit but also mentally healthy. Take care of yourself. Meditate, relax, have an at home spa day, do things you love that make you feel good, then you can have a small bowl of ice cream at night. I know I am 🙂

Related posts:

Lazy girl hacks to help you loose weight

New Year New Diet- tips, tricks, workout plans

11 easy ways to fit exercise health into your hectic life

How to stay active this summer – 11 awesome and fun ways

Helpful life hacks- from saving money to getting ready quicker

10 homemade and healthy pizza recipes

18. Make a restaurant meal at home

Every Friday I used to go out to eat with family but now everything is closed by me. So, instead of just skipping my fancy meal, I’m making it at home! You can easily re-create your favorite fancy dishes on your at home stovetop and serve to the family for your weekly restaurant fix. Check out the ‘recipes’ tab on the top of my blog for some recipe inspiration! 🙂

Here is a taste of what I offer:

Date night at home menu

Gluten free date night dishes-breakfast, lunch, dinner

Summer grilling recipes-paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan options

19. Camp out under the stars

If you have a tent, sleeping bag (if needed), and a light then you have everything you need to camp outside for the night or a few and enjoy the beautiful spring air. Fall asleep under the stars and wake up to the birds chirping and the fresh spring smell. Also, your neighbors will be thinking what in the world are they doing! 🙂

20. Journal or create a blog!

Start Journaling daily, write story? Or, if you’re feeling even more adventurous, create a blog! Use this time to have fun and take up a new hobby.

Looking to create a blog? Use my link here to get started! Or if you’re not looking to start a blog, how about a platform to sell your products from? I have you covered! Use my link here to get started with opening your very own online store!

Have any to add to my list? Leave a comment below!

Thanks for reading today’s post. I hope everyone stays safe!