So You’re Bored in Quarantine: 6 Ideas

So for a lot of the world, boredom is real. I read in a meme that pandas can eat 13 hours a day…hence calling this a “pandemic.” Need a couple of fresh ideas while you’re bored in quarantine?

Jigsaw puzzles that get you talking.

Try these jigsaw puzzles from White Mountain with icons from the 80’s and the 90’s–serious conversation starters. (“Dad, who was Michael Jackson?”)

Would you believe thank-you notes make you happier?

If I were you, I’d think I’m bluffing. But I’ve had a few thank-yous to write lately–and forgot what a nice little pick-me-up it is.

Allow me to quote the experts. Harvard Health reports,

Dr. Martin E. P. Seligman, a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, tested the impact of various positive psychology interventions on 411 people…

When their week’s assignment was to write and personally deliver a letter of gratitude to someone who had never been properly thanked for his or her kindness, participants immediately exhibited a huge increase in happiness scores. This impact was greater than that from any other intervention, with benefits lasting for a month. (emphasis added)

Obviously your options for personal delivery might be limited. But maybe you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the good you can do.

A few good reads.

In case you’ve exhausted this list of book recommendations, here are 5 more solid recommendations. (Read this post to find my caveats and qualifications for great books if you’re ready.)

• Virgil Wander, by Leif Enger. I’ve loved all of Enger’s books, which are beautifully, captivatingly written.
• The Dutch House, by Ann Patchett. Patchett’s award-winning writing is striking, and I loved this recent addition.
• The Forgotten Garden, by Kate Morton. Kate manages to write enthralling novels with stories that keep me reading. This one’s my favorite.
• The Indigo Girl, by Natasha Boyd.  I finished this one last night with a deep sigh of satisfaction–cherishing a well-researched tale based on a fascinating real-life historical figure I’d never heard of. Plus, I love when I find a fantastic novel by an author I haven’t yet heard of. I’ll be sure to pick up Boyd’s next novel whenever it comes out.
• Ask Again, Yes, by Mary Beth Keane impressed me with its top-notch writing and intriguing story of a family bound together through tragic circumstances. As with most of my well-liked books, it’s a story of hard-won redemption.

Make the most of time with your kids. Who are also bored in quarantine.

Last night my son and I drew spring tulips from YouTube’s Art for Kids hub–and as a bonus, he wanted to send the photo to his teacher. (Here’s the fam loaded up for his drive-by 5th grade graduation!)

My daughter and I also had some fun with these homemade bath bombs from stuff we had around the house, and I think today and I my second son and I will whip up some pad thai.

Friends turned us on to The Game and The Mind, which are easy enough games to play when your brain is totally numb (to be specific, their father and I on a Friday night). Younger kids (and even older ones) might like other easy pick-up games like Cinco Linko and Spot it (there are versions for preschoolers, too), which commit you to only 5-10 minutes and are easy to learn.

This post for younger kids and this post for teens and tweens bored in quarantine could give some good inspo!

Plant something that makes you happy.

If you’re a beginner, maybe it’s an herb garden, succulents, or some container tomato plants. A lot of us are in budget crisis right now, but seeds are cheap.

If you’re patient with plants that start small–the Arbor Day Foundation offers inexpensive options, including fruit- and flowering trees. (Remember the gardening adage about what to expect: first year sleep, second year creep, third year leap.) They may look like twigs when they arrive, but they’ll be your twigs! Don’t forget to purchase according to the hardiness zone where you live.

Plant something that lasts longer.

We’ve all become aware this is a time to tackle the B-priority list (and C, D, maybe L…). What about stuff that could keep giving to the whole fam for more generations than that tree you just planted?

• Ever wished you knew more of the Bible by heart? (Start with these free–and pretty–printable memory cards here, here, and here.)
• Thought about reading through the Word in a year, but had a hard time getting into the routine? Pick a plan that works for you. Alternatively, think about downloading an app that reads it to you (!) while you load the dishwasher (again) or fold laundry (same).
• Imagined you could start a routine of devos with your kids? Try fun ones like The Very Best, Hands-On, Kinda Dangerous Family Devotions: 52 Activities Your Kids Will Never Forget–FREE on Amazon Prime right now! It may or may not involve a potato gun.
• Pushed yourself to spend awhile in prayer? Grab some journal prompts here, here, and here. Or start a gratitude journal.
• Wanted to get in habits of praying for unreached people groups? Grab this free printable infographic, and this one to pray for Muslims. For a fun way to involve your kids, consider tracking your prayer on a map (my kids like the scratch-off map on their walls!), coupled with Operation World’s prayer app.
• Posted Scripture art around your house for your brains to soak in? Google “free frameable (or printable) Scripture art”.

We’re all in need of ideas. What’s worked for your family while you’re bored in quarantine?

Like this post? You might like

This is Your Soul on Rest: Memos to Myself

71 Ideas for Bored Teens & Tweens

Child’s Play: 65 Non-Screen Ideas for COVID Closures

Homeschooling: 50 Ideas for Pre-K thru 1st Grade