Life can be challenging, and it’s easy to get bogged down with responsibilities and stress. That’s why finding joy in everyday life is so crucial. When we experience moments of happiness boosts our mood, increases our overall satisfaction with life, and helps us cope with difficult times.
However, finding joy isn’t always easy, especially in today’s world. With social distancing restrictions in place due to the pandemic, staying at home has become the new norm.
But that doesn’t mean your life has to be boring or monotonous. You can do plenty of joyful activities from the comfort of your own home.
Table of Contents
Activities for the Mind
Read a book in a cozy spot
There’s something magical about getting lost in a good book, and what better way to do it than in a cozy spot? Whether it’s your favorite armchair, a window seat with natural light or snuggled up in bed, carving out time to read is an excellent way to stimulate your mind.
If you’re unsure where to start, Google the best books on XYZ topic or ask friends for recommendations. Reading is also an excellent activity before bed as it helps wind down the mind after a long day.
Solve a crossword puzzle or Sudoku
Do you like games that challenge your mind? Then try solving crossword puzzles or Sudoku.
Not only will these activities keep you entertained, but they also stimulate your brain by using logic and memory skills. You can find free puzzles online or buy books that have hundreds of them to keep you busy for hours.
Learn a new language through an app or online course
Learning a new language can be challenging but rewarding at the same time. With apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone making learning accessible from your smartphone or computer, there’s never been an easier time than now to learn languages worldwide. Traveling may not be an option right now due to COVID-19 restrictions, but learning another language could prepare you for future adventures while expanding your cultural horizons.
Listen to a podcast or audiobook
Podcasts have taken the world by storm over the past few years, and with good reason: they are entertaining and educational simultaneously! Something is available for everyone’s taste, whether true crime stories, motivational messages, financial advice, or celebrity interviews.
Audible and other audiobook platforms offer another engaging alternative if podcasts aren’t your thing. You can listen to audiobooks while cooking, walking, or lounging around the house.
Engage in Mindful Meditation
Meditation is the art of clearing your mind and focusing on your breath and surroundings. Doing this activity for 5-10 minutes daily can improve mental focus, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being.
You don’t need to be an expert meditator to start – plenty of apps like Headspace and Calm provide beginner meditation exercises with guided instructions.
Pro tip! Find a quiet spot and give it a try!
Activities for the Body
Take an online yoga class
Are you looking to relieve stress and improve flexibility while staying at home? You can join an online yoga class from the comfort of your living room. Whether you are new to the practice or a seasoned yogi, classes are available for everyone.
Most online classes offer various levels, so you can choose the class that best suits your needs. Joining a live class is also a great way to connect with others while practicing social distancing.
Bodyweight exercises
Staying active is crucial for both physical and mental health. You don’t need a gym membership to maintain your fitness goals. Many free workout videos and apps offer strength training exercises using weights or body weights.
Check out YouTube channels such as Fitness Blender or Pop Sugar Fitness for pre-recorded workouts you can follow at home. If you prefer something more customized, consider hiring a personal trainer to design a workout routine tailored to your fitness level and goals.
Dance
Who says dancing has to be reserved for nightclubs? Dancing is fun and has numerous health benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health and reducing stress.
Put on your favorite tunes, clear space in your living room, and dance like nobody’s watching! If you’re looking for inspiration, consider joining online dance classes by studios or instructors.
Go for a walk around your neighborhood
While staying at home is necessary during these times, getting some fresh air and sunshine daily is still important. Walking around your neighborhood is an excellent way to exercise without coming into close contact with others.
Walking outdoors has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mood.
Activities for Creativity
Paint or draw something from your imagination
If you want to unleash your inner artist, painting or drawing is a great way to do it. You don’t need fancy supplies, just paper, and a pencil or paintbrush.
Express yourself by creating whatever comes to mind. Maybe you want to paint a beautiful landscape or draw a portrait of a loved one.
