Stuck at home and looking for something to do that doesn’t involve working your way through another Netflix series?
There are plenty of things you can do that feel like a better use of your time and energy. These hobbies are not just a bit more enriching than vegging out in front of the telly, but they’re also a lot of fun — and don’t require another soul to take part (though you certainly can do them with someone else, too!).
1. Become a culinary wizard in your kitchen.
Time to channel your inner Gordon Ramsay (minus the yelling). Whip up some fancy dishes or master the art of making the perfect grilled cheese. The best part? You get to eat all your creations — no sharing required! Just don’t blame us if you end up in a food coma after attempting to make a seven-course meal for one.
2. Start a mini indoor jungle.
Source: Unsplash Get your green thumb on and turn your home into a leafy paradise. Talk to your plants, give them silly names, and watch them grow. Before you know it, you’ll be the proud parent of a thriving flora family. Just remember, if your plants start talking back, it might be time to ease up on the fertiliser!
3. Master the art of origami.
Transform plain old paper into magnificent creatures and objects. Start with a simple crane and work your way up to a life-size origami elephant. Okay, maybe not life-size, but you get the idea. Soon, your home will be filled with paper masterpieces. Who needs decorations when you’ve got origami?
4. Become a yoga guru.
Source: Unsplash Stretch, bend, and twist your way to inner peace. Start with basic poses and work up to those pretzel-like positions you see on Instagram. Just be careful not to get stuck — no one wants to explain to the emergency services why they’re wedged between the coffee table and the couch in a failed attempt at the scorpion pose.
5. Learn a new language.
Bonjour! Hola! Konnichiwa! Pick a language and start babbling. Practice by having full conversations with yourself in the mirror. Bonus points if you can convince your pet to learn with you. Before you know it, you’ll be ready for that solo trip abroad — whenever that becomes a thing again.
6. Take up knitting or crocheting.
Create cosy masterpieces one stitch at a time. Start with a scarf and work your way up to a full-body onesie. Soon, you’ll be the go-to person for all things woolly and warm. Just try to resist the urge to knit jumpers for every piece of furniture in your house.
7. Become a master puzzle solver.
Challenge your brain with jigsaw puzzles, Rubik’s cubes, or mind-bending logic problems. Start small and work your way up to those 5000-piece monstrosities. Just don’t freak out when you realise you’re missing that one crucial piece — it’s probably hiding under the couch, laughing at you.
8. Start a blog or vlog.
Share your thoughts, experiences, or random musings with the world. Who knows, you might become the next internet sensation. Just remember, if you’re vlogging, pants are generally considered a good idea. Unless, of course, you’re doing a pants-optional cooking show. No judgment here!
9. Learn calligraphy.
Turn your chicken scratch into elegant script. Practice writing fancy letters, and soon you’ll be creating beautiful art with words. Your grocery lists will never look the same again. Just don’t get too carried away and start writing everything in calligraphy — your boss might not appreciate that report written in flowing script.
10. Become a DIY master.
Source: Unsplash Time to dust off that toolbox and get crafty. Build a birdhouse, upcycle old furniture, or create abstract art from bits and bobs. Your home will soon be filled with unique creations. Just try not to go overboard — your housemates might not appreciate that life-size papier-mâché statue of yourself in the living room.
11. Start brewing your own beer or making wine.
Become your own personal sommelier or brewmaster. Experiment with different flavours, and soon you’ll be sipping your own creations. Just remember to label your concoctions clearly — you don’t want to accidentally use your experimental chilli beer in your morning coffee.
12. Take up digital art or graphic design.
Unleash your inner Picasso with a graphics tablet or design software. Create stunning digital masterpieces or hilarious memes — the choice is yours. Before you know it, you’ll be the go-to person for all your friends’ design needs. Just resist the urge to give everything googly eyes. Or don’t — googly eyes make everything better!
13. Become an amateur astronomer.
Gaze at the stars and unravel the mysteries of the universe from your backyard or balcony. Learn about constellations, track the moon’s phases, or try to spot planets. Just don’t be alarmed if your neighbours start wondering why you’re always looking up at the sky at night. They might think you’re waiting for an alien pickup!
