50 Ways to Pass Time When Stuck at Home

Stuck at home and looking for something to do? It doesn’t matter if you’re social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic or just waiting out bad weather, we’ve got you covered. Below we have a list of things to help you get through each day while feeling healthy and productive.

Self-Care

When you’re not able to go to the gym or take care of yourself like usual it can be hard to keep up with self-care. One of the best things to do is make yourself a priority during this time. Do whatever it takes--a bubble bath, exercise, or just some alone time in your bedroom. Here are some ideas to help kick off your self-care routine while stuck inside.

1. Meditate

Meditation has you focus on a single object or thought to center on and clear your mind. You’ll find that your emotions are more stable and an overall sense of calmness after you’ve finished. There are guided meditation websites and audio recordings available like Headspace to help get you started toward your new sense of peace.

2. Journal

It can be hard to get through the day when you aren’t able to see friends and family. Journaling is one way to get thoughts out of your mind. Writing about what’s happening in your life can help you sort through your feelings and release them from your mind. If you’re looking for writing prompts try journaling about these topics:

• What am I grateful for?
• Who inspires me?
• Where do I want to be in 5 years?
• What am I most proud of?

3. Develop a Skin Care Routine

When you’ve got nothing but time on your hands try a new skincare routine. A face mask or new cleanser can waken up your skin and get you ready for a new day. There are lots of resources to check out online, find one that works for you and your skin type.

4. Take Time for Yourself

Whether you are constantly working, managing kids, or cleaning up after pets, it can be hard to find any time leftover. Try to carve out at least 20 minutes every day where you can do whatever it is you want to do. You’ll start looking forward to this precious time each day.

5. Get Dressed!

It can be comfy hanging out in your pajamas every day but it’s time to shower, put on your normal clothes, do your hair. Following your normal routine will get you in the right mindset for the day. You’ll feel more like your normal self and even be more productive throughout the day.

6. Try Self-Massage

Massage is a great way to care for yourself while you’re stuck at home. It releases good-feeling endorphins and soothes sore muscles. Try a massage chair, you can use it even while you’re working at your computer. A massage cane to reach specific spots on your back, neck, or other tough to reach spots.

Entertainment

Luckily, we live in a world full of entertainment...at our fingertips. Need some ideas on how to pass the time? Check out these entertainment ideas.

7. Watch Movies

Now is the perfect time to catch up on all those new movies you’ve wanted to watch. There are so many different ways to see movies digitally these days. Netflix, Prime Video (from Amazon), and Disney+ are all streaming services that offer a huge variety of movies. Have an Oscar night, where you watch all the winning Oscar movies. Maybe even dress up like you’re going to walk down the red carpet like the stars!

8. Board Games

Time to break out all those board games you’ve collected over the years. Monopoly or Clue are two great classic games that families and friends have been playing in their living room for years. Looking for something a little less intense? Try a kid’s game like Candyland.

9. Play Cards

Have you ever wanted to learn how to play Gin Rummy or Bridge? Well, now is the perfect time to learn. The classic card maker, Bicycle, has the instructions to all the classic card games and to fun ones like Crazy 8’s and Slap Jack.

10. Read a Book

When you’re stuck at home, picking up a book is one way to pass the time. If you don’t have access to a library or don’t want to wait for a book to be delivered you’ve got plenty of other options. One option is to read e-books. There are numerous sites like Scribd and Gutenberg or you can download the Kindle app. An audiobook is another great choice, especially if you are trying to pass the time while driving.

11. Do Puzzles

Here’s another idea that can pass the time but doesn’t take a lot of thought. Puzzles can be big or small and are incredibly satisfying once completed. Get one that depicts your favorite travel destination or a meaningful work of art.

12. See a Concert

Many of our favorite bands and singers are live streaming concerts or impromptu jam sessions. Google your favorite artist and see if you can have your own private concert in the comfort of your home. Looking for something new and different? Here’s a list from NPR with live concerts to check out.

