2020 has been a little bit of a crazy year so far especially thanks to COVID-19. It's been interesting so far-seeing everyone's reactions to quarantine instructions and our limited ability to get out of the house. Some are taking it hard and struggling with staying home for extended periods of time and others are optimistically using this opportunity to slow down and use their time wisely doing things that they don't normally do.

I like to think of myself as in the latter category. If you follow me on Twitter (you can do so here) then you might have seen a thread I posted about this exact topic and my thoughts on it (if you didn't, you can see the thread in the sidebar of this blog). My thinking is that we have the rare opportunity to not be stricken by schedules or obligations. We instead have the chance to take some time to relax and dip our toes into those hobbies or tasks that we've been putting off. So, instead of just sitting around we can be productive and find fun things to do with our time!

If you are finding yourself stuck inside with nothing to do and boredom is starting to settle in then take a look at this list to get ideas on how to spend your time. Feel free to share it with others you know who may also be struggling right now!

1. Start a new hobby - Is there anything that you have wanted to start recently? Maybe learning calligraphy, photography, art, or playing music?
2. Read - Want to read your Bible every day? Challenge yourself by setting aside the time! Have a book that you never started or haven't finished? My current read is "Letters From a Skeptic" by Edward K. Boyd and Greg Boyd which I highly recommend!
3. Watch a TV show/movie - I'm currently trying to catch up on my current shows including This Is Us and The Good Doctor.
4. Play games - They could be games on your phone, Just Dance, board games, card games, etc. Playing them with family makes it even more fun!
5. Exercise - Challenge yourself to partake in at least 30 mins of physical activity each day. You could go on a bike ride, jog, walk the dog, or start a workout challenge with YouTube videos. My personal favorite YouTube fitness channel is Blogilates and she has a lot of challenges and calendars to follow along with. Try exercising outside!
6. Clean and organize - It may not always be the most enjoyable pastime but the feeling of accomplishment, once it is done, is nice. You can even take the time to make your space more inviting and cozy by redecorating.
7. Join online Bible studies - Since church is canceled and social interactions are limited, take them both online! If you can't find one to join or if your church doesn't offer live streams then search around for them or get your friends together and start one of your own!
8. Get ahead in school or work - If you are currently off work or out of school then you can use this time to get ahead. I currently have a research paper that I am working on.
9. Volunteer to help others - A lot of people are offering to help others by picking up groceries for them and sharing what they have and I think that's a great idea! See if there are any people around you in your neighborhood or city who can't get out right now and offer to help! I think it's a great way to show love to a neighbor even during times like these.
10. Challenge yourself - Your challenge could be spring cleaning a different thing each day such as cleaning out a closet or even limiting your screen time. You can even try starting a new habit such as drinking water right when you wake up. The possibilities are endless!
11. Call a friend or family member - Check in with your loved ones and see how they are doing. After all, we are all in this together (*cue high school musical soundtrack*).
12. Write a letter - Sometimes its nice to go old-school and write someone a letter instead of sending a quick text. It is something that you actually get to put effort into and your thoughts into. It shows how much you care.
13. Spend time with others - Considering the circumstances, this can seem a little counterproductive but if you aren't stuck inside by yourself then spend time with those around you. A little human interaction can go a long way.
14. Check-in with yourself - Being stuck inside is not an easy thing to do. Being aware of how you are feeling can make the difference between going crazy and staying sane. Journaling, praying, and doing a little bit of self-care can go a long way.
15. Pray for the world - Right now we could all use a little prayer. It can be an easy trap to fall into when we let fear, anxiety, or worry creep in during times like these. We have the opportunity to pray for those affected by the virus, those taking precautions against it, healthcare providers, those in leadership, and those stuck in quarantine. Above all, trusting that God is not surprised or worried about this and that He is still in control is the strongest and most effective way in which we can all get through these challenging times.

I actually created an easy-to-share graphic with these ideas that is attached below. I had a lot of fun making this graphic and I hope that you and your friends can enjoy it too! I posted this graphic on my social media as well if you want an easier way to share it.


What are you doing during this time? If you have any other ideas on things to do or just want to share what you have been up to (and how you are doing) then leave a comment down below. I would love to read your responses!