Staying busy while staying at home

Social Distancing has been in effect for a while now and I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that it’s getting a little boring! Whether at home with friends or with family, having something to do is always nice. So, to combat my own boredom, I’ve compiled a list of hobbies to do that don’t require leaving the house.

Hobbies for the hungry 

I know it’s a little hard to find things like flour and sugar during a pandemic but if you can get your hands on some, baking is a great way to pass the time! It could be a new take on a classic (this skillet chocolate chip cookie was a big hit with my family!) or something a little challenging (this croissant recipe is said to be a delicious and time-consuming challenge, it is definitely on my list!) or literally anything else you can think of! The internet is full of fun and tasty recipes for anything you might want to attempt. 

I can’t speak for everyone, but I know that my family has been finding meals we’ve always loved, a little boring recently. Depending on how much time I’m willing to spend, there are so many excellent recipes just a google search away! This website has some recipes I’ve had my eye on and article includes a series of Tik Toks by a 14-year-old and his family having themed dinners (complete with outfits and props) that’ll be sure to keep the whole family fed and entertained! Personally, my family has been doing dinners that involve everyone. So far, we’ve done “make your own Pizza” and “make your own Nachos” – both of which involve preparing toppings and having everyone choose what they want on their own plate. Both dinners were fun and eliminated any arguments on which toppings are the best!  

Got a green thumb? 

For those with green thumbs, gardening is a great hobby! It can be done outside or inside (though inside requires a little of creativity when it comes to space). Gardening can be peaceful – I’ve always found that all of my problems go away when I’m elbow deep in some dirt – which is great during a pandemic! The (literal) fruits of my labour can be beautiful and delicious! Ontario Tech Grad Student Sarah Habibi has an excellent Instagram post on starting your seeds! 

Coronavirus creativity! 

These hobbies may require spending a bit of extra money but it’s worth it! 

The possibilities are endless! There are textile hobbies like sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, quilting, and macramé. There are art hobbies like drawing, painting, makeup, jewelry-making, and pottery. There are musical hobbies like learning an instrument or developing a melodic singing voice! There are hobbies like writing a novel, poetry, lettering/calligraphy or making a journal (I’ve titled my current journal The Corona Chronicles because it seemed time-appropriate). 

Any of these can be learned using YouTube videos and great ideas can be found on Pinterest (here’s my own Board on Embroidery that I plan on trying now that I’ve got so much extra time and my personal favourite YouTube Channel for Beginners Crochet Tutorials). 

Active activities 

This one has the added bonus of helping to stay healthy and active while social distancing. Dancing, working out, and yoga can all be fun, active activities done without leaving the house! 

Dancing and yoga can (once again) be learned on YouTube and the Digital Community’s Physical Distancing Toolkit already has a great post that talks about working out while the gym is closed!