13. Listen to a Podcast

You can listen to just about any topic on a podcast these days. There are podcasts on self-help, travel advice, parenting, DIY, and politics. You can stream podcasts on your smartphone, computer, or another device that has the internet. Popular places to listen to podcasts are through iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Make a playlist of your favorites to get you through the day, week, or month!

Health and Fitness

There’s no time like the present to get fit and healthy. Here’s a few ideas for you while you’re at home.

14. Try Yoga

Grab a yoga mat and turn on a yoga video to namaste your way through social distancing. Yoga will work your body and calm your mind. If you have little kids around try Cosmic Kids yoga classes. The instructor incorporates fun themes like Frozen, Super Mario, and more.

15. Resistance Training

Even when you are at home you can get a great resistance training workout. A set of resistance bands can go around your ankles, calves, or thighs to strengthen your lower body. Want resistance training exercise without even thinking about it? Put on a pair of wrist and ankle weights while you’re at home. Just wear them on as you go on with your day and you’ll get excellent resistance training without even trying.

16. Go For a Run or Walk

If you can get outside while maintaining proper distancing go for a walk or run. The fresh air will be great for your lungs and brain. If you can’t be outside don’t let that stop you from moving. Run in place or make a route within your home to walk to keep your body moving!

17. Home Workout

Staying at home can really dampen your workout routine. Search for a new workout on a free YouTube channel or stream workouts on Demand. Want something that doesn’t require a TV? A recumbent bike will get your heart rate up while staying at home, or try a pedal exerciser that takes up less space but still gets you moving. 

18. Support Your Mental Health

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Try meditation and if you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue it’s vital that you reach out to a therapist or your doctor. There are virtual therapy sites like TalkSpace that match you with a licensed therapist. Take the first step and connect with a therapist or doctor today.

Connect with Loved Ones

Being stuck at home can get rather lonely. Here are ways for you to connect with your family members and loved ones while you are apart.

19. Video Chat

There are so many different options out there for video conferencing and talking. Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, Houseparty, and Google Hangouts just to name a few. Set up regular times to talk to your friends and family to stay connected. It’ll be a nice break to see some faces you haven’t seen in a while.

20. Write a Letter

There’s something special about writing a letter that adds a more personal touch than email or text. If you’re stuck at home write a letter to connect to a friend. We bet they’ll love receiving a letter and having something to look back on when they think about this time in their life.

21. Call an Old Friend

How often do you actually call your friends instead of text? If you’re like us then not too often. Pick up the phone and call an old friend you haven’t talked to in a while. It’ll be nice to hear their voice and reminisce about when you were last together and maybe even plan what you’ll do next time you get together.

22. Start a Blog

A blog is a fun way to chronicle all the things happening while you are stuck at home. It’s a way to share stories, videos, and pictures for everyone to see. There are multiple free platforms ( Wix, Wordpress, Weebly) where you can get set up easily and fast. Share with your friends and family and we bet you’ll have a good-sized following in no time.

23. Start a Virtual Book Club

Use one of the video chat platforms we talked about above and start a virtual book club for you and your friends. Pick a book to read and meet with your book club once a week to talk about the book and connect with each other. Don’t forget to check e-books and audiobooks if you don’t have a hard copy.

Find a New Hobby

If you need something constructive to do while you’re at home then find a new hobby to pass the time. Here is a list of hobbies that can keep you busy.

24. Learn to Knit

Knitting can be intimidating at first but once you get started it can be a lifelong hobby. If you’re feeling adventurous, try arm knitting. You use your arms and hands to knit a scarf or even blanket with extra chunky yarn. It’s fun, quick, and fulfilling. Here is a YouTube video to show you exactly how to arm knit a scarf.

