Now that exams are over, we’re all stuck at home with a whole lot of time but not much to do. In these weird and uncertain times, it can be difficult to keep boredom at bay but here are 10 ideas to make self-isolation a little bit more enjoyable (and maybe even a bit productive 😊).
- Online Games
There are so many multiplayer online games out there that you can play with friends. This is a great option because it allows you to interact with others from the safety of your home. Some options are:
- Learn a Language
Learning a language may not have been something you had time for with uni and other commitments, but why not try your hand at it now that there is not much else to do?
Duolingo is a great app for beginners with more than 30 languages to choose from. It starts very easy and gradually gets more difficult. I’ve found this app helpful because it is easy to follow and makes learning a language enjoyable!
YouTube videos can also be a great place to start learning the basics of a language. There are many videos for almost every language. Hearing the language being spoken can be helpful for pronunciation.
Podcasts are also a useful resource for learning a language as they allow you to hear the language being spoken in a conversation. Apple Podcasts has a huge selection of podcasts for free however if you don’t have an Apple device, Spotify is just as good, but you will have to sit through advertisements if you don’t have Premium.
- Art and craft
Let your inner creativity free and do some art or craft during self-isolation. This could be anything from painting to scrapbooking to even soapmaking or macramé. Art and craft are known to be stress relievers, making them the perfect activity for these weird, uncertain times.
Here are some ideas to get you started!
- Embroidery
- Knitted scarf
- Macramé plant holder
- Tie-Dye using acrylic paint
- Acrylic fluid painting
- Gardening
Start a little herb garden, bring those existing dying plants back to life, or plants some fruit and vegetables during self-isolation. Gardening is an extremely gratifying activity where you can (literally) enjoy the fruits of your labour.
- TikTok
Whether it’s learning a new dance, a weird new skill, a new trend or just watching others do all of the above, TikTok has got you covered. As we all probably know by now, the app consists of short videos that range from tutorials to skits to short dances making it a great place for inspiration for your next project or just a way to pass a little (or if you’re like me, a lot) of time.
- Learn a skill
Take this time to learn that skill you’ve been meaning to learn forever. You could start learning a new instrument such as the guitar or you could dust off that old flute that you used to play. Some other skills to learn during this time are
- Sewing
- Knitting and crocheting
- Coding
- Cooking
TAFE NSW is currently running a number of fee-free short courses on topics such as business skills, administration skills and leadership to name a few. These courses are 12 weeks long and only require a short amount of weekly commitment making them the perfect way to pass time while doing something productive.
- Movies
This may be an obvious one but make a dent in that long list of movies you’ve been wanting to watch. Netflix Party is a great way to enjoy Netflix with friends. All you need to do is add the Netflix Party Chrome extension and this allows you to add people to your ‘party’. This allows everyone to watch at the same time and to chat on a group chat.
- Clean
If you’re anything like me, the whirlwind that was exams has probably left your room a little (ok fine, very) messy. Why not take this opportunity to tidy up and organise your space? This is probably the least enjoyable option on this list but the result is usually worth it 😊.
- Exercise
If you don’t already have one, you could start an exercise routine. This doesn’t have to be a strict workout regimen, it can be a walk or run with the dog, yoga, a short run around the block or even a Zumba workout. If you are looking for a full workout schedule, YouTuber Chloe Ting has many free workout programs on her website that are clear to follow.
Some YouTube channels to follow for at-home workouts:
- Read
Spend some time working through your list to read all those books that you may not have had time to. Self-isolation is a great time to relax with a good book because you can read for hours on end without the interruptions that we would have in our daily lives.
(WIESoc is not affiliated or sponsored with any of the links mentioned)
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