30 Things to Do When Your Illness Keeps You Home

Have you ever had days when your illness makes you feel like you are fine one minute, but the next minute you want to just remain on your bed all day even when you have planned appointments and events? Then, keep reading.

It is frustrating when your illness forces you to stay at home, but what choices do we have? You have to respect and listen to your body. I know that sometimes staying at home all by yourself can get boring, but I have some ideas for you that can help you survive the day.

Here are 30 things that can help you kill boredom when you are home:

1. Revisit your goals.

I have a book only for my goals and dreams and I always try to revisit them whenever I’m alone at home. It is easy to get lost in the struggles of life and forget to focus on your dream. Sometimes, you need time to bring yourself back on the track of your goals. Next time you find yourself bored at home, revisit your goals. If you haven’t written your goals, write them down. A written goal becomes a plan and back it up with actions.

2. Rearrange your wardrobe.

When was the last time you checked your wardrobe? I’m sure there are some clothes you probably don’t need any more or some you’ve forgotten about. You need to go check your wardrobe, rearrange your clothes and get out the ones you don’t need.

3. Clean the entire house.

This might not sound like fun to you but at least if you’ve got energy to spare, then you should keep the house clean. Cleaning the house could make you feel amazing at the end of the day and you can spice it up with some music. It doesn’t have to be deep cleaning, perhaps the dusty windows or just a little clearing of cobwebs will do. Make sure not to stress yourself. Do what you can and leave the rest for another day.

4. Read your mail.

Seeing a number of unread pieces of mail can be really annoying, especially if it is a lot that you have been letting pile up or ignoring. Now that you have the time, read all of it and also unsubscribe from newsletters that you don’t need anymore. Everyone has that newsletter they are tired of seeing!

5. Delete unwanted stuff from your phone.

I can’t count the number of saved pictures on my phone that I thought I would use but I never did. I’m sure you have pictures like that too. Delete them! Take a trip around your phone, from your gallery to music library to file managers. Delete every document, picture, music and anything you don’t need anymore. You could even free up some space on your phone when you delete stuffs you no longer need.

6. Exercise.

You don’t need to go the gym, you are at home and you’ve got home equipment that will help you stay active. Although you don’t need to engage in strenuous exercises. Just walking round the house is fine, or dancing or maybe skipping in the compound.

7. Cook a meal.

When last did you decide to cook a meal out of just pleasure? Cooking can be fun especially when it is not because you are hungry or in a hurry. Try a new recipe, read up food blogs and cook whatever meal you find appealing there. And don’t forget to have fun as you cook and eat it!

8. Watch a movie.

I love movies, I am a big movie and television shows fan. Maybe you are too, then being alone means movie time. Whether on Netflix or on television, I’m in for movies.

9. Journal.

Staying at home can also be a time for you to get creative. I am gradually building my journaling habit. Journaling is a great way to connect with the real you, your spirit. You can get out all your thoughts and ideas. It is important.

10. Scroll through your phone’s gallery.

Now, you are not scrolling to delete unwanted stuff here. You are scrolling to just refresh your mind with the pictures, watch the old videos again and stare at old pictures.

11. Take a walk.

I always make my walking session late in the evening, you could do yours anytime. Get your mind off everything and walk around your surroundings. And when you walk, be mindful and observe everything as you walk.

12. Read a book.

If it’s been awhile since you read a book, you now have time to read one. Grab a drink or fill a bowl with popcorn and submerge yourself in another world, follow the author as they take your hands and show you a new world. Some fictional stories I recommend are “Five Feet Apart and “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

13. Listen to the radio.

Are you bored and lonely too? You can switch on your radio and listen to the talents. Radios are a great way to feel alive even when everywhere is quiet and you are alone with your thoughts.

14. Read a blog.

I love reading lifestyle blogs and fashion blogs. You can as well open a blog, if you love blogging. Learn something new from a blog or from a YouTube video. Oh, I love the latter.

15. Sleep/Rest.

While you are at home it is important not to drain all of your energy. Get some rest, have a nap. Sleep without thinking about what time it is or how many hours you slept.

16. Try an online class.

 Since you have lots of time, find something you have always been interested in learning. Buy an online course on it and study. You can also enroll for one of the numerous free online classes.

17. Try yoga. 

I have always wanted to try yoga, perhaps next time I find myself at home I will try it. Yoga is a great way to connect your soul.

18. Watch a video on YouTube.

I’m a sucker for comedy and motivation. I find myself watching either of the two. Choose from the millions of videos on YouTube and enjoy your day.

19. Do some research on your illness.

You never know what new discovery has been about yourself. Take time to research. I like checking out celebrities and successful people that live with my illness so you can add that to your to-do list.

20. Experiment with your hair.

Hair lovers, whether you have short or long or curly hair, being alone is a great time to experiment on it. Style it in different ways. Try different products. You get the gist.

21. Take a long hot shower.

22. Take some selfies.

23. Plan something.

24. Do online window shopping.

25. Just sit and observe the weather.

26. Write a letter to your future self.

27. Stand or sit in front of the mirror and observe yourself.

28. Reach out to someone you haven’t heard from in awhile.

29. Make a list of your goals (personal, professional, health).

30. Scroll through your social media feed.

I hope these ideas helped!

Would you add anything to this list? Tell us in the comments.