Staying at home for extended periods can be challenging, but for many, it’s an opportunity to explore new hobbies and rediscover old ones. I had the pleasure of speaking with Lauren Matthews, a creative professional and mother of two, who shared her personal strategies for staying entertained and productive during a prolonged period at home. Her experiences offer a wealth of inspiration for anyone looking to make the most of their time indoors.
1. Draw a Picture or Get into Colouring
Lauren has always had an artistic streak, but it wasn’t until she found herself with extra time at home that she rekindled her love for drawing. “I started with simple sketches and gradually moved on to more complex pieces,” she says. “Drawing is incredibly therapeutic. Sometimes, I’d set challenges for myself, like drawing with my non-dominant hand or even with my eyes closed. The results were often hilarious but surprisingly good!”
Lauren also discovered the calming effects of adult colouring books. “There’s something so soothing about filling in those tiny spaces with colour. It’s a great way to unwind after a hectic day of homeschooling and Zoom meetings.”
2. Take a Picture of Wildlife
Despite being confined mostly to her home, Lauren found a new appreciation for her garden. “I started noticing the little things—birds, insects, even the way the light hit the leaves,” she explains. “I began taking pictures of these moments. My kids joined in too, and it became a fun, educational activity.”
Photography became more than just a pastime for Lauren; it turned into a family science project. “We’d look up the different species of birds and bugs we photographed. It was a great way to combine creativity with learning.”
3. Do a Workout
Staying active was a priority for Lauren, especially with two energetic children at home. “We started following online workout routines. The kids loved it, and it became a part of our daily schedule,” she says. “We’d even make up our own routines, which was a lot of fun.”
Lauren found that these workouts were not just beneficial physically but also mentally. “Exercise became a way to break up the day and release some stress. It was something we all looked forward to.”
4. Pamper Yourselves
Self-care is crucial, and Lauren made sure to incorporate it into her routine. “We’d have ‘pamper days’ where we’d make our own facemasks, paint our nails, and just relax,” she recalls. “Social media was full of tutorials and tips, which made it easy to try new things.”
These pamper sessions were a hit with her kids as well. “They loved making their own facemasks and experimenting with nail art. It was a great bonding experience.”
5. Pick Any Language and Learn 10 New Phrases
Lauren used her time at home to expand her horizons. “I’ve always wanted to learn French, so I decided to start with 10 phrases a week,” she says. “It was manageable and kept me motivated.”
Her children joined in, and it became a family activity. “We’d practice our new phrases at dinner. It was a fun way to learn something new together.”
6. Do a Film Marathon
Sometimes, the best way to spend a day is curled up on the sofa with a good movie. “We had a Harry Potter marathon,” Lauren laughs. “It was magical. We even made themed snacks and turned our living room into a mini cinema.”
Film marathons became a regular event in Lauren’s household. “We’d pick a theme—Disney, superheroes, classic films—and make a day of it. It was a great way to relax and spend quality time together.”
7. Try Your Hand at Some Baking
Baking became another favourite pastime for Lauren and her family. “We started with simple recipes like cookies and cupcakes,” she explains. “Then we got adventurous with bread and pastries.”
Baking was not only a way to pass the time but also a learning experience. “The kids loved measuring ingredients and watching the dough rise. Plus, we got to enjoy some delicious treats!”
8. Create a TikTok
Lauren embraced the social media trend and created a TikTok account. “It was a fun way to be silly and creative,” she says. “We’d make dance videos, funny skits, and even educational clips.”
Creating TikToks became a family affair. “Everyone got involved. It was a fantastic way to stay connected with friends and family while having a good laugh.”
9. Have a Clear Out
With extra time on her hands, Lauren decided to tackle the clutter in her home. “We went through our wardrobes, drawers, and cupboards,” she says. “It was surprisingly satisfying.”
Clearing out clutter had a positive impact on Lauren’s mental well-being. “A tidy space really does lead to a tidy mind. Plus, we found items we’d forgotten about, which was like discovering hidden treasures.”
10. Read a Book
Lauren also made time for reading. “I’ve always loved books but never seemed to find the time to read,” she explains. “Being at home gave me the perfect opportunity to dive into some great novels.”
Reading became a daily ritual for Lauren. “I’d sit in the garden or curl up in bed with a good book. It was the perfect way to unwind and escape for a while.”
Lauren Matthews’ experiences offer a wealth of inspiration for anyone looking to make the most of their time at home. Whether it’s rediscovering a love for drawing, getting active with family workouts, or simply enjoying a good book, there are countless ways to stay entertained and productive.
By John Smith
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