This is a sponsored guest post.

There’s been a lot of talk recently about what you should be doing with your quarantine time. People are being encouraged to learn a new language, get into the best shape of their lives, or start up a side hustle – and while this all sounds great in theory, that’s a lot of pressure to put on yourself during a time of unpredictability and confusion.

It’s important to stay busy and engaged during quarantine, but that doesn’t mean you have to push yourself past your limits. If you want to use your time wisely without sending your brain into meltdown, here are a few things to catch up on during your time at home:

1. Start the Netflix series you’ve been meaning to watch
We’ve all got that one Netflix series we’ve had on our to-watch list for ages, but it always felt like too much of a commitment to begin. Quarantine is the perfect time for some guilt-free binge-watching. If you’re stuck for ideas, reach out to your friends – they’ll be more than willing to provide you with their recommendations.

2. Deep-clean your home
When you have enough time to do it, cleaning is truly fun. Get the kids involved for extra amusement, and set mini challenges, like cleaning a specific area from top to bottom before a song finishes. Deep-cleaning your home is a great way to feel productive without overwhelming yourself.

3. Throw out your old mattress
… and invest in a lovely new one. When was the last time you woke up without a bad back? If there was ever a time for self-love, it’s now. While you’re at it, check up on your pillows, and switch them up for something a little kinder on your neck if they’re past their best.

4. Do a jigsaw puzzle
If you’re looking for stress-free ways to engage your brain, a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle should do the trick. There’s something bizarrely enthralling about figuring out which pieces go where. This is a great hobby to take up if time is starting to drag for you.

5. Plan your future vacations
It’s never too early to start vacation planning, and plus, organizing something hypothetical to look forward to will do wonders for your mental health right now. Whether you’re looking to book something for as soon as self-isolation ends, or you’re preparing for a huge trip for next year, vacation planning is a productive way to keep busy for hours on end.

6. Learn a TikTok dance
If you’re trying to keep the kids entertained, download the TikTok app and learn a few of the popular dances on there. You’ll probably feel like a complete idiot, but getting silly with the kids is a great family bonding activity. Your kids will love you a bit more for it, too.

7. Call a friend
Self-isolation doesn’t have to mean social isolation. If you’re feeling a little stir-crazy, call a friend and distract yourself with a few hours of mindless nattering. This is another great one for your mental health, and it’ll help you feel less alone during quarantine.

8. Read a book
Now, there’s no pressure here to stock up on those Great American Classics you’d always planned to read. Simply pick up something that interests you and give it a go. Many adults don’t have the time to fit reading into their day – so now you do, you may as well make the most of it.

9. Become at one with nature
If it’s safe for you to leave your home, now is the perfect time to head out into nature and see what all the fuss is about. After so many hours of being cooped up at home, you’ll appreciate basic natural elements like trees, fields and open sky like never before.

10. Bake
If you’ve checked your social media recently, you’ll know that every other person suddenly thinks they’re a professional baker. But as the old saying goes: if you can’t beat them, join them. Baking is profoundly therapeutic, and you’ll experience a deep sense of satisfaction when you manage to actually produce something worthy of a cookbook.

11. Fix your home
When we’re all usually so busy at work, finding time to fix things at home usually isn’t possible. But now, there’s no reason to ignore your chipped door frame, broken lamp shade or faulty cupboard hinge any longer. If you have the tools available, get fixing.

12. Create a “meal out at home”
Many of us are missing the most basic things we took for granted before quarantine, like going out for dinners at our favourite restaurants. Luckily, with a bit of imagination, we can easily recreate the restaurant ambiance at home. Cook up your favourite dishes, light a candle or two, and enjoy.

Emily

Hi there! I am Emily Evert, the owner of Emily Reviews. I am 28 and live in a small town in Michigan with my boyfriend Ryan and our two pugs. I have a large family and I adore my nieces and nephews. I love reading memoirs, and learning about child development and psychology. I love watching The Game of Thrones, Teen Mom, Sister Wives and Veep. I like listening to Jason Isbell, John Prine, and other alt-country or Americana music. I created Emily Reviews as a creative outlet to share my life and the products that I love with others.

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