The Best Self Isolation Activities

I can’t quite believe I’m writing a blog all about coronavirus – I’m unbelievably sad about our current situation. As a girl obsessed with travel, exploring, socialising, and whatnot, it seems as though it’s all a bad dream. While I hope you’re all staying safe, and staying indoors, I thought it might be a nice idea to share some of the best self isolation activities to partake in. Despite all of the negativity and sadness of our situation, it’s important to see the silver lining. Perhaps this is a good opportunity to take up that hobby you’ve never had time for, or a new skill or exercise you’ve been meaning to try. Here’s my list of the best self isolation activities during coronavirus that you can check out for yourself.

Knitting

Whether it’s crochet you fancy trying, or simply knitting an entire woollen outfit, the opportunities are endless. LoveCrafts is a great place to get started with their quality materials, how to guides, and beginner instructions. I was gifted their MillaMia wool in Indian Pink (it’s luxuriously soft and super chunky merino wool) and was suprised at how quickly I got the hang of it to make a scarf. It’s not often you get so much free time to be creative, so capitalise on it. What’s more, knitting is said to lower stress hormones, something we all need in these crazy times. Try different techniques and see what you can make – it’s undoubtedly one of the best self isolation activities out there.

Artwork

A keen painter or drawer? Or just fancy relaxing while creating a work of art? Order your preference online – pastels, watercolours, acrylics, or colouring pencils. Whatever tickles your fancy. Try and opt for good quality paper wherever you can. Then, simply sit down and get to work. It will take time to craft your final piece of artwork, and the sense of achievement you’ll feel at the end will be all worth it. It really is the perfect activity for getting those zen vibes during self isolation.

Blogging

Whether you’ve never had a blog before, or blog whenever you can – now’s your opportunity. Set up that blog for the hobby you’ve always wanted to but never had to time to do, from travel to cooking. If you’re a keen blogger anyway, simply continue what you’re doing, without the time constraints. Whether it’s getting to grips with optimising your blog for search engines, crafting beautiful photography, or simply writing, it’s one of the best self isolation activities you can partake in.

Gaming

Gaming is often one of those indulgences most of us enjoy, but don’t always get the time to do. It can apply to so many different types of gaming too. Whether you’re a video game nerd or love a board game, both are easy to get hold of during lockdown. Order in a bunch of board games or puzzles, or simply purchase some online video games or apps. It’s worth noting that The Sims are currently offering users 75% off. Download, plug in, and escape into your own virtual reality.

Virtual socialising

When you can’t meet up with your nearest and dearest, bring socialising home. Settle down for the night with a glass of your favourite tipple, and FaceTime, Houseparty or organise chats with your friends. Try running a pub quiz for a group of your mates to get everyone involved in something fun. You can try having a virtual dinner together or even a coffee date. Staying connected on social media is also a good idea. Either way, use the time wisely to engage with people you don’t always get the chance to.

Bullet journaling

Bullet journaling is so therapeutic, and one of the best self isolation activities. Grab some colourful pens and a notebook and get to work. You can capture anything your mind desires, from how much water you drink a day to books you need to read, to tracking your daily mood. It’s a creative way of capturing everything going on in your life and enabling you to reflect in the future. Check out my bullet journal Pinterest board for some design and idea inspiration.

Upskilling

Having some down time while in self isolation is the perfect time to take a new course or learn a new skill. Whether it’s learning how to code, or learning something completely offbeat, it doesn’t hurt to pick up something new. For digital marketers, try taking Google’s certificates in Analytics or Adwords. The Open University also offers a generous catalogue of short courses you can each take for free. Why not get stuck into one of these as one of the best self isolation activities?

Learning a language

Why not go a step further on upskilling and take the opportunity of self isolation to learn a new language? Learning languages from the comfort of your home has never been easier. Handy apps like Duolingo help to gamify the practise of learning a language. There are so many to choose from, from Arabic to Swahili. Countless Youtube videos are available to assist with pronunciation. Why not try watching a film in the language you’re trying to learn? It’s one of the best self isolation activities.

Practicing yoga

Yoga is one of the best exercises for keeping a supple, flexible body and a clear mind. At a time when most of us won’t be getting as much exercise as we’re used to – or indeed any steps – it’s a good activity to maintain. It can help you to reflect on the day and your intentions for your practise. Try beginning your day or ending it with a relaxed series of stretches to keep up your flexibility. It’s pretty much guaranteed you’ll feel zen once you’re finished, so give it a go and see how you feel afterwards.

Exercising

One of the most essential and best activities during self isolation is getting sufficient exercise. Although not the easiest activity when we’re all cooped up at home, there are so many innovative ways to get moving your body. Check out workout sessions on YouTube – The Body Coach is a particularly popular series of videos to follow. Various studios throughout the world are also choosing to stream live videos on Instagram each day to keep guests active – follow Barry’s Bootcamp and Psycle‘s classes for inspiration.

Cooking

Now is the opportune time to learn how to cook or master a recipe. Use your trip to the shops to grab the ingredients for something delicious. Perhaps it’s a healthy meal with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, or practice baking a cake that your household can enjoy. Either way, it’s one of the best self isolation activities for relaxing. Put on some music, follow the instructions, and craft something homemade that you’re proud of. You then get to reap the reward afterwards by tucking in.

Reading

In a world surrounded by screens and devices, it’s sadly not too often any more that we get the time to enjoy the escapism of a good book. Curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea or coffee, or enjoy a bubble bath. Get stuck in to a book you’ve been meaning to read for a while. If you’re stuck for inspiration, check out the BBC’s Top 100 Books You Need to Read Before You Die. Stock up your Kindle, or make a list and order a batch of books online to see you through the self isolation period.

Watching films and series

Although it’s unfortunate, being stuck in self isolation due to COVID-19 does mean you get to enjoy some of your favourite shows guilt-free. Whether it’s a movie you’ve been dying to watch, or a series on Netflix, now is your time to enjoy it. Grab some of your favourite snacks and a boxset and settle in for the evening. If you need some inspiration, why not take a look at the list of the 100 Greatest Films of All Time? There’s no better time than now to get stuck in.

Practicing self care

With so much fear, anger, and uncertainty currently in the world due to COVID-19, it’s a good idea to switch off. Avoid over checking the news and social media, and indulge in a little self care. Meditation apps like Headspace are a great way to take some time out of your day and away from daily stress. One of the best self isolation activities is also simply indulging in a bubble bath, using a face mask, giving yourself a manicure, or whatever makes you happy.

That’s my list of the best self isolation activities. What are yours? Let me know in the comments below if you have any additional ideas to share.