20 Fun Things to do at Home While Social Distancing

20 fun things to do at home while social distancing
Alternative title: Covid-19, you are the worst please go away.
But, while you’re here we’ll keep making the best of it.

It’s been rough the past few weeks. We’re living in a time of uncertainty, where the only certainty is that (1) we need to stay home and (2) people are getting sick and we need to help them by again..STAYING HOME (for those that have that luxury) so that our medical professionals can stay well.

Okay now that my little PSA is over, let’s get to the fun. Here are 20 legitimately fun things to do at home that don’t include Marie Kondo-ing your home, cleaning out your kitchen, or purging your entire closet. Now…enjoy!

20 fun things to do at home while social distancing

1. Read a book…or 20

If you’ve been around here for a while you know I’m a total bookworm. If you’re in need of recommendations for what books to read while social distancing, I’ve got them for you. And don’t worry, there’s lots more where that came from.

2. Try your hand at an extravagant recipe

By extravagant, I don’t mean expensive. I just mean something that’s a little something special. For me, I’m trying out cinnamon raisin bagels because I LOVE them and I’ve never attempted to make them at home! We’ll see how this goes.

3. Propagate some plants

Keep those greens growing! I’m NOT good at keeping plants alive (but my husband is!) so maybe this is the time for us to propagate some plants, too.

4. Play games

I LOVE games. I love game nights. I love playing games with anyone and everyone who will play a round (or 5) with me. So, needless to say, I’ll be stocking up on games real soon.

5. Go digital

If you’re working from home, chances are you’ve already had to go digital. So this shouldn’t be tough. Catch up with your friends and family virtually. Hop on a Google hang, Zoom call, or even Facetime. What matters most is connecting.

6. Host a happy hour

Get your best pals together and have a virtual happy hour! I like to schedule these for end of the week – a Thursday or Friday eve when everyone can hop online and enjoy a bevvy together.

7. Get virtual coffee

Missing your weekly coffee dates? Don’t worry, I am, too. Which is exactly why I’ve been hosting digital coffee dates! It’s been so fun to connect with folks in a new way, especially when we’re all craving (safe) human connection.

8. Host a wine party

It’s kind of like a virtual happy hour, but with a twist. Have everyone bring a bottle of wine (you don’t have to drink it all, I’m not saying that, ha!) and “sell” the wine to you and your friends! Have them describe its features, where it’s from, why it’s so delicious and divine…you get it. Once this is all said and done, enjoy the top 3 “winners” from your wine party, but IRL!

9. Try something new

Whatever it is, just try something new! Perhaps it’s baking bread from scratch 0r learning how to speak a new language. Whatever it is – just try it!

10. Find a new favorite band or music artist

In a music funk? Is that even a thing? Well, if you’re tired of listening to the same albums over and over again, listen to something new. Who knows, perhaps you’ll even find a new favorite! Check out Spotify’s curated playlists, ask a friend, post on IG – get those recs going!

11. Learn

This doesn’t sound fun, but I promise it is! Especially if you’re able to do it with a friend, significant other, or family member. Choose a topic, perhaps it’s countries, and start to learn about each one. You may even be the next big Jeopardy winner (cough Ken Jennings cough) by the time this is all over.

12. Explore your neighborhood (while social distancing)

My husband, pup, and I have been loving getting out and exploring our neighborhood in a different way. We’ve been walking down empty streets instead of on the highly trafficked bike/walking path we live on. It’s been a great way to practice social distancing while still getting outside.

13. Start that blog you’ve been talking about for 5 years

Have a great idea for the world’s next best blog? START IT! Do it now while we’re all at home and everyone is glued to their computers. If you’re stuck on how to actually start one, get in touch! Let me help you ☺️

14. Send snail mail

Doesn’t everyone love getting snail mail? If you’ve got writing supplies on hand (+ stamps!) get started on some fun snail mail. It just might brighten someone’s day. Correction – it will brighten someone’s day.

15. Find a new hobby

Looking for something new to do to pass the time now and in general? Find a new hobby! There’s so much you can do! Sewing, knitting, jewelry making, running, – want me to keep going? Because I could.

16. Move your body

There are TONS of free resources out there right now. I’ve already done free yoga, Tim has done some IG workouts, and there’s lots more – it just takes a little digging. And, gyms are offering affordable memberships – check out Madabolic. That’s where I go in Atlanta and they’re offering a digital membership right now! 

17. Join a book club

Book clubs are such a fun way to connect with others and meet new people. And, you don’t even have to leave your home (WHICH YOU SHOULDN’T!) to join in on the fun. In fact, my book club has 25 chapters around North America and we’re going ALL digital this month! You can join in on your group’s digital discussion or join our larger digital book club chapter for this month. Hopefully we can all meet in person again in April!

18. Explore some art

Have you heard? Museums around the world are offering free virtual museum tours! How neat is that? Free access to art, y’all!

19. Tune in to a live concert

Have you seen that artists have been hosting mini live concerts on IG Live? How NEAT is that! Tim and I tuned in to Leon Bridges’ account for a few minutes last week – it was so nice to hear him perform while we sat on our patio with a glass of wine.

20. Reconnect

Remember that friend you’ve been meaning to reconnect with? Now’s the time. Reach out! Get their email address/phone number/etc. and take the time to chat with them. You may be pleasantly surprised how quickly you can fall back into a friendship with them. Note: Please do not rekindle friendships/relationships with toxic people. This is your PSA.

What are YOU doing to pass the time? Please share below or tag me on IG (I’m @gabivalladares)! We’re all in this together (from afar), right?

g.