20 Budget-Friendly Activities to do in Quarantine

The COVID-19 pandemic affects each and every one of us in a multitude of ways. “Stay home” has become a slogan to remind us of the collective effort to keep one another safe. Whether you’re staying at home out of prevention or necessity, here are twenty budget-friendly activities for you to do while in quarantine.

1. Reading.

   Now is the time to pick up a good book, or better yet, a great series! Books can take you anywhere in the world, and what better time for an adventure than when you’re at home? You can check out your local library, or book recommendation websites like GoodReads - your next adventure awaits!

2. Play a board game.

   You remember how long it takes to play Monopoly, right? There’s no better time for that then while quarantining! Not a board game kind of person? Try a crossword or a Rubik’s Cube. All of these games are fun and time consuming!

3. Watch a movie (or the whole series)

   Break out the popcorn and pajamas! In the past, you may not have had the time to watch all the Harry Potter films. During quarantine, they’re your best friend.

4. Camp out at home.

   Did someone say backyard camp-out? Take the kids, a tent and some sleeping bags and enjoy the great outdoors – from home.

5. Perfect your cooking skills.

   This is the perfect time to try your hand in the kitchen. After learning your basics skills, you can work on making and perfecting family recipes! Quarantine is the perfect time to teach yourself, and your family, the traditions that mean so much.

6. Meditate.

   Use this time to rest, relax and realign. You can try to do this on your own or download apps like Headspace or Calm.

7. Exercise.

   Push yourself to find a new home workout! From trainers on social media, like Instagram or YouTube, to trainer-led classes like OpenFit, there are an infinite number of home workout options. Added bonus – since you’re at home, there’s no need to worry that someone will see you trying out something new.

8. Work from home (WFH).

   Consider applying for a virtual job or internship during quarantine. Many companies have shifted to virtual or remote positions, which means you can work places you may not have had the chance to previously – Score!

9. Learn new skills.

   Take this time to teach yourself a skill or add a certificate to your resume. You can even find free courses on websites such as Skillshare and Salesforce Trailhead. Learning new skills can be fun and beneficial to your career when quarantine is over.

10. The Covid Clean.

    Quarantining can be stressful, uncomfortable, and anxiety-provoking. Cleaning and organizing are strongly associated with decreasing stress and anxiety.[1] Check out our guide for room-to-room cleaning tips!

11. Make sales - online.

    You just cleaned your house? Instead of throwing out anything you no longer need, post it on Facebook Marketplace or another similar website to get cash for your items.

12. Paint.

    Order yourself a brush, a few paints and canvases and get to painting! This activity can help calm your mind and create something beautiful to look at in the future.

13. Adopt a pet.
    

    Feeling lonely during quarantine? If you can afford the added expense and will still be able to care for your pet when quarantine is over, consider purchasing a dog or another animal. Remember that your pet will likely need vet visits and lots of supplies such as food, a collar and leash, a dog bed and more. Can’t purchase a pet? Foster an animal to spend time with a furry friend without the long-term responsibility!

14. Laundry and chores.

    Remember all those chores you rarely had time to do before quarantine? Well, now is the time to get to it. Washing dishes, doing laundry or other chores can be fun and stimulating. Also, living in a clean space can help give clarity to your mind! Use this time to straighten up around your house.

15. Knitting or Cross-stitch.

    Teach yourself a new skill and learn to knit! Not only will you learn something new, but you can also create clothes, blankets (or masks) to give to friends and family. It’s a win-win!

16. Scrapbooking.

    Although there may not be much to do during quarantine, you can re-live that awesome vacation or amazing concert through scrapbooking. Collect photos, wristbands, concert tickets, pamphlets and souvenirs from your favorite experiences and put them all together in a scrapbook. When quarantine is over, you can add more memorabilia to your collection.

17. Create your own in-home spa.

    Take advantage of the time you have at home to relax and refresh. Put on a face mask, a hair mask, and paint your nails. There really is no better time for an at-home spa day when in the midst of quarantine!

18. Juggling.

    Learn a new skill that you can use at the next get-together you attend! You’ll be impressing everyone post-quarantine with your new-found talent.

19. Puzzles.

    A great way to pass the time is by doing a puzzle. Try one on your own or involve the whole family! One game maker has seen U.S. puzzle sales soar 370% [during quarantine].[2] Jigsaw puzzles can be both mentally stimulating and fun, too!

20. Video games.

    Take your mind off reality by entering the world of video gaming. Games can be distracting, enjoyable and even educational! To get you started, the top three most played Xbox One games are Call of Duty Warzone, Fortnite, and Rocket League, according to Microsoft. Looking for an educational game for your children? Check out National Geographic Challenge to test your geographic knowledge, or the Oregon Trail game to learn historical events and problem-solving skills.

With these budget-friendly tactics, quarantine can be a positive and refreshing season of life. So, get a head start on your spring cleaning, watch a film, or spend the day outdoors camping with the family. However you choose to spend quarantine, make it a worthwhile time.

Sources:

[1] The Mental Health Benefits of Cleaning, Organizing, and Decluttering Your Space, Recovery
[2] Demand for Jigsaw Puzzles is Surging, CNBC