Having found myself at home more than usual over the last 6 months (see why here) and given recent global developments, I thought it might be helpful to put together a list of actually enjoyable things to do at home. Note that I used the word enjoyable instead of one of it’s stronger acronyms because I think that truthfully, we ALL would rather be on a beach vacation absorbing Vitamin D (with an appropriate amount of SPF) but here we are. Should you, for any reason, find yourself at home in the upcoming weeks, I hope this helps! I’ve focused on things that better yourself in some way and have included links should you find yourself wanting specifics or perhaps, in a position to participate economically.
Disclosure (that I feel is necessary after an Instagram DM this morning): If you are reading into the undertone of this post, I’m not encouraging panic in the event that there be widespread concerns about a virus. I don’t feel there is any reason to panic and instead, understand the value of being thoughtful and preventative for the general health of the population. Panic isn’t a solution but logic-based actions and communal support can help us all. So keep calm, read the list, and use this opportunity to do something to become a slightly better you.
1. Workout at home. I have found these workout bands to be particularly useful in toning pretty much anything on your body. If you can create resistance between two body parts, you’re good to go. Otherwise, Youtube is a great resource for exercises in utilizing them. Should focusing on your inner Zen be what you need right now, start your practice with the basics: a yoga mat and an online subscription at Gaia.
2. Do a mask. Your skin isn’t going anywhere and I can think of no better time to do a face mask. Have a little fun with this Zombie Face Mask – maybe send a few snapchats to your friends because trust me, this face mask will not only get your skin glowing but provide a few laughs along the way. Heck, this is a great time to do any mask – hair, eye, body, cuticle, what else can you mask? You really can’t go wrong. Get on board with the self care movement and do something for you. Who cares if your roommate/boyfriend/spouse thinks you look crazy? Get them to do it with you – @Matt, you know what we’re doing this weekend! Yay! Here are some of my favorites.
Note: should you want to brush up on your entire beauty routine, now is the time to educate yourself. Read all my posts here.
3. Do a puzzle. I know what you’re probably thinking because I thought the same thing when Matt bought one after my rendezvous with cancer last year. But trust me, this is an outstanding way to exercise your problem solving skills and perfect your spatial reference. Not to mention it will occupy your time for a solid day. Note that I recommend 1,000 pieces for adults. It’s the right level of challenge but won’t make you want to pull your hair (that you just put a mask on, see point #2) out. Here are my faves should you be interested in travel, beer, wine (which I’ve recently learned is a stockpile necessity for my readers), cereal. For everything else, Amazon is there for you in this time. Pour yourself a glass of your favorite beverage while you’re at it and relax.
4. Netflix and chill. And I mean actually chill… although I suppose the internet slang reference would also work. We’re all going to be fine. Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime have enough content so that you don’t need to leave your house for the next year. If you’re like me and have an affinity for binges, it might even be hard to tear yourself away for work come Monday morning. And if you’re the type of person who loves popcorn with your entertaiment, I don’t know how I lived before this magical device that cooks popcorn perfectly for $15. Because, since we are semi-focusing on health in this post, raw kernels are better for you than the “likely carcinogenic” ingredients in popcorn bags.
5. Read. Fiction is great but I’m personally into things that I can use to improve myself. Note that don’t consider this self-help. More proactive betterment and educational which is what I try to do with my entire online presence (i.e. not cause panic because again, we are going to be fine). One of my all time favorites is You Are a Badass. If that isn’t your thing, Amazon has got your back. PS. Does anyone else remember that Amazon started as an online bookstore only? If you’d prefer something free, my website has 1,426 informational posts about travel, careers, beauty, office outfits, relationships, and fashion. And a special thank you for reading that shameless (but factually accurate!) plug.
6. Mani/pedi. In the theme of self care, now is a great time to show a little love to those toenails. If you’re like me, they may not have gotten as much love as they could have recently. Guilty! Thank you boot season! Pick up a new nail polish and explore cleaner beauty at the same time with my favorite brand called Smith and Cult. Go crazy with a pumice stone (which I have on hand at all times in the shower as a regular practice)!
7. Grow something. As someone who attempted to grow plants on my 34th floor balcony last year, this is something that has been on my list to revisit. It’s amazing what you can find on the internet – whether you’re looking to really commit with vegetables, dabble with a few herbs (they’re smaller and therefore less intense in my head), or to accept that being responsible for anything except yourself isn’t an option with a faux fiddle leaf tree. Let’s really put that green thumb to the test… or in my case, black thumb with a green tint.
8. Cook. Yes! It can actually be fun (for everyone except my husband for some reason)! Use those unexploited sleuthing skills to find your favorite Pinterest recipes. Sound like too intense of an endeavor? Go the Home Chef route with cute little pre-measured meal kits. Selfishly, I’d love for everyone to experiment with their air fryer and tell me how the heck to make the perfectly crisped brussel sprout because I’m at a loss. Conveniently, it’s on Amazon’s lightening deals today should you have been in the market. It’s been amazingly easy for everything else I’ve stuck in there but the brussel sprout seem to be the one elusive leafy green. If you’re really against this suggestion or in the camp of my husband, meal delivery services are a great option which also support an industry that might be struggling right now. Try to shop small if possible but obvi you do you. I’m just here for the facts.
9. Bake. If you’re double checking I didn’t repeat myself, let me explain. I consider the art of baking to be a different skillset than cooking. At this point in my life, I’ve accepted that I can’t be great at everything but this might be a great time to perfect my baking skills. Frankly, I’m only good at these vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. If you’d prefer something straight out of a bag, I know a certain cleaner, allergy friendly brand that makes a killer brownie mix (discount code is still JENNA10). You might also want to stock up on their birthday cake granola….
10. Karaoke. Wait, what? I hate karaoke as much as the next introverted extrovert but the home is a safe space. If you have kids or a younger brother-in-law, this karaoke machine is something the whole family can enjoy. I’m speaking from experience should any of you have missed this Christmas’ Instagram stories of the giant Grinch singing his rendition of Shallow as both Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper…
11. Spring cleaning. In case you feel like I cheated you of the 10 by including cooking and baking, this is for you. You know what sucks? Feeling compelled to spring clean when everyone else is out having fun. You know what feels great? Cleaning, organizing, and purging for the inevitable future when your life calendar becomes so full again that you don’t have time to do so. Get a leg up on spring before it even starts! Things currently sitting in my amazon cart for the inevitable future when I have a home that own – or at least have my name on the lease: this makeup organizer, these storage containers, apothecary jars, and this 2 tiered bathroom organizer.
What are your favorite activities at home? Would love to hear them in the comments below so that everyone else can read too!
Get well