15 things to do during self-isolation

With the world tucked away behind our own front doors, twiddling our thumbs and counting the minutes is becoming the ‘go-to' to pass the time. But what would you say if I told you that staying in can be just as fun and productive as going out? No, I'm serious! With our tips and advice to keep boredom at bay, you’ll discover there's a mountain of activities to keep you busy during the next few weeks.

Here are our top 15 things to do whilst self-isolating.

1. Read a book

Seek out those paperbacks, dust off the cobwebs and sink your teeth into that novel you've always planned on getting around to, but never quite found the time. Getting engrossed in a good read is a great way of taking your mind somewhere else.

2. Binge a Netflix series

If ever there was a good time to binge a new series, it's now! Everybody knows you can spend hours and hours in front of the screen and still want more, well now you can! So, grab some snacks, put your feet up, and binge to your heart's content.

3. Learn how to play an instrument

We all have an old keyboard, guitar or recorder that we gave up on way back when. Now's the time to dig out your old instruments from Christmas 2009 and fall in love with them again. Just don't forget to pre-warn the household, when you go to town on that drum set!

4. Clear out your wardrobe

What a great opportunity to declutter your wardrobe. Chuck out those moth-eaten rags that not even your grandma would wear, and give that closet the deep clean it's been craving all year.

5. Clean the house

Now I know what you're thinking, I'd rather go back to twiddling my thumbs, but trust me when I say that cleaning can be very therapeutic. Once you begin, you'll find that you can't stop! Put it this way, do you want to spend the next few weeks in squalor, or a sparkling abode?!

6. Perfect your skincare routine

Treat your skin to a day, a week, a month of pampering bliss. Perfect that skincare routine you've always wanted and leave your skin feeling happy and hydrated.

7. Make a travel bucket list

It may not seem like it right now, but things will go back to normal, so why not start a bucket list of all those amazing destinations you want to visit when this is all over! Give yourself something to look forward too.

8. Go on a virtual tour of a museum

Jump into the world of art and culture and visit a famous museum, all from the comfort of your sofa. That's right, you can take a stroll through some of the greatest expeditions in the world, from the Louvre in Paris, to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The best part? It's completely free!

9. Start a blog

Get your creative juices flowing and make a start on that blog you've always wanted to write. No teacher marking your work, or timeframe you have to stick to, no limit on how much you write or don't write. The world is your oyster!

10. Go green!

Why not grab a rake and start a veggie patch or herb garden? It's good to have something to work on, something you can nurture, and watch grow. You never know, your carrots could be life-changing!

11. Spy on animals at the zoo

Many zoos worldwide are providing live stream feeds for us all to watch from home. Catch the penguin cam at San Diego Zoo, or head over to Edinburgh Zoo and watch Yang Guang the panda being fed. There are countless live streams to choose from, and many adorable animals to help you pass the time.

12. Work on fitness

Set up camp in your living room, kitchen or garage, and start pumping some iron! Working out is not only good for your physical fitness, but it's great for your mental health too. No equipment? No problem! Instead of using weights, why not use milk bottles? No room in the house? Step out into the garden and breath in that fresh air whilst perfecting those yoga poses on the front lawn.

13. FaceTime friends and family

It's important to keep in touch with friends and family during this trying time. Dedicate some time in your week to call your loved ones; you could even video call and watch the same film at the same time. Who needs the cinema anyway, right?!

14. Do an online course

Spark a new hobby and sign up to a MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses). These are free courses, available to anyone, and there's so much to choose from. You can study anything from a new language, to Astronomy, to brushing up on your public speaking.

15. 15. Attend a live stream concert

Major artists around the world are performing live, online, and it's totally free! So far, we have seen the likes of X Ambassadors, Metallica, and Benny Benassi rocking out in their homes! Be sure to keep a check on the Couch Tour website for more upcoming ‘gigs'! https://www.jambase.com/collection/couch-tour-alert