20 things you can do to keep yourself busy when confined at home during COVID-19...

With the world practising self-isolation and social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic. But staying in can be just as fun and productive as going out, with these tips to keep boredom at bay during the COVID-19 lockdown. 

  1. Call your Family and friends
    You’re not the only one that’s self-isolating and people will appreciate a friendly chat or text message to let them know you’re thinking of them. 
  2. Clear out your wardrobe
    Dedicate your new-found time and attention to sorting out your clothes, declutter your home, omit items you haven’t worn for 12 months and co-ordinating clothes into sections so it’s easier to browse in the mornings. This is a great opportunity to get inspired by new outfits or rediscover an old favourite.
  3. Give yourself a manicure
    Sometimes it’s the small things in life that make us feel better, with a fresh manicure being up there. Take some time for yourself, push your cuticles down, slather on some hand cream and choose a shade that makes you smile from ear to ear.
  4. Read a book
    It’s time to read that book that’s been sat on your shelf for the last few months. Get inspired by a best-selling memoir, indulge in a celeb-approved book or escape to a different world for a few hours. Hot drink and blanket desirable.
  5. TV
    Did you miss the Game of Thrones craze or are you late to the Grey’s Anatomy party? Now’s the time to catch up on all that TV you’ve been curious about, so get comfy and get ready to commit hours of your life to watching someone else’s dramas. 
  6. Do a crossword/Sudoku
    Looking for something a bit more challenging? Put your brain to the test and do a crossword or Sudoku puzzle and see how far you can get. There’s lots of online crosswords or word puzzles which means you don’t have to leave the house to have a go.
  7. Make a photo album/back up your phone pictures
    Remember that  holiday you took in 2016 or when you swam with dolphins? Ensure that memories like this are treasured by taking the time to compile a photo album or scrapbook. Similarly, make a back-up of photos on your phone, to ensure you don’t lose them in years to come.
  8. Plant some flowers
    Introduce some welcome colour into your house or garden and plant some flowers.
  9. Start a blog
    Are you the modern-day Carrie Bradshaw or Bridget Jones? Or does your fashion taste rival that of Olivia Palermo and Estée Lalonde? Use your down-time wisely and start a blog to share your thoughts or favourite hobbies.
  10. Bake
    Indulge your sweet tooth and try a Bake Off masterpiece of your own at home.
  11. Learn how to knit
    Pick up your needles and take the time to hone a new skill like knitting. Not just for grandmas, knitting is considered incredibly therapeutic and practical.
  12. Dance it out
    Blast out some of your favourite tunes and get dancing in your bedroom, living room or bathroom. Hairbrush microphone optional.
  13. Exercise
    Replace your gym visit with an at-home work-out, with squats, burpees and press-ups all achievable without equipment. Transform your lounge into a yoga space and stretch it out.
  14. Make a travel bucket list
    Write it down in black and white the places you’ve yet to explore, the trips you want to take and the food you’ve got to sample. 
  15. Learn a language
    Challenge yourself to learn a new language in just a few weeks, ready for your next trip away. With a ton of apps and websites that give you lessons for free, you’ve truly run out of excuses not to.
  16. Get your DIY on
    Take the time to tackle some interior improvements – be that painting your walls, upholstering old furniture or rearranging a room. Remember health and safety at all times!
  17. Play board games
    If you’re lucky enough to be in quarantine with company, embrace some old school entertainment and crack out the board games for some light competition. 
  18. Let your creative juices flow
    Embark on a creative arts and crafts challenge, from sketching and mindful colouring to pottery. 
  19. Learn to play an instrument
    Dedicate your new-found time to music and learn an instrument that you’ve always wanted to play.
  20. Practice, practice, practice
    How often do you have time to practice the things that you struggle with when it comes to your beauty routine?! Whether it’s doing the perfect eyeliner flick, contouring, or applying false lashes, now’s the time to become an expert.