25. Practice Calligraphy

Looking for another way to be creative while spending time at home? Calligraphy is a beautiful way to write using art techniques. It takes time and patience but once you get the hang of it you’ll be able to make beautiful pieces in no time. Check out this beginner’s guide to modern calligraphy. 

26. Cook a New Recipe

When you’re hungry but can’t go out to restaurants, it's time to try a home cooked meal. Sit down each and make a plan for each meal for the week. When you plan your meals ahead of time you tend to eat healthier and grocery shop more efficiently. Get your family involved in the meal planning and try new recipes to keep everyone excited about the process.

27. Learn an Instrument

Have an old instrument laying around your house? Pick it up and learn (or relearn) how to play it. It’ll be a fun way to pass the time and learn something new. Udemy is a website that has courses on almost everything, including all sorts of instruments. Find a course for your instrument and you’ll be on your way to learning Beethoven or ACDC in no time.

28. Learn to Edit Pictures

So many pictures and so little time to sort and edit them. Until now. Use this time to go through all those photos on your phone and computer. Organize them into folders and edit the important ones. It’s a time-consuming process that you will definitely appreciate after it’s done.

House Projects

Stuck at home? Time to do all the house projects you’ve wanted to but never had time for.

29. Paint Your Walls

If you work from home and are getting tired of the paint color on your walls then pick up a paintbrush and make a change. Try a new color on your walls or get extra bold and put up wallpaper. Pinterest is full of color suggestions and many paint stores will do curbside pick up of paint if you call-in your order.

30. Rearrange Furniture

Cabin fever getting you down? Need a change at home but don’t want to spend any extra money? Try rearranging your furniture for a new look without the cost of redecorating. Swap in items from other rooms to give your space a new feel. It’s amazing how a few adjustments in your space can make it feel completely different.

31. Organize Your Home

Another way to spruce up your home is to clear out your closets, basement, or wherever else you have junk piling up. Pick one spot and clear it out and organize it. When you focus your efforts on a single space from start until finish you’ll accomplish more and hopefully be motivated to keep doing it.

32. Make Wall Art

Have you ever seen a large piece of abstract art and thought, “I can do that.” Well, now is the time to bring out your inner artist and make it happen. Grab a large canvas from an art and craft store, your paint brushes, and paint. Over at ApartmentTherapy they are showing you how to create these amazing pieces to display in your home.

33. Plant a Garden

Most people think they need a large plot of land to plant a vegetable or flower garden. But with just a single pot you can grow tomatoes or flowers. Seedlings can be bought at a garden store or even ordered online. Place the pot with the soil and little plant in your yard or near a window if you don’t have access to green space. Soon enough you’ll be able to reap the fruits of your labor.

34. Deep Clean

There’s nothing like a COVID-19 pandemic to make you want to deep clean your home. Similar to organizing, we recommend picking one spot and deep cleaning it before you move on to another area. If you want to be really focused, assign a day to each area of your home. Monday is for bathrooms, Tuesday is your kitchen, and so forth. This will keep you on task and your home in tip-top shape.

35. Donate Clothes

As you organize your closet, pull out the clothes and shoes that you don’t regularly wear to donate. The KonMari method of removing items that don’t bring you joy is a popular program to help you determine what you should and shouldn’t keep. Your closet will feel renewed once you clear out all the clutter.

Education

Want to better yourself while you’re stuck at home? Check out these educational opportunities.

36. Go To Harvard

Since you’re stuck at home you can’t actually go to Harvard University but you can take a free online course from the school. Harvard has 64 free online courses available to the public. There are all sorts of classes offered, anything from game development to ancient Egyptian art. We bet you’ll find one that piques your interest.

37. Learn a New Language

Learning a new language takes time and consistent practice. Now that you are stuck at home take that time to learn a new language. One fun and effective language learning program is Duolingo. They offer 35 languages for English speakers. With practice, you’ll be greeting friends and family in French. Bonjour!

