41 Things To Do in Quarantine

We are living in strange times.  Perhaps (hopefully) the strangest times we will ever see in our lives.  All of a sudden our busy, busy world is at a virtual standstill and a large part of us now have time on our hands as we social distance.  As much as we have craved free time or fantasized about what we would do if we had it, some of us are finding ourselves at lose ends and overwhelmed.
  
So, I have thrown together a list of 41 activities to help fill the hours,  hopefully give you with some happy memories, and help you do some self care during this scary time.  

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1.  Start a journal.  This is one I began almost as soon as we went into quarantine and I have really enjoyed.  I’m hoping that one day my kids (who may not remember the details) or grandkids will value it.  I hope that one day I get to look back on it from better days! 
You can grab one like this on Amazon --->>> Soft Cover Journal​

2. Prayer.  Even if it’s been a long time since God heard from you.  He’s listening. Get quiet and spend some time with Him.
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3. Write an “old school” letter to friends and family.  Grab some great stationary here --->>> Hallmark Stationary 

​4.  You know all of those recipes on Pinterest we pin but never have time to make?  Now’s the time. If you can, find a few that use ingredients you already have to minimize grocery trips.

​5.  Clean out your email box.  Get rid of the junk. Set up folders.  Get rid of the thousand emails listing every single company’s response to
COVID-19.

6.  Find a great workout video on YouTube and do it.  We’ve all got to fight the Quarantine 15 from stress and boredom eating.  I'm fighting this battle hard y'all.  The stress eating is REAL.

7.  Listen to your favorite music.  Bonus points if you crank it loud, recruit your family and have a dance party.

8.  Host a prayer meeting online.  My husband has been doing this within our church’s volunteer facebook  group and it has been a blessing! Zoom is a great tool for this - available in your app store.


9.  Paint.  Since I also own a painting company this is a go-to therapy for me.  Paint a canvas. Paint a room. Paint furniture. Something about the easy transformation is good for the soul.  Here’s a link for a great set of acrylics--->>> Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set

Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash

10.  Read a book. The NY public library is offering thousands available for down​load. Visit their website here ---->>>https://www.nypl.org/
11.  Play a board game.  Dust off that old game in the back of the closet and give it a go.  I’ve played more games with my family in the last few days than in my whole life combined.  This one is a favorite in our family --->>>Apples to Apples Board Game
12.  Plan a scavenger hunt in your home.  It doesn’t have to be just for kids either!  Get creative!

13.  Take a bubble bath.  Now’s the time to break out any “good stuff”.  Use your bath bombs, salts, oils, anything you have been saving for a special occasion. Light a candle, play some music, and relax.  

14.  Download the Duolingo app and spend some time learning a new language!  

15.  Set up a video chat with or call someone who is quarantined alone.   If you are alone - stay connected!

16.  Watch the Cinncinnati Zoo’s live broadcasts!  Make sure to catch the one with Fiona the Hippo.  Cuteness overload. Link here --->>>At Home Safari

17.   Work a puzzle.  Pair it with music for a great “time out”. Here’s a gorgeous one on Amazon --->>>> Puzzle for Adults 1500 Pieces
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18.  Host an online book club or coffee chat with friends.  Zoom or Google Hangouts is perfect for this!  I've got one in the works for Jen Hatmaker's latest book!

19.  Want to go to Disney World?  Me too. Even though we can’t actually enjoy the magic in person we can take virtual ride on all of our favorites on YouTube.  Start your virtual vacation here: Virtual Disney World

20.  Non-profit and charity organizations are going to feel the pain of this too.  Take some time to research some that you have interest in and even email them about volunteer opportunities after this is over.  Financial gifts as you are able will be appreciated too! Here’s a great place to start: Volunteer Match

21.  Take a nap.  Self explanatory.  I mean, if there has EVER been an excuse for day napping this is it. Nap lovers rejoice at this guilt free opportunity! Amen! 

Photo by Zohre Nemati on Unsplash

22.  Binge your all time favorite TV series from beginning to end.  No guilt. Go for it. Yes Netflix, I’m still watching. 

23.  Give yourself a manicure and pedicure.  We will appreciate our cosmetologists and nail techs when they come back but for now paint those tootsies in that bold color you think you won't wear in public.  Electric blue - yes and amen. 

24.  Watch an online church service.  Right now we have this amazing opportunity to “visit” other churches and hopefully our own.  There are worship opportunities like never before right in your home. My personal favs are Victory Church:  WATCH HERE  and Elevation Church: WATCH HERE  and the Potter’s House with TD Jakes: WATCH HERE

25.   CAUTION: DO NOT CUT BANGS.    This is a BAD activity idea. 

26.  Teach your kids, your spouse, or yourself how to cook.  Make a meal together, set a “fancy” table, get dressed and go “out” to dinner together.

27.   Read your Bible.  If there was ever a time to pick up the instruction book to life...it’s right now.  Do it. Be blessed.  If you don't have one there are tons of great apps to get the Word right on your phone. 

28.  Write a thank you card or letter and mail it to your favorite healthcare provider, grocery store clerk, gas station attendant, delivery driver, or first responder.  They need encouragement.  

29.  Take a walk.  Socially distanced in a non-populated area.  Breath fresh air and clear your mind. A little exercise right now is so important.  My dog is getting tons of walks and living his best life.

30.  Organize that closet, drawer, or cabinet you have been cramming stuff in and putting off.  I’m preaching to myself here - just get it done. 

31.  Bake something yummy.  Added bonus: your house will smell yummy.  We can’t find sliced bread at our stores right now so we are baking our own.  I’m not even a baker (not even close) but I’m loving this. Also, my bread doesn't look nearly as good as this picture. 

Photo by Rebecca Matthews on Unsplash

32.  Watch old home movies, look at old pictures, or just go through the hundreds of photos on your phone.   

33.  Watch a free concert online.  Tenth Avenue North did a fantastic one here---->>> Tenth Avenue North Free Facebook Concert

34.  Get some sidewalk chalk or similar (order online, don’t rush to a store right now) and write a message or draw a picture on your driveway.  Alternative: make a colorful sign or decoration for your front door or to stick in your window.    

35.  Sew masks for healthcare if you are able. All over the country medical workers are begging for personal protective gear.  In my little area an army of ladies has mobilized to sew fabric masks to wear over their N95 masks to make them last longer.

36.  Write a story.  You may have the next great American novel in your head just waiting to be put on paper.  It may also be awful and you will understand why you never became a writer. Either way, it will kill a few hours and be a memento of quarantine. 

37.  Cuddle up with a soft blanket, a cup of tea, and your family to watch your favorite movie.  It’s fine to force teenage boys to watch Steel Magnolias. Tough times guys, tough times. 

38.  Video chat or just plain call your family.  All of them. Check in. Stay connected. It’s important. 

39.  Color.  Seriously, coloring as an adult can be very relaxing.  I recently got this scripture coloring book and I love it.  I can meditate on the scripture and memorize it while coloring.  Find it here--->>> Color the Words of Jesus

40.  Rearrange your furniture.  If you have to be home, make it feel fresh. Also, you can recruit those kids that you have been slaving to feed 25 times per day.  

41.  Do a craft.  Literally thousands of instructions are available on Pinterest.  You don’t need to be a pro. It’s the trying that occupies the mind and makes for a funny Facebook post if you “nailed it”. 

So there it is, 41 things to do during quarantine.  Please share it with your friends and let me know your activity ideas!  I pray that in some small way it helps you get through this ordeal with a few good memories.  Stay safe and stay home!

XOXO,
Jessica