(We say 12 but in reality, it’s a whole lot more!)
Here are a few great ways to entertain yourself if you’re stuck at home and feeling restless! We hope this helps you a little during these stressful times.
1) Buy or borrow an Ebook
Mr. and Mrs. Dursley of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much…
Nothing’s better than getting to read for free, or at least that’s what our editor believes!
If you haven’t gotten lost in a book’s pages for a while, now’s a great time to do so. The National Library Board has a wide selection of titles available in their online collection, and we’re sure you’ll find something that hits your fancy quickly.
If you cannot find a book in their catalogue, you might be able to purchase an e-copy from popular sites like Amazon. If you don’t have an E-reader, download the Kindle app and you’re good to go!
2) Play some video games
Transport yourself into another world! Revisit Overcooked with your family for some quality time together, or play a fun Match 3 game like Disney Pop Town. There are also social simulation games like Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, as well as beautiful games like Ori and the Blind Forest.
Remember to play in moderation and let your eyes rest frequently!
3) Explore places of interest—virtually
Museums do lots of cool things!
The best part about taking online tours is not needing to leave at closing time. Night at the Museum feels, anyone?
Joke aside, it’s a good opportunity to explore places you normally wouldn’t—all around the world! Here’s a small list of places you can ‘go’ to right now:
- The Museum of Broken Relationships
- The Museu de Arte de São Paulo
- The Paris Catacombs
- The Oceans
- Times Square, New York
- SeaWorld Orlando (for a VR rollercoaster ride!)
- The NUS Museum (read about Digital Senior’s visit here!)
Have time for more places? A quick Google search will pull up even more places you can visit!
4) Take a free online course
Learn a new thing or two, maybe three! Here’s a list of free courses/MOOCs to keep you occupied. Check out Harvard University’s online catalogue: the institution is currently offering 67 of its online courses for free during this time.
5) Catch the sunset from your window
How often do we watch day turn into night? When the golden hour arrives, put aside whatever you’re doing and head for the nearest window or balcony. Even if you don’t have the nicest view, you’ll still get to watch nature at work as the skies turn dark. Take the time to pause and catch your breath.
6) Sleep
Get enough rest! Nuff’ said.
7) Keep a journal
Journalling helps you process all the jumbled thoughts in your head, so that you can feel calmer and more in control of an overwhelming scenario. It also lets you express your creativity through doodles or page designing. You don’t have to write elaborate entries, just jot down what comes to mind!
Other forms of journalling to try include planning and bullet journalling. If pen and paper aren’t your favourite medium of choice, you’ll be pleased to know that blogging helps too. According to Alice Doherty, a neuroscientist at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, blogging can trigger dopamine release[i]. So get writing!
8) Upcycle things you find at home
Take your time to explore something hands-on: it’s a good break from a fast-paced lifestyle and eco-friendly.
While we don’t all have tires lying around at home to convert into planters, we certainly have items we can make nice things out of! There are many fun projects to spend your time on. Recycle undamaged metal bottle caps by turning them into candles, turn tin cans into pretty holders (and many other things), or convert an unused brick into a charming succulent holder.
9) Listen to a well-narrated audiobook
You never know the magic of audiobooks until you find a great narrator, so here are some recommendations from us to start you off! Try experiencing the Harry Potter series differently with the audiobooks narrated by Jim Dale, listen to Reader Player One narrated by Whil Wheaton, or Sherlock Holmes narrated by Stephen Fry.
Neil Gaiman has narrated a few of his own books, so check those out too! For the literature enthusiasts, Ian McKellen does a fabulous job with The Odyssey.
10) Make a travel shadowbox
Put all the ticket stubs and brochures you’ve collected during your trips to good use by putting together a shadowbox! It’ll also make for refreshing wall décor and a lovely trip down memory lane. You’ll find tutorials widely available on the internet.
11) Have a simple picnic (under a blanket fort) in your living room
No matter how old you are, blanket forts will always be magical. All you need is to drape a blanket or throw over a few chairs and stuff a few comfy pillows beneath! If you’ve fairy lights or string lights lying around, use them too. Your living room won’t look the same after you’re done.
Make things better by having a movie night and a picnic together with your family! There’s no better time than the present to create wonderful memories with your loved ones.
12) Watch a live performance
Celebrities and artistes have been holding lives and performances through the various social media platforms during these tough times. While keeping up to date on those held by your favourite singers and personalities, surf the net to find more to enjoy! Digital Senior’s editor recommends the Deafinitely Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe’s co-production of Love’s Labour’s Lost, which will be available online for free until 15 May.
Don’t forget the pre-recorded ones, too! Local theatre company The Necessary Stage has given the public access to one of their plays, Those Who Can’t, Teach till 30th April. It’s a good chance to support local productions from your home!
We hope that this list has given you some ideas on activities you can do. If you’ve any suggestions, drop us a comment below. We’re sure everyone will appreciate your contributions! In the meantime, #stayhome and stay safe everyone!
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