7 Best Things To Do When Stuck At Home: Overcome That Cabin Fever!!

Stuck At Home: 7 Entertaining, Therapeutic, & Productive Things To Do!!

Life has changed in ways many of us never thought we’d see in our lifetimes. I mean… Who would have thought “social distancing” would be the trending word of the year??!

And while in the past some of us couldn’t wait to get home after the typical hustle and bustle each day would bring or after a long workday, the COVID-19 crisis has undoubtedly made the idea of “time at-home” lose a bit of its previous charm.

Stir-crazed feelings, restlessness, anxiety, stress, and even depression have begun to set in rather quickly for many. Which is why finding a few productive ways to preoccupy your time and mind, along with some sources of entertainment, can make the experience far less unpleasant for everyone.

I’ve always been a bit of an introvert, so finding things to do when socially confined hasn’t been quite as hard for me as it has been for my sister (the extrovert) :). While she often prefers spending her weekends out and about, I’ve always found myself drawn to a relaxing, comfy weekend in.

You see, I’m always finding things to do that keep me pretty busy at home. And while it comes a little easier for me, I know that for many it’s not so easy. So, I want to share a few ideas that may help those of you that find yourself bored, totally restless, depressed, anxious, or stressed.

So without further ado….here are the seven absolute best things to do when you’re stuck at home whether due to “stay at home” COVID-19 measures or weather restrictions!!

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The 7 Best Things To Do When You’re Stuck At Home

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1) Get Adventurous & Try A New Recipe!!

While many of us are finding ourselves stuck at home and eating at home a bit more than we are used to, it’s a great time to consider trying some yummy new recipes. Cooking & baking may have felt like a major undertaking before, but now, it could be an excellent way to kill some time while also introducing a few new flavors to your palate!

Try browsing online or on Pinterest (my favorite place to find new recipes), and see if you notice something that you or your family might like. In fact, you can make it a fun family activity, letting the kids participate in picking the recipe, as well as preparing that tasty treat!

Over the holidays, our family did this… My niece LOVED helping out as the appointed “sous-chef”!!!

Need some recipe suggestions?? Here are two ridiculously mouthwatering recipes we’ve made over the holidays from scouring over Pinterest.

• CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BUNDT CAKE from Food.com: If you are looking for something to satisfy that sweet-tooth….mark my word…this will be one of the best cakes you will have ever tasted!!!!! This chocolaty peanut butter decadence didn’t even last an hour before we all gobbled it all up lol. There was literally nothing left for the next day!!!

• SLOW COOKER MOROCCAN CHICKEN & OLIVE TAGINE from Skinny Taste: We didn’t have enough prunes for this recipe, so we made up for it by tossing in some golden raisins instead (loved the sweetness they added). If you are into meal prepping, you can make a big batch and freeze it for some later in the week dinner options.

Recommended Skinny Taste Cookbooks:

The Skinnytaste Cookbook: Light on Calories, Big on Flavor – This cookbook is a NY Times Bestseller, and the best option if you are looking for some delectable meals to help you lose weight without feeling totally deprived!!

One reviewer started cooking some of the meals for her father, a very picky eater. And it wasn’t until he noticed he was losing weight that he realized she had put him on a healthy-eating plan!!

Skinnytaste Fast and Slow: Knockout Quick-Fix and Slow Cooker Recipes: A Cookbook– This book gives you some versatility with your meal options as far as timing. If you need to make something quick, some recipes take 30 minutes or less.

But if you like to meal prep using a slower cooker, there are about 60 recipes to try. So, all in all, you get the biggest bang for your buck since you get countless recipes to fit your lifestyle needs.

My Absolute Favorite Cookbooks:

LaBelle Cuisine: Recipes to Sing About: Try the “Amazing Apple-Butterscotch Pie” & “Over-The-Rainbow Mac & Cheese” recipes… Both are INSANELY DELICIOUS!!! If you are looking for some good ole’ southern comfort food, this cookbook is a must-have!! Every now and then, it’s nice to indulge, and the dishes remind me of my hometown North Carolina roots for sure!!

For the meaty recipes, you can find everything from smothered pork chops to Brunswick stew, southern fried chicken, baby back ribs, and more!! Ok, my mouth is watering just thinking about it!!

The Lemonade Cookbook: Southern California Comfort Food from L.A.’s Favorite Modern Cafeteria: Oh, how I adore this restaurant in Venice Beach!!! I became a regular, and everyone knew my name lol.

Anyhow, I ended up getting the cookbook so that I could try the recipes out at home myself. This one will give you some healthy options along with a few indulgences!! I usually associate comfort food with Southern recipes, but this cookbook provides comfort with some urban twist!!

Try the following recipes: Coconut Cake, Brussels Sprout Shaved Parmesan & Vinaigrette, Kale with Shiitake & Kumquat Vinaigrette, Buttermilk-Baked Chicken, Red Miso Beef, Beef Short Rib, BBQ Brisket, and all ten types of fruity lemonade!!! Your taste buds will be doing a little “happy dance” guaranteed!!

Amazon – Cookbooks, Food & Wine — New Releases and Perennial Favorites

Why not try one of these delicious 50+ Dessert Recipes??!!? Yummm

2) Get Organized!!

You know that closet, that bookshelf, those drawers you have been meaning to get to but haven’t had the time to tackle with life being so busy and what not?? You’ve been putting them off for months, saying you would get to them, am I right?

Well, since you’re stuck at home, why not use this time to get to them finally? Look around you, where could you use a little more organization? I’ll also add that this is an ideal time to get some spring cleaning in!! While this may not be the most enjoyable thing to do on our list, it is, however, very productive and can be a good use of time.

Do you have a million beauty products, makeup, and cosmetics?? What’s in your makeup bag?? Now is the perfect time to toss old makeup and organize your stash!

