We get it. You’re stuck at home, you’re bored, and you’re looking for something to do after online classes. Though boredom can get old quickly, being stuck at home promotes curiosity, innovation and creativity. To aid in your boredom and to promote creativity, here are five easy, cheap, and fun activities that can be completed from home. Take a break from Tik Tok, and let’s get started!
Create your own mini plant garden
This one is easy. Start by finding a small, medium or large-sized ceramic pot. Any size is fine, but a wider rim is preferred, as this provides room for more plants. Next, purchase seeds of your choice from online (if possible, to limit human contact) or at your local grocery store. Collect dirt from your yard or purchase top soil with fertilizer from online or a local store (like Lowes, Target or Walmart). When all supplies are ready, fill the ceramic pot with dirt or top soil to about an inch below the rim of the pot. Drop the seeds on top of the dirt/top soil, making sure not to overcrowd the seeds. Do not press down or place dirt on top of the seeds. Instead, they should rest on the dirt’s surface. Finish by watering the seeds well and placing the pot in direct sunlight (outside or inside). In a few days, the seeds should begin to sprout.
Create Greeting Cards
Facing a historical pandemic that has confined most of us to our homes, it’s important to maintain a sense of positivity in our everyday lives. To bring positivity to friends and family, create small greeting cards to be sent through the mail service. This is a reliable and fun way to reach friends and family. Start by creating a card of any type that fits into a standard envelope. The card could, for example, be written to your grandparents or friends expressing how much you miss them. Once the card is completed and placed in the envelope, seal it. Write the address of the recipient in the middle of the envelope and the return address (your address) in the upper-left corner of the envelope on the same side. Finally, place a stamp in the top right corner of the envelope and place it in your mailbox. Recipients, depending on location, should receive the card within a few days.
Keep a journal
Believe it or not, we’re living through a major historical event. You are a primary source, and your thoughts hold the potential to educate future generations, including your own children. Purchase a simple notebook online or from a local store (like Target) to get started. There are no specific instructions for keeping a journal — you can draw, write, or express your thoughts in any way that works for you. If possible, journal for 10-15 minutes every day, or until you feel satisfied. By doing so, you’re participating in the making of history!
Start Drawing
Always remember that you don’t have to be an artist to draw something beautiful. Most of us probably wouldn’t draw in normal circumstances, so with extra time due to COVID-19, today is a great time to try something new. Many choose to use colored pencils for drawing, but anything can be used, including graphite pencils, pastels, charcoal, crayons or markers. One of the best things about art is that you can create anything you want, so choose what appeals most to you. Nature, animals and buildings are great places to start.