Perhaps you’ll find solace in painting abstract shapes and colors that express your emotions. Whatever it is, let your creativity flow, and don’t worry about making mistakes.
Write poetry or short stories
Writing can be therapeutic and fulfilling, especially when expressing emotions through poetry or short stories. Sit down with a pen and paper (or your laptop) and let your imagination run wild.
Write about anything that inspires you – perhaps it’s the beauty of nature, the love between two people, or even the challenges of our current world situation. Don’t worry about whether it’s good enough – write!
Try out new recipes and cook up something delicious
Cooking can be fun and rewarding, especially when you try out new recipes that challenge your skills in the kitchen. Browse online for recipe ideas (there are countless websites dedicated to cooking), or dust off an old recipe book from your shelves. Whether making savory dishes like lasagna or sweet treats like cookies, cooking can be an excellent creative outlet that results in something delicious.
Create DIY crafts using materials you have at home
There’s nothing more satisfying than creating something with your own two hands – especially if it turns out beautifully! With just some basic supplies like paper, glue, scissors, and markers/colored pencils/paints/etc., there are endless possibilities for crafting projects at home.
Consider creating greeting cards, scrapbook pages, origami figures, or custom jewelry.
There a plenty of great DIY ideas. Get creative and have fun!
Activities for Relaxation
Take a Bubble Bath with Candles and Soft Music Playing in the Background
There’s nothing like a relaxing bubble bath to relieve your stress and worries. Make it even better by lighting candles and playing soft music in the background.
The warm water will help ease any muscle tension, while the bubbles and scent of your favorite bath products will help you relax even more. When it comes to creating the perfect atmosphere, it’s all about personal preference.
If you love lavender, use some lavender-scented bubble baths or candles. If you prefer citrus scents, use a lemon or orange candle instead.
Fill your tub with warm water (not too hot!) and pour in some bubbles. As you soak, close your eyes and take deep breaths, focusing on the sound of the music and the flickering flames of the candles.
Watch Your Favorite Movie or TV Show
Sometimes all we need is an escape from reality, and what better way than to watch a good movie or TV show? Grab some popcorn, cozy on the couch with a blanket, and immerse yourself in your favorite flick. Maybe you want to watch something funny that will make you laugh and forget your worries.
Or maybe you want to watch something sad that will allow you to release some pent-up emotions. Whatever it is, pick something that you know will bring you joy and allow yourself to enjoy it fully.
Take an Afternoon Nap
There’s no shame in napping – it can be incredibly beneficial for your health! A short afternoon nap can help improve alertness, boost productivity later in the day, and reduce stress.
Find a comfortable spot where you won’t be disturbed – maybe it’s your bed or a cozy chair. Set the alarm for 30 minutes (or however long you have) so you don’t oversleep.
Close your eyes and focus on relaxing each part of your body, from the toes to the head. Allow yourself to drift off into dreamland as your mind breaks from everyday stresses.
You’ll wake up refreshed and ready to take on whatever comes next. Taking time for relaxation is crucial for both physical and mental well-being.
Activities with Others (virtually)
Connecting with loved ones and friends is vital for our mental health, especially when we spend more time indoors.
Thanks to technology, we can easily stay connected even if we can’t be physically close. Here are some fun activities you can do virtually with others:
Host virtual game night with friends and family
Who doesn’t love a good game night? You can host a virtual game night with video conferencing apps like Zoom or Skype with your friends and family from home. You can play games like Pictionary, charades, or classic board games like Monopoly or Scrabble online.
Plenty of websites and apps offer online versions of popular games for free. You don’t have to worry about setting up the games or cleaning up afterward because everything is done on your computer screen!
Plus, you see all your loved ones’ smiling faces on the screen while playing together. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Have virtual dinner parties with loved ones
Are you missing those dinner parties where you chatted and shared laughs over delicious food? Well, now you can still have them virtually! When everyone is free, set a date and time and ask them to prepare their favorite meal at home.