3) Have A Self-Care At-Home Spa Day

With everyone’s emotions on edge, self-care is an absolute must right now when it comes to mental health & wellness! And what better way to practice a little self-love than with some pampering treatments!

• Pull out that exfoliating body scrub and warm up some massage oil!
• Draw some warm water in the bathtub and light some candles. Use this Cleopatra inspired bath recipe for relaxing or a better night’s sleep!
• Try A DIY Hair mask treatment and give your mane some good-good lovin’.
• Grab that face mask you’ve meant to use!
• Pull out that sexy nail polish, some files, clippers, and a buffer!!
• Lastly, don’t forget to make some refreshing spa water to sip on!!

How To Have A DIY Self Care Spa Day At Home: Complete Guide

4) Pick Up That Book You’ve Been Neglecting

So many times we buy a book we intend to read, we may even start and then, unfortunately, don’t get around to finishing it. Maybe you got it on your last vacation and intended to read it poolside?? Perhaps, it was a gift, and you tucked it away but forgot about it??

Whatever the case, I can guarantee if you are like most of us, there’s one you’ve been meaning to get to. Reading a book can be the perfect thing to do with everything going on right now, especially if you are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed and need a distraction. You can escape and submerge yourself fully into the story you read.

Or if you’d rather, you can try audible instead!! Stretch out on your couch, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and listen. It’s a great way to relax and block out the world as you imagine the story unfolding in your mind.

5) Start Journaling

Sometimes when we are dealing with a vast range of emotions, getting your feelings out on paper can be therapeutic, particularly for those suffering from stress, depression, or anxiety. Journaling is a healthy activity that you can turn to when coping with outside factors that are beyond your control.

Additionally, the benefits of journaling are far-reaching. Here are just a few things it can do for you and the ways it can help…

• providing a means for emotional release
• serving as a problem-solving tool
• creating a way to “unplug” and step back from the chaos
• assisting with self-reflection & mindfulness practices
• acting as a trigger that ignites one’s creative spark

The best way to get started is to grab a pen and paper. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar. Ignore the analytical and critical side of your brain altogether.

Here Are A Few Ideas You Could Write About In Your Journal…

• Make a simple list of all the things for which you are grateful.
• Write about your day, the events that occurred, and, most importantly, how each one made you feel.
• Try writing down the worries and concerns you are experiencing at this very moment. Think about solutions and things you can do that might help you feel better. Then write those down too.
• Think back and write about a joyful memory from your childhood. Engage each of your senses as you write… What do you see when thinking about this memory? Remember any smells, tastes, physical sensations, or sounds?
• Do you ever remember your dreams when you wake up in the morning? Write them down.
• Make a wish-list or bucket-list! Decide what you are going to accomplish by this time next year.

6) Get Crafty Or Find A New Hobby!!

Whether it’s making a scrapbook from old photographs, a vision board, painting, sewing, knitting, drawing, making jewelry, or taking photos…find something fun and creative to do with your time.

It can be a great distraction, as well as a way to get back to some of the old passions you may have put aside simply from a lack of time. And if you are with family, you can make it super fun with an “arts and crafts” day, where everyone takes part in it!! Together you could make jewelry, work on a scrapbook, or create your vision boards.

Here are a few quick & easy resources to help with getting crafty if you are low on supplies!!

• Scrapbooking Supplies
• Art Supplies
• Knitting Supplies
• Jewelry Making Supplies

7) Start A Blog

Do you like helping people? Do you enjoy writing?

If your answer was yes to both, you should consider starting a blog!! Here’s why…

Want to know one of the best ways to get out of your head and to stop focusing on your problems? Shift your focus to helping someone else!

There is something you are good at, something you have knowledge about, that fills a need for someone out there. Your blog could be a vehicle to help others who may be struggling in an area that you happen to have expertise in. It’s the perfect way to channel all your creativity into something productive, inspiring, and beneficial!!

• Do you know a lot about health & fitness?
• Are you a cooking queen with tons of fabulous recipes?
• Are you always “in the know” when it comes to the latest fashion trends?
• Do you know a thing or two about homeschooling?
• Are you good at giving relationship advice?
• Do you know a lot about beauty… hair, makeup, nails, or skincare? Perhaps, are you always trying out new products or beauty trends?
• Are you good with your finances and budgeting?
• Have you experienced pregnancy? Do you have tips for new moms and dads?
• Do your friends come to you for advice on any particular topics? What are you good at? Think about it…If you need some help figuring this out, you can always reach out to me here.

Lastly, blogging is something you can easily do while stuck at home, that if you wanted to, could help you make some additional income each month. Just think, what if you could take something that starts as a hobby, like blogging, and turn it into a side hustle? It could be worth looking into, right??

Not Sure Where To Get Started When It Comes To Blogging??

Here’s a quick FREE course to learn how to get started!!

It’s perfect for beginners if you want to learn how to start and blog and make some extra income!! This is my favorite FREE resource for beginners, and it’s the one that I started with!

CLICK HERE TO GET ACCESS TO THIS FREE COURSE

Stuck At Home…The Wrap Up!!

While being stuck in your home isn’t exactly an ideal situation for most, that doesn’t mean the experience has to be painful and completely unbearable. The key is finding entertaining distractions, activities that self soothe and help you cope from an emotional perspective, or productive things to do while passing the time.

Whether you are solo or lucky enough to have family around you, guaranteed one of these seven ideas will help you through this time with ease.

Now, we want to hear from you!! What has helped you while stuck at home? Share some ideas in the comments below.

Related Articles:

• 7 Ways To Relieve Stress & Anxiety Right Now
• Self-Care: The Benefits of Beauty Therapy
• Surprising Ways Stress Impacts Your Skin Health + 10 Solutions To Help!

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