We’ve been at this quarantine thing for a while now, and you might be starting to notice that your standard Netflix binge and puzzle party aren’t curing your boredom woes anymore (especially if you’re just rewatching The Office over and over again).
Boredom can feel impossible to escape. I won’t tell you to grow herbs, meditate, try adult coloring books, or organize your closet. We’re past that, it’s time to get creative. Here are ten activities you can do at home to add some spice to your day-to-day. The best part? You don’t have to change out of your sweats. Good luck and have fun!
Perfect your morning coffee.
Back when I was commuting, I would dump whatever grinds I had into my drip pot or grab a cup on the way to work. Now that I spend my mornings at home, I’ve really gotten into perfecting my morning coffee. For me, that has meant ordering small batches of delicious coffee beans, grinding them, using a moka pot, and even steaming the milk. Not only is this ritual calming, the first sip is always perfection.
Make candy.
I’m not talking about sprinkling chocolate chips on a spoonful of peanut butter (although very yummy!). Try making fudge or peanut brittle. The best part is you can gift some to neighbors or friends, lest you be forced to eat the whole thing yourself.
Feed people you don’t know.
If you have enough to eat, please make giveaway bags with nonperishable foods, masks, adhesive bandages and socks for people on the street. A little goes a long way, and this pandemic has hit a lot of people hard. For an added touch of empathy you could add a note with a positive quote or affirmation.
Level up your skincare routine.
From sheet masks to serums, there’s a lot you can do to amplify your beauty routine. My favorite addition to my regimen has been using a personal facial steamer. Not only is it relaxing, but it makes the products you use on your skin work better.
Learn how to read tarot cards.
Then, give your friends a virtual reading. Here’s an easy beginner’s guide.
Rethink your virtual get-togethers.
At the start of the pandemic, we were enjoying cocktails via Zoom. If you’re feeling like your screen sessions have gotten a tad mundane, try playing a game (you can still have the cocktails). Honestly, I’ve seen games of Bingo get pretty wild. Classic games like Checkers, Go Fish, Crazy Eights, etc. can be enjoyed via PlayingGames.io. The website allows you to select a card game, and invite as many people as you please. It’s also free and requires no spotty screen sharing.
Get creative with your photos.
If you’re like me, you have thousands, if not tens of thousands of photos in your phone. The art of making physical photo albums is fading. When I was growing up, special occasions or trips were turned into photo albums. Now it’s easier since you don’t have to drop off your camera at the store. Not into albums? You can upgrade a wall in your home with a photo project.
Make a cocktail.
Getting used to the familiar sound of twisting off a beer cap or popping a cork on a bottle of wine? Since we can’t frequent our favorite bar or lounge, or lament to our favorite bartender, the next best thing is to recreate these concoctions at home. No judgment if you put a tie on your furry friend and start gossiping.
Send a small, thoughtful gift to a friend.
Bonus, do it and support a small business at the same time. Extra credit, make it a monthly habit. The ripple effect of a gesture like this is insurmountable. During a time when we are all struggling, some silently, showing someone that you care or are thinking of them means a lot.
Read some humor writing.
Delight your mind with the writings of Jack Handey, or Samantha Irby. Laughter is good for the soul.
Naomi Oriol is a Customer Experience Specialist with over seven years in her profession. Her expertise include customer experience design, service recovery, quality and training, customer insights, self-service programs, leadership, and project management.