Then gather in front of your screens as if sitting around one giant table. You could even choose a theme for the dinner party, such as Italian cuisine or Mexican food.
Don’t forget to dress up in some fancy clothes! It’s not just about sharing meals; it’s also about creating memories that will last forever.
Join an online book club
If you’re an avid reader who loves discussing books with others, joining an online book club might be just what you need right now. Many book clubs are available online that cater to different genres and interests. You can choose one that fits your preferences and start reading together.
Most book clubs have a schedule for reading and discussing the book, so you’ll have something to look forward to each week or month. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people who share your love for reading.
Watch movies together virtually
Movie nights are always fun, but now you can have them virtually with your friends and family. You can use apps like Netflix Party or Hulu Watch Party, which allow you to synchronize your video playback and chat with each other while watching the movie.
You could even make popcorn or order snacks like on a regular movie night. It’s a great way to bond over shared interests and enjoy a good film together.
Virtual activities are fun and essential for maintaining relationships during these challenging times. By staying connected with others virtually, we can reduce stress levels and foster a sense of community even when we’re physically apart.
Miscellaneous Joyful Activities
The Art of Decluttering: Organize Your Space and Mind
Decluttering your living space can be daunting, but it can also be incredibly therapeutic and bring a sense of calm to your mind. Take advantage of this time at home by tackling that closet or drawer you’ve been avoiding.
Start by taking everything out and sorting it into piles of what to keep, donate, or throw away. It’s amazing how much lighter you’ll feel once you remove unnecessary items.
Once you’ve decluttered, take the time to organize your space in a way that makes sense to you. This could mean creating designated areas for different items or investing in organizational tools like bins or shelves.
Not only will this make your home look neater and more put-together, but it will also make finding things easier. By decluttering and organizing your physical space, you’ll also be decluttering your mind.
A clean and organized environment can foster productivity, creativity, and a sense of calm that’s essential during stressful times.
Further reading: DIY Jewelry Box Ideas
Get Your Game On: Playing Board Games Solo
While board games are typically meant for group play, they can also be enjoyed alone! Many classic games like Chess or Solitaire have single-player versions that are just as engaging as multiplayer ones. Plus, playing against yourself allows for more strategic thinking and decision-making.
Many modern board games, like Scythe or Terraforming Mars, now have solo variants available. These games offer unique challenges requiring players to think creatively while enjoying the satisfaction of completing objectives independently.
Playing board games solo is not only an enjoyable activity but also helps sharpen cognitive skills like problem-solving and critical thinking.
Soothing Sounds: Listen to Calming Natural Ambience
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the noise and chaos of everyday life. Take a break from the hustle and bustle by listening to calming natural ambiance sounds like rain, ocean waves, or birds chirping. These sounds have been shown to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
Many free websites and apps offer a variety of natural sounds for you to choose from. Some even allow you to mix different sounds together for a personalized experience.
Whether you need white noise to help you concentrate or soothing sounds to help you fall asleep, incorporating natural ambiance into your day can bring peace and calmness.
The Joy of Gardening: Cultivate Your Green Thumb
Gardening is an excellent way to get outside and enjoy fresh air while cultivating your green thumb. You don’t need a large yard or garden space; even potted plants on a balcony can bring joy and satisfaction. Start by researching plants that thrive in your climate or indoor environment.
Then, find the right soil and pot size for your chosen plants. Gardening requires patience, but the rewards are plentiful once your plants start growing!
Not only is gardening an enjoyable hobby, but it also provides numerous health benefits like stress relief, exercise, and exposure to vitamin D.
Finding Joy in Everyday Activities
There are endless possibilities for finding joy in our daily lives while spending time at home. Whether decluttering our living spaces or taking up new hobbies like gardening or playing board games solo, these activities help promote well-being during challenging times.
By incorporating these joyful activities into our routines, we can cultivate positivity and gratitude that can carry over into other areas of our lives. So go ahead and try something new; you never know what joy it may bring!