Bored at home? Here are some ideas

Staying inside is the best way to protect yourself from the coronavirus, but it can get boring after a few weeks. To break up the monotony, here are some suggestions for passing the time.

• Reread your favorite book. It’s been sitting on the shelf for a couple of years, and now is a perfect time to dust it off.
• Start writing a blog. You can write about your favorite hobbies, books, art, and even your experiences with getting through the coronavirus.
• Bake up a storm. You will keep your mind busy, and your house will smell amazing.
• Dust off an instrument. We tend to put off practicing when things get busy, but now you have all the time in the world! Just try not to bother your neighbors, remember they are also stuck at home.
• Write poetry. If you aren’t a linguist, you can still have fun writing haiku poems. They are only three lines with five, seven, and five syllables.
• Learn calligraphy. You can find lessons on YouTube. If you don’t have a calligraphy pen, you can hold two pens together in one hand to emulate the thick pen tip.
• Work on a puzzle. The more pieces in the puzzle, the better for killing time.
• Read the articles in the magazine that are piled on your coffee table.
• Break out a board game and challenge your loved ones or roommates. Some games can even be played virtually using FaceTime or Google Hangouts. Pictionary works exceptionally well.
• Learn a new language. There are apps, such as Duolingo, that walk you through an easy-to-follow learning process that will have you speaking another language in no time.
• Try meditation. It’s easy; just close your eyes, clear your mind, and focus on your breath. Try for a twenty-minute session. You’ll be amazed at how calm you’ll feel.
• Make some art. Don’t know what to draw? Sit in front of the mirror and attempt a self-portrait.
• Stay fit by doing some exercises in your living room. If you aren’t sure how to get started, consult YouTube, or download a fitness app.
• Treat yourself to a spa day at home. You probably have a face mask, toner, and moisturizing routine that you haven’t had time for recently.
• Watch all of the movies that were nominated for an award at the Oscars. These films made the list for a reason, so they are probably worth a viewing. Start with the movie that the critics say that should have won.
• Break out a pen and paper and write actual letters to your friends or family. Better yet, write a thank you note to someone who is helping make your life a little better during these difficult times.
• Work on a coloring book. You probably haven’t done one of these since you were a kid, but they are much more fun than you remember.
• Check out Pinterest for ideas and try to recreate something that catches your eye. Chances are, you won’t create a masterpiece the first time but keep at it.
• Take a look around the house for anything in disrepair. Most everyone has a loose doorknob or squeaky hinge in their home.
• Make a list of things that you are grateful for. It’s essential to focus on the positive things in your life.
• Relax into an extra foamy bubble bath. Take it to another level by adding some candles and a glass of wine.
• Go through the pictures from the past year and create a photo album. Share it with your friends and encourage them to do the same.
• Work on your financial plan. Rates are low, so it might make sense to refinance your house or leverage the equity with a reverse mortgage.
• Reach out to your favorite small business and see if they offer gift cards. Small businesses are struggling during the quarantine, and the cash on hand will help them get through.
• Organize your kitchen cabinets. Match all of your random Tupperware pieces with their lids and alphabetize your spice rack.
• Teach your dog a new trick. You can start with something easy like “shake” and then move into the difficult moves such as “rollover.”
• Make a bucket list. The excitement of planning a trip may be just what you need to take your mind off things.

We hope that something on this list helps you get through the quarantine boredom. Good luck!

This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only, and should not be construed as financial or tax advice. For more information about whether a reverse mortgage may be right for you, you should consult an independent financial advisor. For tax advice, please consult a tax professional.