For many of us in the US, we’re about a week into social distancing, being quarantined or following our state’s mandated time at home. The first week I was pretty swamped with stuff to do - chores, unpacking, work, work and more work so I can’t say it was all too bad. However, come into week two and honestly I’m feeling a little cabin fever. I might have our sticky note to-do list, but I thought it would be most helpful to create a huge blog post on different ideas I’ve come up with personally and even one’s I’ve come across! If there are any you come up with, please please please leave them in the comments so we can all get through this together!

In our home we LOVE board games regardless of the season or reason for playing them. To date I think we have over 30 and try to play one at least once every week or every other week. These are some of my favorite - most of which we own and few we have played at our favorite spot in our neighborhood - Snakes and Lattes!

From coloring books to slime and even a few things on my own list - like painting a jean jacket - there are tons of different ideas below for those who like to be hands on, crafty or something a little different!

It might seem like food is scarce but thank to the hardworking truckers, farmers, groceries and more your regular (but limited) grocery shopping is the perfect time to try some recipes, cooking techniques and more! Here are some of my favorite - including some family recipes of my own. TIP: make these cheesy breads if you can - they freeze and are amazing as snacks and apps.

Recipes

DIY

Charcuterie Boards
Cookies (iced, decorated, etc)

Whether you’ve been meaning to organize a pesky junk drawer or even take on your closet or pantry to make donations, now is a wonderful time to do just that! I personally am going to be working through my closet and office!

Organize your tech gear - chargers, headphones, etc.
Go through your clothes and separate what you want to keep, donate or sell
Color organize or seasonally organize your closet
Tidy up your entry way area
Take on that pesky junk drawer
Go through your cosmetics/toiletries and dispose of anything expired
Go through your pantry and donate extras to a local food bank or community resource center
Organize your pantry so you can see everything
Tidy up your kitchen drawers - consider organizing trays

I don’t know about you but we’ve been watching tons of our favorites (or new) shows and movies! from Netflix to Disney+ I’ve made a few templates with some of my favorites as a bucket list of sorts!

I actually haven’t been listening half as much as usual, but Podcasts are a great thing to turn on while you’re working or cleaning around the house. I personally have a hard time just listening to them without doing something else but that might just be me!

My Favorite Murder - “is the hit true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Since its inception in early 2016, the show has broken download records and sparked an enthusiastic, interactive “Murderino” fan base who come out in droves for their sold-out worldwide tours.”
Lore - “Lore is a podcast about non-fiction scary stories. Each episode examines historical events that show the dark side of human nature (usually through the lens of folklore) and is presented in a style that's been compared to a campfire experience.”
The Clearing - “When April Balascio was 40 years old, something she’d feared for decades was finally proven true. Her father, Edward Wayne Edwards, really was a murderer. The Clearing is about what came after April called a detective in 2009 to tell him about her suspicions — a call that led to her father’s arrest and eventual conviction on multiple murders — and tracks the emotional journey as she and host Josh Dean dig back into her childhood, unravel the truth of her father’s life, and overturn a viral online narrative that had turned Edward Wayne Edwards into a kind of serial killer caricature.”
Cocaine and Rhinestones - “Want to hear a story? Country music is full of them, always with a killer soundtrack, sometimes a soundtrack made by a killer - like Spade Cooley, the only convicted murderer to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Or there’s the time Loretta Lynn released a song about birth control in the 1970s and everyone pretty much lost their minds. You’ve heard those? You sure? Millions of people think they know all about Merle Haggard’s 1969 song, “Okie from Muskogee,” but they’ve had it wrong the whole time. You’ll find those stories and others right here, obsessively researched, written and narrated by Tyler Mahan Coe, a lifelong veteran of country music and its mythology”
1619 - “An audio series on how slavery has transformed America, connecting past and present through the oldest form of storytelling.”
Forever35 - “Forever35 has a passionate following, and with good reason. Hosts Doree Shafrir and Kate Spencer emphasize they are not experts, which makes for a relatable discussion. And they are as interested in general wellness practices — meal planning, organizing your Google calendar, yoga — as they are into masks and mascara.”
Goal Digger - “The live-workshop style business podcast that is helping thousands redefine success and chase bolder dreams. You can train from the experts how to dig in, do the work, and tackle your biggest goals along the way.”

Not gonna lie - I haven’t done a single workout since this whole thing started - maybe that’ll change once I make some space? If you’re ready to get some sweat goin, try these!

P90X - I did these in high school (my most athletic) and loved them! They’re at home and require pretty minimal equipment. Plus, who doesn’t love the famous Tony pep talks, motivation and talking fav soups during cool down?
Claire Audrey Fitness - she shares amazing fitness & health related content here & recently shared this interesting post/study on loss of progress during breaks (like we have at home). She is the ONE fitness guide/influencer/human I really trust and admire.
BBG - I personally have not tried this but have heard tons of friends and peers have and like it! I’d definitely do your research!

I SWEAR I will read at least once book while we’re stuck at home (but tbh I haven’t started one yet). Here are many of my favorites, most recommended and other popular reads I might give a go.

I know getting dressed and ready for the day is an important part of having some normal, but, if you are happy to stick to cozies like myself, I highly recommend these!

From better understanding your taxes (or doing them) to learning how to shoot in manual or another language, now is the PERFECT time to commit to something, even if for just a little bit each day.

Learn a new language
Do your taxes
Learn calligraphy
Learn how to sew or embroider
Learn how to cook, bake or use a new technique
Learn how to make a floral arrangement
Learn how to do Yoga or work on your movements
Learn to weave
Learn to draw - your favorite cartoon, character, design (coloring books count!)
Learn how to make your favorite (or a new favorite) cocktail
Learn how to DIY something you’ve been wanting to do

Over time a few small projects around the home turn into a huge list of things. I would say over half of our things to do on our list include these types of things. Below I’ll share many of ours as well as some I’ve seen online I will certainly be adding!

Hang up frames or items for a gallery wall/decor
Make a vision board for Bedroom & Office Re-Vamp
Take down old decorations and add spring refresh items
Plant new flowers or seeds in pots or the garden
Deep clean the home
Create an entrance table/area
Put together your put area
Clean your sheets and bedding!
Go through closet and set aside donations, items to sell, etc.
Look on Pinterest for home project ideas

From mastering the at home manicure to practicing meditation, right now is an essential time to take moments for yourself, to love on your body and mind. Here are some of my favorite tools to do just that!

Don’t check social media or emails within your first hour of being awake
Meditate for 10 minutes
Take a 15+ minute walk around the block
Go to bed earlier than usual (and use pillow spray!)
Declutter your desk/bed side table or any area that is cluttered
Take a bath (bonus points for bubbles, bath bombs or a yummy candle)
Snuggle with your pet
Light your favorite candle and enjoy the scent
Switch up your morning to-do list with an evening I-Did-It list by writing down all your accomplishments big and small from the day
Give yourself a mani/pedi
Do a face mask or other skin care activity you like
Call or text a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while
Read a book or magazine for an hour
Sit outside on your patio, balcony, etc.
Watch funny Vine or TikTok compilations
Turn on your favorite playlist and sing at the top of your lungs
Bake a dessert

While there ARE a ton of things we all CAN be doing during this time, don’t think for a second you have to do anything, let alone ALL the things. If you need a day to veg, do it. If you need many days to just take it all in? Do it. This time is not about being the most productive, creative, brilliant, etc. ever - our (crumbling) systems and society have told you you have to be those to be worthy, to be human - even in times of panic, and that simply isn’t true. So, here are some ideas but at the end of it all, do what you need and want to do. Wishing you all a very safe and healthy time at home!