Top 25 Less Obvious Things To Do In Quarantine

Ugh. I think that I speak for everyone when I say that quarantine is not the most enjoyable experience in the world. Encaged inside for weeks, and how do you amuse yourself? Well, you have watched and re-watched virtually everything Netflix has to offer, attempted to do some exercise, re-lived your childhood through Disney +, already baked everything in those dusty cookbooks on the top shelf, and yet you are still bored. So, just keep reading and thank me later. ;)

1. Sort your phone out

Yes, that means doing the laborious job of sorting out the dreaded camera roll. Clearing out all those unnecessary photos of house bits that you want from John Lewis but never actually buy, those awful 10 + selfie attempts, accidental screenshots of your home screen, even the attempts to successfully take a picture of your holiday destination. If you don’t like the photo, it’s going in the bin. And whilst you’re at it, how about sorting through the hundreds of apps on your phone as well? Can’t do any harm.

2. Make a Photo Album/Scrapbook/Journal

Just create something that encapsulates how you have spent your life. After sorting out the camera roll, choose some of the photos to print off and use them, along with other keepsakes to create a journal. For example, if you were on a city break, I would gather all the polaroids of the landmarks, with the transport tickets, cut-outs from a map with your location and then pair this with a little paragraph about the time you spent there, et voila! Now with this, I say go big or go home. Get yourself a bulky notebook off amazon along with some pens, washi tape, stickers, paper clips, coloured paper, and get journaling!

3. Read a book

Now, to some people this may be a truly mortifying suggestion but any avid reader would tell you that you just haven’t discovered either your preferred genre or your preferred author. Trust me. I read a substantial amount, nevertheless, if I pick up a book that is not my cup of tea then I refuse to read as the whole prospect of reading a book that I am not keen on is extremely tedious. As long as you do your research, reading may enter your list of favourite hobbies.

4. Learn a Language

OR expand on one you currently know already. But how many times have you gone to a foreign country and WISHED that you could speak the native language? Whatever reason you have, learning a language can be a good investment of time. Get a notebook and set aside a substantial amount of time each day to learn that language. Some methods I would recommend is learning through podcasts, YouTube, and Duolingo.

5. Listen to a Podcast

There are so many podcasts out there, on so many different topics: history, current affairs, media, science, health, and wellbeing… (hey, you could even listen to a language podcast!) there is no better way to entertain yourself than tuning in and keeping up with the latest gossip from your favourite hosts and guests, or learning something new on a subject that you haven’t experienced before.

6. Do some Puzzles

Do you know those sudokus and crossword puzzles that you see in the newspapers? Well they are surprisingly therapeutic to complete as well as having benefits to your mental state. Such as how you approach situations and issues in everyday life, improving your concentration, relaxing your mind, and improving your thinking process. Slap on some music and put on your thinking hat!

7. Get green-fingered

Now, just because you live in a flat or a small house without a garden is not a valid excuse not to do some gardening. Next time you go to the shops to stock up on supplies, buy some seeds to plant or some shrubs. They can, whilst being beneficial to your mental health, by having something living in your home. Plants can also be a very quirky piece of décor to add to your home's interior design. All you need to do is transfer the shrubs into your chosen pots. See? It wasn’t that hard.

8. Clean out EVERYTHING

Ever heard of the saying that ‘a clean home is a happy home’? Well during these trying times it might be a good idea to try and find happiness where possible, so how about a spring clean? Decluttering your life, declutters and puts your mind at ease, so how about giving the whole house, drawers, boxes, cupboards, wardrobes EVERYTHING. There’s no excuse… you have time.

9. Go Socialise

Socialising doesn’t have to be restricted to one’s weekly facetime call, there are other methods to having fun with your friends, that might also diminish some awkward starter conversations. Such as incorporating games into your friendly house parties, maybe by using the casual built-in drawing and trivial games on the app. Or maybe by making a quiz, setting up a virtual drinks party, or by hosting a Netflix party. Just remember, whatever you are doing it doesn’t have to be your average face to face call!

10.Learn a new Instrument (or practice a current instrument)

Why not? There are so many different instruments, for many different tastes in music, reaching from Mozart, to Stevie Wonder, to the Beatles! Learning an instrument can be an enjoyable experience, and if learning the instrument is something you want to take seriously, by investing in the process and practicing frequently it can take up an astonishing amount of time in your day.

11. Give your nails some love

And not by giving them a coat of your go-to nude polish. Explore the world of nail art! Apart from going for your fortnightly supermarket shop, who is going to see those multicoloured marble nails? This is also the time to immerse yourself in the world of nail technicians. Buy a starter set and master the art of acrylic or gel nails! It just means by the time the world goes back to normal, you can save £££ on doing your own nails, smart!

