5 Weekend Activities You Can Do at Home (COVID-friendly activities)

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The global pandemic has stripped away many of our routines and activities. Countless planned trips and holiday vacations had to be canceled, causing many of us to stay at home as we wait for things to settle down.

Weathering this invisible storm indoors is tough, but you can fill your days with new hobbies that can enrich your life. There is no better time to learn something new for the sheer fun of it as you while the hours away. After all, play is a necessary part of the human experience at whatever age and more so during these times.

Stay entertained and productive with these activities you can explore while self-isolating in the comfort of your own home.

1. Hosting a Virtual Party

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Most of us periodically gathered in person for birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, and other special occasions year-round before the pandemic. Thankfully, we can now celebrate virtually, all thanks to the power of technology. Video chats via platforms like Facebook Messenger, Facetime, or Zoom are a lifesaver these days.

Even if there isn’t a birthday to celebrate, you can host a party anytime, wherever you are in the world. Whether it’s a monthly wine night gathering with your vino-loving friends or quiz night with your cousins abroad, you can bridge the distance with virtual parties while staying safe at home.

2. Homebrewing

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Are you tired of drinking the same old beer from your reliable source? Why don’t you start making your own, then?

Homebrewing will keep you occupied for a while because it involves several steps that would take hours to complete, but finishing the whole process with an end product you’d be proud to call your own gives you a deep sense of accomplishment. You can start with a simple non-alcoholic ginger beer recipe before you move up to making complex stouts or pilsners.

3. Hand Lettering

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Going to the store to buy decorative cards or signs isn’t an option that most of us are willing to risk due to certain restrictions. Purchasing them online isn’t nearly as fun as making your own! Hand lettering is a fun way to discover your creativity, for there are so many ways to get it done.

Start by picking out a tool for your new hobby. You can use pens, markers, or watercolor and brushes to bring your creations to life. It’s all about experimentation in the first stages, so discover what medium you are most comfortable using. When you get the hang of it, you can set a goal to develop your unique style. Once you are confident enough to unveil your new skill, you can make handcrafted cards or artwork for the special people in your life.

4. Staying Active and Building an Exercise Routine

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There will be limited access to fitness studios and gyms for a while as we wait for things to settle down, so it only makes sense to stay active by building your fitness routine.

You can even do home exercises without equipment. It can be as simple as committing to running 30 minutes a day thrice a week, doing a HIIT workout several times weekly, or following free yoga videos on YouTube on the weekends.

To keep things fun, you can make a pact with your friends or family to exercise together on specific dates. Working out consistently with your housemates, even virtually, will also help you stay accountable and motivated on days when you are struggling to lace up those trainers.

5. Bullet Journaling

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Bullet journaling is a great way to unleash your creativity while staying organized. Instead of purchasing a pre-made planner, get a blank journal so you can fill its pages with your daily activities and goals in your style.

Write down your to-do list, daily reminders, and highlights of your day that you don’t want to forget: it can be a song you’ve listened to that struck your heartstrings, a specific moment in your day that made you feel alive, a passage from a book or article you have read, or whatever you fancy. The great thing about bullet journaling is that you can express yourself freely and customize it however you want. Bullet journaling can be part of your daily routine for day-to-day survival even beyond the pandemic.

Learn and Grow

Taking up a new hobby or routine during these uncertain times is a form of self-care. Keeping your mind occupied with things that have nothing to do with responsibilities like work, school, or house chores relaxes the mind and relieves you of stress. What’s more, doing these newly learned activities with consistency can sharpen your mind and body.

The best part about taking on these hobbies is that you can share the fruits of your labor with others who share the same interests. In the end, it helps you to forge deeper bonds and connect with people on a whole new level—something that is vital to human existence with or without a health crisis.