So if you haven’t been paying attention, the coronavirus (COVID-19) is kind of a big deal and we should all do our part to flatten the curve and help prevent further spread. Since I don’t want to leave my house and because I am looking for ways to make the most of my time, here’s a list of 60 things you can do to keep yourself busy while practicing social distancing too. And for fuck’s sake, don’t leave your house and expose yourself unnecessarily.
1. Read a book (you know, the one that you have been putting off for a while now)
2. Take a nap and treat yourself to some comfy midday rest
3. Bake something delicious for yourself (brownies, scones, a birthday cake?)
4. Make sure all your clocks have the right time (darn you, Daylight Saving Time)
5. Go clean out the tabs on your phone that you swore you would read months ago
6. Clean out the apps you don’t use on your phone anymore
7. Go through your phone’s settings and see if they make sense to how you use your phone (and for fuck’s sake, change that default ringtone)
8. Take a look at your passwords for all the accounts you own and make sure they are updated AND SAFE (sorry, but Happy123 is not a safe password)
9. Take some time to reassess your personal finances and financial goals for this year
10. File your taxes (deadline is a month away!)
11. Binge watch that shows everybody has been talking about that you said you would watch
12. Pick a movie series you have always wanted to watch and stream it, even if it takes up your whole day (it’s not like you’re going anywhere)
13. Journal and put your thoughts out on paper (it will do wonders for your mental health)
14. Start and finish a home workout
15. Clean out your closet and get rid of clothes you’re not going to be using (looking at that fugly shirt you said would come in handy sometimes)
16. Organize your home’s drawers and cabinets (nothing like having everything organized in bins and trays, am I right? No? Just me?)
17. Go through your phone’s contacts and make sure contact information is updated (delete that person who ghosted you minutes before your date’s number)
18. Clean and organize your computer of unnecessary files (like screenshots that take up half your desktop)
19. Backup your computer and other devices (update them while you’re at it)
20. Organize your phone’s photos by albums (also clean out those not-so-flattering pictures you took after you had too many vodka sodas at the bar or mimosas during brunch)
21. Research local and national candidates for the upcoming elections (also make sure you’re registered to vote)
22. Finish the house chores you have been putting off from doing for a while (cleaning the bathroom is looking very tempting right now, isn’t it?)
23. Take inventory of your kitchen’s ingredients and cook something delicious like a recipe you have always wanted to try or your favorite comfort food
24. While you’re at it, get rid of anything that is expired, is about to become expired or you know you won’t be eating anytime soon because of your resolution to eat healthier this year
25. Make a plan to get rid of or donate home appliances or tools you no longer need, use or work (if you haven’t fixed it now, you probably won’t fix it anytime soon)
26. If you want to prove me wrong, go fix it then.
27. Meditate and practice mindfulness (if you have no idea what it is, then maybe google it?)
28. Clean out your purse or wallet to feel like you are getting your shit together
29. Water your houseplants (or propagate them, if gardening is your thing)
30. Play and cuddle your pets (or bathe them, if they are in need of tender loving care)
31. Call, text, or Facetime a friend who you haven’t heard from in a while
32. Learn a new skill on Youtube or on any other online classroom website (Skillshare, CreativeLive and a whole bunch of others exist)
33. Make a plan for activities to do all week long
34. Touch yourself (for as long as you want)
35. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure (throw on some face masks for an extra razzle-dazzle)
36. Wipe down surfaces and areas of your house that you are sure you have never cleaned (who looks there or goes there anyway?)
37. Organize your linen closet and fold your towels and bedding the way that would make your mother proud
38. Google those stupid questions you have always been afraid of asking other people because you don’t want to seem like a complete moron in public
39. Check if there any bills or services that you can get rid of because you don’t use them anymore
40. Practice your smile and selfie angles
41. Blog (like your said you would or at least start an editorial content calendar)
42. Start practicing that hobby that you said you would do more of this year (BECAUSE 2020 IS YOUR YEAR)
43. Study for your classes, workshops or anything in between because the semester isn’t over
44. Research places to visit in your local community to look forward to once it’s safe to be in the public
45. Start a podcast or audiobook (you can do that while you do literally anything else on this list)
46. Check out a digital book and get caught up on your reading goals for the year (there’s plenty of free stuff out there!)
47. Finish that video game that had frustrated you for months because it kicked your ass last time you played
48. Reorganize your home’s furniture (then show it off to somebody because Extreme Home Makeover has nothing on you)
49. Make a playlist for somebody you care about with your favorite songs (or around some theme)
50. Check-in with yourself and your current emotional, physical, mental and sexual needs especially during these times
51. Research and learn the lyrics of that song you allegedly knew from start to finish
52. Learn a new language (or pick up from where you left off, the Duolingo owl will appreciate you for it after ghosting him months ago)
53. Start (or finish) that HUGE project you have been working on for a while
54. Update your resumé with the latest accomplishments you’re proud off (that way you won’t forget later on)
55. Listen to your favorite music, or give a try to an artist you have never heard off
56. Hang up pictures on your wall and give your home a subtle makeover
57. No pictures to hang up? Go look through your phone for special photos that you want to print
58. Wipe down your mirrors and windows (they look disgusting in your selfies)
59. Think of 5 things that you like about yourself; then write them down on a piece of paper
60. Go clean out your inbox (those 10K unread emails from newsletters won’t be missed, so unsubscribe while you’re at it)
These are just some things I can think of off the top of my head. What other things are you doing to keep busy while you stay inside and keep yourself safe?