First of all, I want to personally thank (not) COVID-19 for being the sole contributing factor in many upcoming events cancellations. While it’s easy to understand why we must forgo all social activity for the time being – it’s not always easy to accept. 

This past Friday, my best friend turned 30. Unfortunately, we were unable to celebrate together due to the state of emergency and missed a milestone that would have been one of my favourite memories (I’m sure).

Rather than completely miss out on her big day, I found some cute and inexpensive items online and had a care package sent to her house, in hopes of providing some kind of tolerable moment in time among all of this chaos. 

As an introvert, even I am finding it challenging to navigate this new normal. If not just because of the global pandemic, but also because our weather hasn’t been cooperating either. It’s been snowing, cold, and windy for the entire pandemic, and let me just say, I miss sunshine and fresh air. Also, I really miss Starbucks. 

So, for those of you looking for some new or fun things to try out while home, here’s my list:

1. Pull out your pencil crayons

Now is the perfect time to relive your high school art-class glory days. Yes, I’m hyper-aware that a lot of us parents colour with our kiddos on the regular, because that’s all we ever do in my humble abode. But, I feel it is my moral obligation to remind you that there are some pretty fun and stress-reducing adult colouring books out there that seriously put a smile on my face, and maybe they will work for you, too. Including this Obnoxiously Fun Swear Word Coloring Book that I found on Amazon for only $10. 

2. Learn a TikTok dance

My husband and I are big fans of this social media platform, and we regularly scroll through TikTok even though we’re in or nearing our 30s. I have to be completely honest in the fact that we have had some of the biggest laughs ever trying to teach each other these “dances” that you never have to actually post to the internet if you don’t want to. Also, they work up a great sweat. Follow me on TikTok if you want to see cute videos of my daughter or if you’re simply in need of some cheering up.

3. Get dressed up for a date night in

Sure, you can’t leave the house – but that doesn’t mean you can’t look your best and dress to the nines for whoever you’re living with at the moment (including yourself). Now is the time to experiment with that makeup look you’ve been too nervous to try, and now is the time to wear that dress for the event you never attended. It doesn’t have to be all business and all productivity at a time like this. Sometimes, we just need to relax.

4. Perfect your morning coffee

Since we can’t go out to our favourite cafes, it’s time to test out some recipes and see how we can create the perfect latte or cappuccino from home. Pinterest has some fantastic recipes, including this Sugar Cookie Coffee, this Homemade Frappucino and *drools* this Bailey’s Coffee Slush. I mean, hey, maybe we can even learn latte art while we’re at it. 

5. Play the song association game

I’m not sure if you’ve ever seen the Elle Song Association videos on YouTube, but I became obsessed to the point where my husband and I created a spreadsheet with random words to use and play on our own. I’m linking here so you can join in the fun! Alone? Do it over FaceTime! 

6. Reorganize your pantry

Recently, I did a full out pantry reorganization and spring cleaning for my cupboards. It was extremely affordable and enjoyable, and while you’re at it, you can also take inventory of what food you have and if you need to restock if you were to have to quarantine.

7. Learn a new card game

If you’re going crazy, you don’t have to spend money on a new board game or buy an entirely new gaming system. Instead, dust off your $2 deck of cards and learn how to play a fun card game that eliminates screen time, and is perfect for turning off overthinking (my personal nemesis). A few of my favourites include crib, peanuts, and rummy. 

It’s not easy to feel trapped indoors, but it’s not hard to protect those who are vulnerable and help stop the spread of something pretty scary. If you have any fun ideas for us Canadians who are trapped inside for the foreseeable future, drop a comment below!