1. Go for a daily walk.

Crowds and public spaces may be off-limits, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck inside. In fact, there are many reasons to spend time outdoors, if you can. Find a safe outdoor space, such as your neighborhood or backyard, and get out in the sun every day.

2. Schedule your days. 

If you’re finding that your days feel aimless, try creating a daily schedule. Setting aside time for designated activities will help you stay on top of your tasks and be productive. 

6. Learn a new skill.

Use the time to develop your skills. You might learn something that will boost your résumé or pick up a hobby you’ve always wanted to try. 

7. Plan your dream vacation.

While
now is not the time to travel, it’s a great time to start planning. To get the
ideas rolling, have you ever looked into heritage tourism?

9. Revisit your New Year’s resolutions. 

A lot
has happened since 2020 started. If your New Year’s resolutions are gathering dust in the
corner, reignite your drive and work on those goals.

8. Find a way to serve.

Look for ways to help the people around you. You might bring groceries to someone at risk (older adults or adults with health conditions) or help someone set up a home office. Just stay safe and avoid others if you or they aren’t feeling well.

11. Create a master résumé.

A master résumé can be an invaluable tool to have on hand. Essentially, it’s a complete record of your marketable skills and experience, a resource to help you create targeted résumés when you’re ready to apply for a specific job. 

12. Discover your roots.

If
you’re connected to the FamilySearch Family Tree, try the Where Am I From? tool to explore your
roots.

13. Satisfy your curiosity.

If you’re
looking for things to do when you’re bored at home, it’s the perfect time to
soak in some of the information the internet has to offer. For example, learn what your name
means, or discover the history behind Frozen.

14. Start a garden.

Start planning your backyard garden. Research plants that do well in your area, find the perfect spot in your yard, and prepare the area. While you may need to wait out a quarantine to get some of the supplies, you can get a lot of the initial work out of the way!

15. Read a book.

While you’re stuck at home, reading can transport you to another world filled with adventure, not to mention the benefits reading can have for you.

16. Learn how to cook something new. 

Explore new foods from around the world and stretch your cooking muscles simultaneously. You never know—you might find your new go-to dish.

17. Meditate.

Meditating could be a way to help the stress of the current situation melt away. You never know until you try!

21. Preserve family memories.

Share
family memories with your family, or
explore the stories and photos your family has shared. Saving these precious
memories now can serve as a powerful reminder in years to come.

22. Explore this list of in-home activities.

These easy in-home activities could provide some much-needed variety as you try to find productive things to do at home. This list also provides some fun ideas.

23. Find a new podcast.

There are podcasts on pretty much any topic, so find something you’re interested in, and jump right in!

24. Index historical records.

Recording
information from historic documents can make them searchable online and help
people find information about their families. Try it for yourself.

25. Network.

Just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t mean you can’t network. Find new connections on LinkedIn, or send a simple email or text to people you know to see how they’re doing with all the shutdowns.

26. Clean up your computer.

Admit
it—there’s some unnecessary clutter on your computer or phone. Organize those
emails or files, delete unnecessary apps, and make it easy to find what you
need when you need it.

27. Write in a journal.

Journaling is a great way to get your thoughts or ideas out there, and it can help you stay stress-free.

28. Play games.

Card
games and board games will help relieve that boredom and help you enjoy the
extra time you have with your family. It might not seem like much, but it will
help you all become closer!

29. Learn about your family name.

Discover where your last name comes from, and take a photo of yourself in traditional clothing from that region. It's one way to have fun while learning about your family heritage.

30. Find opportunities to work from home.

If you’re unable to continue your work from home, find ways to earn extra income during the time off. Freelance websites can help you look for temporary work online.

A word to the wise—if any opportunity asks you to pay first, it is probably not a good option.

31. See which ancestors you look most like.

I If you’re connected to the FamilySearch Family Tree, try Compare-a-Face to see who in your family tree shares your good looks. You can also use this activity to find your doppelgänger using any photo you upload.

32. Send cards and letters.

Mail off
cards and letters to family and friends to brighten their days at home. Getting
mail is a quick way to make anyone’s day better.