What to Do When You’re Stuck Inside

The last couple of weeks have been pretty interesting around the world. Most people are self-quarantining due to COVID-19. By day 2, the memes had surfaced and people were going stir crazy trying to think of things to do while stuck inside their house. As of right now, Jon and I still have to work since our jobs are deemed necessary, but on the weekends I like to keep busy, so I tried to come up with a list of boredom killing activities to hopefully spark some creativity and inspiration for all of us. So, whether you’re stuck inside due to self-isolation or some nasty weather, I hope this post gives you some ideas on what to do to entertain yourself and keep your spirits up.

1. Bake/cook something new

Having to stay indoors is a perfect time to try out something that maybe you’ve always wanted to do but never found the time. For me, it was trying my hand at making croissants. Now, I believe the traditional way takes over 2 days (at least the recipes I found mentioned “refrigerate overnight” at least twice), and let’s be honest – yes I may be stuck inside for the weekend, BUT I do have to work on Monday, and I want to actually enjoy my flaky and buttery croissants the same day I make them.  I managed to find a cheater recipe of sorts for delicious croissants that only take 5 hours to make (it’s still a commitment, people). The description on Pinterest promised words like “easy” and “simplified”, and let me tell you, friends, that was right up my alley after bracing myself for a multi-day test of patience and delayed gratification. So, without further ado, click here for the “easy” and “simplified” croissant recipe that I used.

2. Break out the board games

When I was younger, my family use to do Friday Game Nights. It was something we looked forward to all week. On Friday evening, after dinner, my mom would break out some “TGIF cookies”, which consisted of vanilla frosting slathered between two small square sections of a graham cracker and popped into the freezer for 15 minutes. I remember them being so yummy. It’s the simple things when you’re little, right? Then we’d gather in the living room with the game of choice and spend the evening with the family, laughing and having a good time. Unless it’s Monopoly, of course. Then the living room becomes WWIII and all bets are off until we’ve finished and are all friends again. No matter what game decide on, the act of gathering the family together to play a game is a wonderful way to spend quality time together with the people you love.

3. Read a book

Reading is often something that a lot of people want to do but rarely have the time between going to work, running errands, taking care of the kids, and life in general. During these days when we’re stuck inside the house and not being able to know what’s going to happen from one day to the next – I believe that the magic in a book, the same magic that can cheer us up when we are sad or transport us to another time and place, is just what we need. If you need any book recommendations, check out this post for some upbeat spring reads, or if you’re in the mood for some nail-biting mystery books like I currently am, see my suggestions below.

I think I’m going to title this section “Mystery March”. I know, I know, its cliché and unoriginal but all the books I’m feeling right now are in the mystery genre, so we’re just going to go with it. Here are a few books that I’m putting on my “to read” shelf these next few weeks:

1. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
Click here for the Good Reads description.

2. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
Click here for the Good Reads description.

3. The Spy Wore Red by Aline, Countess of Romanones
Click here for the Good Reads description.

4. Binge on a new series

A word of caution on binge-watching: you may not emerge to the real world until the next day…or week (speaking from personal experience here). But honestly, what better time to binge than when you’re stuck inside – whether it’s because of quarantine or horrid weather. Jon and I recently finished The Mandalorian via Disney+, and we both now have a full-on obsession with Baby Yoda. SO. CUTE. I’m not sure how we’re supposed to wait until this fall for the next season. So, grab a fluffy blanket, cozy up on the couch, and find a new movie or show to watch.

5. Try out a new hobby

What better time to start that novel you have tumbling around in the back of your mind? How about learning photography or taking a free online class? Maybe learn a new language or teach yourself how to knit a blanket. Find a new (or old) passion of yours and take the extra time to dive into it.

I use to draw a lot as a kid. Every year, I’d enter my drawings in the school competition. My favorite style was monochromatic pencil drawings, and my creativity thrived with a pencil in my hand. Lately, though I’ve been drawn to the softness of watercolors. So, I ordered up some beginner paints and paper and got to work. Art is therapeutic to me, and it’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Although if art’s not your thing, then why not get your hands dirty and do some gardening? The possibilities are endless!

• 

• 

• 

• 

Plant something, create something, DO something that brings you joy and makes you smile. Think of a hobby that you’d like to try out and jump right in. There are so many free resources out there as well to teach you different techniques in whatever hobby you choose (I’ve found that YouTube can teach you just about anything).

6. Travel the world

I know, I know. The title of this post is literally, “What to do When You’re Stuck Inside”, but did you know you could travel the world and tour multiple museums and zoos right from the comfort of your couch? This is a great idea – especially if you have kids stuck at home. Below are some places that you can visit from your computer screen. Just click on the name and it will take you on your virtual tour!

1. The Louvre, England

2. The Sistine Chapel, Italy

3. Van Gogh Museum, Netherlands

4. The Great Wall of China, China

5. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington D.C.

6. The British Museum, London

7. NASA – Both Virginia’s Langley Research Center and Ohio’s Glenn Research Center offer online tours for free.

8. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

9. San Diego Zoo, California

10. National Aquarium, Maryland

These are just some of the places you can go. Why not “travel” somewhere new each day?

7. Write a letter

In a day and age when everyone is just one text away, an actual paper letter delivered by post can be a bit of a rarity. I always felt like a handwritten letter was so much more special and personal than a text message or email. No one I know prints out text messages and saves them in a shoebox – but I do know that many people save letters written to them by loved ones. It’s something that takes maybe ten minutes but is so unique and thoughtful. You can even buy some cute stationery and practice your calligraphy if you really want to challenge yourself.

I hope this post gives you some ideas of activities to do while you are stuck inside. I hope it inspires you to do something new and have fun while doing it. Maybe you will even learn something new about yourself. If you have any other ideas of things to do, drop a comment so we can all read it!