Be Productive! My Favorite Quarantine Activities

My Favorite Quarantine Activities

If you had told me in January that I'd have to be stuck in my 400 sf apartment for at least three months without the option to get drinks at the Horny Ram I would have chartered a jet to Mars (I cannot afford this but would have found a way). Don't get me wrong -- the thought of just drinking wine and playing video games all day sounds very appealing, but it gets old FAST. And working from home? Certainly a privilege I am very thankful for but also there is no escaping work. I find myself logged on at 8PM sending emails...when did I become this diligent?! In order to keep my sanity, I have started some new hobbies to occupy my head space, and I'm actually having a ton of fun. Keep reading to uncover my favorite quarantine activities!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more details.

Cross-Stitching

I remember trying to cross-stitch YEARS ago because my mother used to and I wanted to do everything she did. Was I good? Not at all. I'm still not, but I like cross-stitching because you have to count out each stitch so I feel smart. And there are SO many patterns on the internet, but I'd suggest getting a kit so that you have everything you need and don't need to order thread separate or anything. I'm obsessed with my first finished design, even though it took me a month I can't wait to paint the frame and hang it in my room (check it out on my Instagram)!

Embroidery

If you think cross-stitching is hard, wait until you try embroidery. There are different stitches?! So far I have mastered the fishtail/leaf stitch but that is because it's also the only one I've tried (my pattern has SO.MANY.LEAVES). I like that I can do this while I watch the latest season of Queer Eye and ~multitask~. Again, I'd recommend getting a whole kit (I got mine from Amazon, obvi) because it will give you all the string you need, the embroidery hoop, and some needles! Bring out your inner grandma because, trust me, she's a blast.

Puzzles

Fair warning that if you have a cat they WILL steal pieces and then you have to spend 5 minutes chasing them and setting up a barricade to prevent them from grabbing more...but other than that puzzles are great! It's a fun way to use your brain without overthinking. I'm almost finished this one but then my Aunt gave me a Mt. Rushmore one that I can't wait to tackle next. And if you love the puzzle image enough you can glue it together and then frame it! Room decor made easy.

Video Games

Don't tell anyone but I'm a secret hardcore gamer. PC, PS4, Switch...I play it all. When the pandemic first hit the Playstation store was having crazy sales so I wound up buying Stardew Valley for $7, and the whole Batman Arkham collection for $15 (you're probably thinking "huh?" but believe me this is a steal)! Sometimes it's nice to just mindlessly fight bad guys after a day of work, or live the life you always wanted on the Sims 4. If you've never tried video games I'd say now is a good time to start, you never know what you might like!

What hobbies have you started since March? Let me know in the comments below!