Thanks to the pandemic and lockdown restrictions, many of us have been confined to our homes over the last few months. For most people, the novelty of this has long worn off, as while those first few weeks at home may have been tolerable, life may then have become boring after running out of things to do.

You will be able to relate to this if you have exhausted your Netflix watchlist, completed every one of your video games, and read (and re-read) every book from your bookshelf. Thankfully, there are all kinds of ways to overcome boredom, and we have some ideas for you in this article. 

#1: Try an indoor sport

Due to the pandemic, leisure centers have been closed and sporting events have been canceled, and for those of us who love sports, this has sucked, big time! But here’s the thing:  There are sports we can try at home.

If you have the space in your home, why not try pool, snooker, darts, or ping pong? You might have the appropriate equipment already if you have a games room in your basement, but if not, now might be the time to consider the possibility. If money is tight, you might be able to buy some of what you need second-hand, although it’s still worth buying something that will last for the long term. Check out some of this year’s best ping pong tables in the following linked article written by Table Tennis Sport, for example. 

Sports lovers should consider VR sports titles too. If you are into gaming, you might have a VR headset already, of course, but think about buying one if not. The Oculus Rift is a popular choice, and if you have a PS4, you can also buy a headset that is designed for that particular console. These are some of the best VR sports titles currently available.

#2: Hone your cooking skills

Okay, so you might not have the opportunity to eat at your favorite restaurant at the moment, but if you have skills in the kitchen you could replicate the meals you regularly enjoy. Find the appropriate recipes online and keep practicing until you have something that is similar (or better) than the foods from your go-to restaurant. 

There are other reasons to hone your cooking skills, of course. You will be able to eat healthier if you learn a few nutritious recipes, and that will be good news if you’re somebody who regularly relies on microwave meals and takeaway foods. You will also have the opportunity to learn recipes that are ideal for social occasions, as there will be a time when we’re allowed to hold dinner parties at home again. 

Here are some other food tips for when you’re stuck in quarantine, so have a read, and spend less time on the sofa and more time in the kitchen. 

#3: Do something with the family

Family time often comes secondary to work pressures, social engagements, and other activities that take us away from our homes. This is a shame, as we miss out on precious time with the people we love, and we fail to experience the benefits of family bonding. This is something that can hurt both us and the people we live with.

So, use the time you have at home to build relationships with your family. Do things together, as you will all have the opportunity to bond and escape boredom.

If the kids aren’t at school yet, you could take on projects together. These could be associated with woodwork, cooking, or computing, as examples. You will teach them valuable skills this way, and you will feel as if you have achieved something as a parent too. Even if your kids are now back at school, you will still have time on the weekends if you’re all confined together at home. You could also play board games with your family, have movie nights, and do puzzles together. 

There are also things you can do with your significant other, such as working on home improvement projects and taking up shared indoor hobbies. Now might also be the time to spice up your love life while you have more time indoors with one another. Neither of you will experience boredom if you do!

Finally

There is plenty more you could do at home, of course, so check for other ideas on our website and other places online. And even when pandemic restrictions are lifted, you could still use the ideas we have listed, as there might be other occasions when you have to remain indoors for an extended period. 

Let us know what you think, and if you have ideas of your own, please share them in the comments section below.