Until the world gets back to normal(ish), it’s essential to keep busy. Staying home and staying safe are the most important things to do right now as we all know, however, keeping sane it’s also on the top of my list. During these challenging times, taking care of our mental and physical health as well as keeping entertained are paramount… For this reason, I’ve put together a list of things to do while at home in isolation, and don’t worry I’m not going to include any pub quizzes!

1. Give your spare room a makeover.

Who doesn’t love a good room transformation? If there is something that’s been getting me through lockdown is home makeover shows. So, why not do our own little home makeover show? If you have a spare room or a part of your home that you are not using, including attic or garage, why not transform it into a new space?

Hamilton Billiards, snooker table manufacturer, recommends transforming your extra room into a games room. That way, you will feed two birds with one scone – satisfying your desire to renovate a room and keeping yourself entertained afterwards with all types of games! You might want a traditional games room with a full-size snooker table or perhaps a more modern games room with a games console and some virtual reality games, it’s all up to you!

2. Start a new hobby.

Have you always wanted to learn how to play a certain instrument or perhaps paint like Picasso? Now, it’s the time to do it. This article on the BBC recommends learning the ukelele, “If you want to learn the basics of a musical instrument during lockdown, it’s been suggested that the easiest one to master in the shortest space of time is the ukulele with its four strings (two fewer than a guitar).”

3. Clear out your wardrobe.

Let’s face it, you’re not going anywhere any time soon. There’s no reason to be buying clothes right now, so instead, let’s clear out our wardrobes and those clothes that we haven’t worn in decades! Make a pile to donate to charity and another one to sell online and let the decluttering begin.

4. Learn a new language.

From sign language to Spanish or even German, have you started learning any different languages while stuck at home? And if you think that learning languages is not that interesting, think again! According to Lead with Languages, “people who speak more than one language have improved memory, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, enhanced concentration, ability to multitask, and better listening skills.” So, not only are you learning another language but also improving all these great skills.

5. Stay in touch.

This article on Age UK recommends staying in touch with family and friends, and I couldn’t agree more! It’s been difficult for everyone not to see their friends and family as much as they used to, so thank god to the internet for allowing us to stay in touch with our loved ones!

And most importantly, cut yourself some slack. You don’t have to keep busy 24/7, you don’t have to keep planning things to do. Sometimes I just want to sit down and relax, take a long bath or listen to some music.

What other things have you been doing at home in isolation?