12.STRETCH & FOAM ROLL

In the same topic of exercise, yet less hyped and arguably just as important. Stretching is not just for the prevention of injuries, but for maintaining your physical ability towards the end of your life. Stretching helps loosen the muscles and in the long term will provide you with more mobility, and there is no excuse as all you need is an informative YouTube video. Foam rolling is also beneficial for the recovery of muscles and your muscle's mobility and flexibility in the long term.

13.Practise meditation

Meditation provides the mind with some relief, something that is much needed during these trying times. Taking a moment during the day to calm the mind and body and forget about the current dilemma can help to improve your mood! Even doing 5 minutes a day, or a few sessions a week could help you to see a difference, try some guided meditations on YouTube or on apps such as Headspace if you are new to the whole meditation scene.

14. Make a quarantine journal

Slightly different to the post earlier, this is a book for documenting your time spent in quarantine. You could style it a bit like the Mean Girls burn book, sticking pictures of you in isolation. And documenting information such as your current shows, some sketches, a diary entry – a day in the life in quarantine, shopping lists, what you miss anything that comes to mind. So, you can look back later in life and relate to the pandemic.

15. Make a bucket list

A bit of a random suggestion but this can be done in so many forms and is something that is frequently talked about in society, and generally consists of ‘I want to travel the world’ or ‘I want to go skydiving’ and ‘I would like to live in the Maldives’. Well, how about using this time to specify your dreams and research into making them become a reality? Make a Pinterest board on the subject matter, make a mood board, write down your ambitions and research specific places, hotels, beaches, monuments you want to visit then search for places to stay, eat, and the prices.

16.Draw

It doesn’t matter if you are a modern-day Leonardo da Vinci or cannot draw a leaf, drawing is a way of letting your mind relax, and wander to where it wants. And this is where the colouring books come in (and no, they are not just for children) all you need are some pens or pencils, pop on some chill hits and just colour.

17.Practise some makeup

Now is the time to dust off those ridiculously bright eye shadow palettes and stick on a bit of James Charles. Even if the only person who is seeing it is you, experimenting with new makeup looks is a great way to amuse yourself. Play around with your eyeliners, pallets, glitter, and jewels. You may discover your next festival go-to!

18.Do some DIY

I’m not being to specific on this subject as it is so diverse. Virtually anything nowadays can get a DIY copy, with the right tools and materials and a vague idea on what to do. (Look at Ikea for example, they’re thriving off this subject) All you need to do is type these 3 letters into Pinterest and marvel at the thousands of results for decoration, practicality, beauty, fashion… the list is endless. Just discover what can be done with a little imagination.

19.Catch some zzzzzz

Finally! Treat yourself and catch up on some sleep. Curl up in some blankets on the sofa and take a nap, you deserve it! Use this time to start a proper, consistent bedtime and wake up schedule.

20.Learn Calligraphy and Victorian lettering

Another more unexpected addition to the list but can be used to wow your friends and relations if mastered correctly. Try to find some guided sheets on Pinterest to print off and teach yourself on or get someone else to teach you via YouTube and other platforms. (This also comes in very handy when making your journals and bucket lists as the writing is known to be very ‘aesthetic’)

21. Finally, get round to doing some DIY

And not the Pinterest type or the type I mentioned previously. I mean putting up those pictures that have been lying there for ages and get started on fixing the broken doorknob, paint that wall. Just do those jobs that you never seem to get around to doing.

22.Have a Fashion Show

Another slightly unorthodox suggestion, but after sorting out that wardrobe. How about trying to put together some outfits? I guarantee you will find some clothing combinations that you would never have thought about trying. Discover your style, invest in some more clothing online, research into this season’s biggest trends. Just dive into the world of fashion!

23.Have a photoshoot

Who doesn’t love a new photo for the ‘gram? No one. So, grab your camera/phone and some props. Two themes that I love, are darker, 80’s vibes, and then the flower power of the ’60s. For the latter I would aim for outdoorsy areas with bright natural colours, then adorning yourself in more nature, as well as wearing a more boho outfit. For 80s I would aim for a more modern, neon vibe. Chuck on some chunky trainers, a puffer, some ambitious makeup and a vintage filter.

24.Go Coronaviral on TikTok

Do you know that app that virtually all teenagers are addicted to currently? Download it and trust me, the for you page will help you entertain yourself for hours. You are going to be surprised at some of the content that is created through this app. And who knows? Maybe you could go coronaviral this quarantine…

25.Do some GOOD!

You’re stuck in quarantine, whilst the outside world is surrounded in problems. The London Marathon has just been cancelled, meaning charities are without a substantial amount of annual income from the event via fundraising, so why not make a difference? Get inspired by Instagram to go do some good! Cut your hair or persuade your friend to shave his, then donate to the NHS or ask people for donations… or if the gym is your scene challenge yourself. If your missing out on the London Marathon why not run your own, sponsors, and all?

Leave a comment, how are you keeping yourself amused during this uncertain time?

Cheerio!

XXXX

P.S Stay safe and remember to always refer back to your government's guide and your country's health service when wanting information about the virus.