Anyone who has spent a considerable amount indoors, regardless of the reason, knows that the walls of even the biggest homes can close in quickly. It doesn’t take long for cabin fever to set in and for the most patient people to go a little stir crazy.
We have compiled a list of things to do while stuck indoors to occupy your time and avoid getting restless or bored.
For Kids
Play a Game
Dust off a board game! Nothing brings together families and siblings like a good old board game. Throw it back to your childhood with games such as Monopoly, Battleship or Yahtzee or try a completely new board game and learn right along with your children.
Bake Goodies
Who doesn’t love baked goods? Spending some time in the kitchen with your children will not only teach them a thing or two about baking but it’s a chance to enjoy each other’s company while whipping up some tasty treats!
Read a Book
Whether your children are able to read or still learning, reading together as a family is a calming activity. You could even choose to read through a classic series like the Chronicles of Narnia. If your child is learning to read, have them try reading a favourite book to the family!
Build a Fort
Fort building is a perfect way to engage children’s imaginations. Pillows, blankets and boxes can easily be transformed to magical castles or secret hideouts. String up some christmas lights and fill with pillows – if you can handle a little mess, forts are a fun and creative way to kill time.
Get active
With so much content available online and via YouTube, there is no reason the whole family cannot be active indoors. Try a quiet and relaxing yoga video before bed or go crazy to some upbeat and lively music. Not only will your children burn off some built up energy, staying active helps with sleep, mental clarity and overall mood.
Arts and Crafts
Children love to create and with the ever popular site, Pinterest, parents have access to tons of ideas. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, simple crafts like homemade salt ornaments or fingerprint art require little materials. Let children’s imaginations run wild and see what they come up with!
Here’s a great activity for young kids – homemade playdough!
Watch a movie
Sometimes the best thing to do is to curl up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and watch your favourite movie. Days stuck inside can be long for children too, and constantly working at keeping them busy can feel draining. Take a much needed break and throw on a classic flick.
For Adults
“Spring” Clean Your House
What better time to deep clean your house than when you aren’t able to leave! Deep clean the bathroom or use this opportunity to organize the pantry. A clean and tidy house will help keep chaos at bay when stuck indoors.
Redecorate
Whether you’ve been wanting to repaint or rearrange furniture, now is the time! Take on those little projects that have been put off. Sprucing up your space will give it a fresh new feel!
Take an Online Course
Though it’s tempting to spend the time on the couch binge watching Netflix, consider taking an online course. With access to hundreds of free online courses and webinars, updating and improving skills is a productive way to spend time at home.
Declutter
Use this time to siphon through closets and storage spaces, clearing out and donating unwanted items. Decluttering and organizing one’s space has a way of decluttering and organizing one’s mind!
Keep a Schedule
Depending on how long you find yourself housebound, it can be easy to fall into a bit of a rut. A healthy way to combat this is by keeping a schedule. Waking up at roughly the same time and managing somewhat a routine will provide stability and consistency.
Phone a Friend
In today’s world, technology is readily available at all our fingertips. Reconnect with friends and family with some great apps such as FaceTime, Skype or Zoom. Just because they aren’t right there with you is no reason you can’t enjoy a coffee or glass of wine with one of your best friends.
Make a Digital Scrapbook
There are many different options for creating scrapbooks online – and with most photos being stored digitally, it’s a simple and creative way to pass time while also preserving memories you have of family and friends!
No matter what’s driving you indoors, it is important to remember that it is most likely temporary and instead of fighting against it you can use this time to relax, recharge and get some things done!
