It’s weekend and you have no idea how to curb your boredom. The world is falling apart around you, the walls are closing in, and frankly, you’re feeling like you’re one step away from going crazy. If that’s not enough, there’s no sport—and the few matches that are on looks sad and depressing without spectators cheering from the stands—few new shows, and yeah … It’s getting a bit much.
I’m betting you’re also growing super tired of being in front of a laptop/TV the whole time. That much screen-time isn’t good for anyone, after all.
Well, as a bit of an introvert who grew up in a crime-infested country (which basically means we often had to entertain ourselves inside the house), I have a few tips on what to do to keep your mind occupied and hands busy.
Hopefully, one of my suggestions will seem like something you’d want to do, so keep on reading to find out how to curb your boredom. 🙂
Curb Your Boredom
Learn to Cook Creatively
Remember that cookbook you bought on a whim way back when and somehow never got around to reading? Oh, what about that recipe your grandmother used to make … you know, the one that makes you long for your childhood. What was it again? Well, now’s the perfect time for you to try out some new recipes (or start looking for those old ones) to test on your family. The upside is they literally can’t run out for “something else”. The bad news is you might have to use some alternative ingredients if you’re running low on something. Don’t worry, though, the Internet has a lot of information that’ll help you out.
Learn to Crochet/Knit
Did you know crocheting and knitting reduces anxiety? It also exercises physical and cognitive skills. Beyond that, you’re learning a crucial survival skill (and you end up with something beautiful that you created with your own hands). And no, not only old ladies knit. I’ve seen some of the most beautiful garments made by male knitters and crocheters! Yes, they exist, and they are wonderful.
Now, I personally struggled to learn crocheting, but knitting came easy. Sometimes, it’s the other way around. Go ask your mom/grandmother for a ball of yarn (if they live with you), a hook or some knitting needles, check out some Youtube how-to videos, and join Ravelry to get a beginner’s pattern.
You’ve got some time to learn something practical now, so use it to your advantage.
Learn to Paint/Draw/Design/Sculpt
Being a creative takes practice. Artists don’t just suddenly know how to draw realistic hands. Writers don’t automatically become household names. Fashion designers don’t simply conjure up magnificent wedding gowns without knowing the basics of the business. It takes a lot of hard work, time, and practice. And seeing as you probably have a whole lot of time to spend on learning to do something new, why not try your hand at painting, drawing, designing, or sculpting something. Release your inner-artist and create something that’s so inherently you that even you’re surprised by what you’ve created by the end of your journey. Let loose a bit.
Dust Off the Old Board Games
Not very many people still play board games, because they’ve had so many other things occupying their time. But I bet you, somewhere in your house or garage, there’s a dusty box of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire or Monopoly or CSI: The Board Game or Clue. Heck, maybe you’re lucky enough to still have a talking Battleship lying around somewhere (if you do, donate it to little old me after this madness is over, pretty please? Ours broke after two decades of playing). If you’re more into puzzles, then now’s the time to start building them. The best part about this is: You can totally get your whole family to play along (if they’re not self-isolating, of course).
Exercise
Look, you don’t need a gym to stay healthy and active. Those 1980s aerobics workouts are good enough to keep you fit and get the endorphins working (check out this 60 minute workout where you can burn 600 calories!). Okay, a 1980s aerobics video may seem a little silly, given there are newer types, but whatever you choose, at least you can do it in the comfort of your own living room. Or check out some dance tutorials, grab your partner, and learn how to cha-cha. You can also do yoga if that’s more your style. 🙂
Read a Book
The most important thing you need to do is to preoccupy your mind when you’re in isolation, and there’s no better way to do that than with a good book. Buy yourself an eBook you’ve been dying to read, and get on it already. Now’s the best time to just relax in your own company, and getting into a good story will truly help stave off the cabin fever.
Check out my Curb Your Boredom: My Favorite Books post for some inspiration.
Start A Journal
Now is a good time to start a journal. Write down your innermost thoughts, your struggles with the self-isolation, what you want to do when the world stabilizes again. Write down whatever you want to, and make the journal yours from cover to cover. There are no rules when it comes to journaling, so you can even decorate it.
Check out Pinterest for some wonderful ideas on how to start a journal.
Renew Your Faith
This may be a more controversial suggestion, but I’ve never shied away from such things, so here we go.
Whether you’re Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, or Wiccan, it doesn’t matter. Now’s a great time to renew your faith. Grab your holy scriptures, sit down, and read what it has to say. Pray. Take notes. Pray some more. Your faith will get you through these difficult times, and it might even make you a better person in the long run. Remember, we’re all in this together, no matter what religion we subscribe to, and using this time to learn to be kind and generous and mindful will be beneficial to the world.
Learn Indoor Gardening
Nothing improves my mood than seeing something green in the house. I love plants. Yes, I sometimes kill them accidentally, but that’s never stopped me from trying again. So, grab your empty egg holder, get some earth, and plant something. I saw some videos on FB and Pinterest where you can even regrow certain vegetables (like carrots and garlic and such) in your kitchen. Gardening is a great skill to have, is somewhat self-sustaining, and it’s super eco-friendly.
Get a Head-Start on Your Christmas Crafts
While Christmas is still a long way away, there’s no telling if we’ll be able to travel far distances to be with family and friends yet. So, use your time to craft something special for them in the meantime. If push comes to shove and the world is still pretty much in lockdown by December (I pray that’s not the case, but we simply don’t know how long this thing will go on), at least you’ll have a gift to send through the post. The best part about homemade gifts is that the receiver will know you thought about them while you made it.
Alternatively, you can always make some Christmas decorations ahead of time. There are some fancy-looking homemade decor on Pinterest—everything from dried orange garlands to tiny Christmas socks for the tree.
Pamper Yourself
Take a long, hot bubble bath. Grab a glass of your favorite drink—or a mug of whatever. And relax. Do your nails. Pluck your eyebrows. Put on a facial mask. Wear your most comfortable pjs and go to bed early. Sleep in. Meditate. Pull out your nicest dress (the one you only wear on special occasions), slip on those sexy heels, do your hair and makeup, then go sit in front of the TV and watch your favorite movie. Do something for you and to hell with everything else. There’s nothing wrong with wearing your tiara today. Who’s going to see you anyway, huh? Now’s the time to look after yourself and if that means wearing your wedding dress for no other reason than to feel pretty, then so be it.
(P.S. I often dress-up for no reason, even if I work from home. It really makes me feel better.)
And there you have some of my top tips to curb your boredom. 🙂 Of course, there are countless other things to do indoors, like, cleaning out your closets and cupboards, rearranging a room, learning a new language, etc.
Whatever you decide to do this weekend, do it with your whole heart.
Remember to stay safe out there!
Monique