38. Discover Your Ancestry

Do you know a little bit about your family’s ancestry but would love to learn more? Check out one of the many ancestry websites to learn where your great grandmother originated from. Maybe you always thought you were Italian but turns out you’re Lebanese instead! Websites like Ancestry and MyHeritage offer free trials to get you started.

39. Learn How To Code

Coding, or computer programming, is a part of many students’ school curriculum but something that most adults know nothing about. Catch up with your younger counterparts and learn how to code while you’re stuck at home. There are online courses that use fun games to teach to problem solve like a real programmer.

40. Visit Travel Destinations Virtually

Just because you can’t travel it doesn’t mean you can’t see some of the world’s most stunning sights. On Google Arts & Culture you can check out museums in France or the Colosseum in Rome. Plan your next getaway while perusing these sites.

Fun Activities

Being stuck at home doesn’t have to be boring. Here are some fun activities to help you pass the time!

41. Have an Indoor Picnic

An indoor picnic is a fun way to eat lunch or any meal. Lay down a blanket, grab a basket full of snacks and sandwiches, and enjoy the change of pace. It won’t be the same as going to a park but when you can’t leave your house it’s important to change up things a little bit!

42. Order Take-Out

When restaurants aren’t open for dine-in or you just can’t make it to a restaurant pick up your phone and order take-out. You’ll be supporting a small business and having a delicious meal that you didn’t have to cook.

43. Color

Coloring isn’t just for kids anymore! Grab your colored pencils, markers, or even crayons and get started. There are tons of coloring books geared for adults on the market or check out the New York Academy of Medicine Library and their #ColorOurCollections. They offer free coloring sheets from libraries and museums from around the world.

44. Chalk Drawings

If you live somewhere with sidewalks or a driveway then this idea is perfect for you. Just like coloring on paper, drawing with chalk can be a great stress release. Write positive messages or even a hopscotch for people who walk by. It’ll be a nice break for you and those people who see your message.

45. Get on Social Media

If you are one of the few people that haven’t logged onto Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter it’s time to make an account and find your friends. When you’re stuck at home it’ll be a great way to connect with everyone and see what the world has been up to. Feel like dancing? Try TikTok!

Be a Good Human

Now is the perfect time to help out others. Here are some ideas for you to try.

46. Support Local Businesses

Local businesses are likely hurting the most when their customers aren’t able to shop in their stores. Instead of placing an Amazon order, see if one of your local businesses deliver or has a curbside pick up that you can use. If that doesn’t work out, buy a gift card if you are in a position to do so.

47. Reach Out To Elderly Neighbors

When society is required to stay inside it’s the most vulnerable populations that are at the highest risk. Call your elderly or homebound neighbors to see if they need help with groceries or other necessities. Your small gesture can make a huge impact. Know multiple people that would like to help out? Coordinate a SignUp to help organize volunteers.

48. Donate Blood

Blood centers are always in need of donors, especially during difficult times. If you are a healthy adult and aren’t too squeamish around needles, call your local blood center to set up a time to donate. Your one donation will help multiple people in serious need of blood, plasma, and platelets.

49. Give To Food Pantries

Do you have a local food pantry that is looking for donations? Feeding America is a national organization that can help you find your local food bank and coordinate a drop off. Check out your canned goods and take some to donate. If you aren’t able to donate food, many food pantries will take monetary donations. Check out their website or call for more information.

50. Listen To Friends and Family

It's easy to feel lonely when stuck inside. Make a point to check in with your friends and family to see how they are doing. Listen to their concerns. A familiar voice on the phone may be just what they needed at that moment.

Staying Busy While You Are Stuck At Home

When you are stuck at home it’s hard to not miss your friends, family, and the lifestyle that you once led. But you don’t have to let a quarantine get in the way of finding fun things to do to keep you active and healthy. Our list has plenty of ideas to get you moving, ways to keep in touch with loved ones, and even how to take classes at Harvard! We hope that you find the silver lining to being stuck at home and learn something new along the way.