Weekends in quarantine can be especially boring, let’s be honest. When there aren’t events or social gatherings to pass the time, the weekends can be even worse than weekdays because there’s just so much time and usually no work to be done. I’ve rounded up ten of my best ideas for how to make the time pass, in an enjoyable way, during weekends in quarantine.
I think baking banana bread was everyone’s go-to move during the spring quarantine. It seems people across the globe have taken up baking to pass the time, and I can completely understand why. What’s better than something delicious, hot and fresh out of the oven ready to eat? I think people gravitate toward banana bread because it’s comforting, but if you’re an ambitious baker than maybe you could try sourdough? That’s the other bread that seems to be in vogue in 2020, especially during weekends in quarantine.
This is a great stress reliever for me, until I see people who aren’t following the six foot rule or getting too close without a mask. But, I’ve been trying to take advantage of not being in total lockdown like some countries are, and the small escape from my house does wonders, as do the endorphins. Even better if you can fit in a coffee run to your local cafe with your walk. If you can’t go outside, I’m really sorry. Trade this for some time on your terrace or rooftop, or sit near a window and just pretend to be outside. The fresh air is magic, especially in the fall.
Even better if everyone you’re quarantined with agrees on the same movie. I don’t watch a lot of movies normally, though they always serve for great inspiration. Put away your phones, pop some popcorn, and put a good movie on to pass your weekends in quarantine. Recently I’ve re-watched One Day and Dear John. Next up is Call Me by Your Name and A Star is Born. It’s especially nice to enjoy a good movie because now we can’t really travel, so it’s a bit like escaping somewhere else for a couple hours.
Weekends in quarantine are a good time for this. It’s nice to organize the call over coffee or a glass of wine, as if we were really meeting. I’ve found it’s a big relief to share how I’m feeling and check-in on my friends. Especially important if they’re quarantined alone or far from family. My cousins and I did a video call once a week during the spring, and last time our theme was for everyone to wear a hat. My sister and I chose berets and there were some serious Mary Kate & Ashley vibes happening.
Put make-up and jewelry on, too. This really boosts my mood, even if I’m just headed downstairs to the kitchen like I am every night during quarantine. But it’s a nice break in the routine to dress up and put more time into my appearance, like I would if I were going out. Light candles, play music, and most importantly, turn the news off. You could even set the table or make a special theme for dinner!
It really helps to have a meal plan for the week, but it’s nicer to just relax on the weekend and go with the flow I think. We like to take a break from cooking and instead have been ordering out from our favorite local spots. From coffee to dinner, anything helps to support the small businesses near you to survive this crazy time. Make sure you tip, even if you’re just getting something small. The service industry is not an easy place to be right now, and I know they’ll appreciate the extra thought.
This has truly been my saving grace when the hours seem endless. I get lost in a project then find myself wondering where the time went. I’ve been creating a new mood board with magazine cutouts on a corkboard (I really want to usher in this next year with strong visuals) and just ordered some new supplies to do more sketching and drawing. If I have a lot of time, I’ll bust out my painting supplies and just let the hours pass by. Not a bad way to spend weekends in quarantine, if I’m being honest.
I’ve been really struggling with feeling helpless in terms of how I can help my friends and family in these hard times, and feel like I’m still close to them (as I’m sure everyone has). So I ordered stationary last spring and have become pen pals with a few of my friends. I also like to send random notes to people just to let them know I’m thinking about them. It’s quite a nice way to exchange sentiments and feelings, and I know I’ll look back and read these letters to remember what this year was like.
Does anyone else find so much joy in organizing? I love it. I’ve done a small amount of redecorating in my room, since I’m spending more time there. I also cleaned out my closet and dresser when the seasons changed, and that felt really good! One small thing that brought me a lot of joy was ordering a new throw pillow, and more recently a desk chair. I couldn’t believe I waited so long, what a difference it makes each day!
This could be anything. Finally commit to learning a new language or figure out something new for your blog or website. Start a blog if you don’t already have one! Make that Instagram account you’ve been dreaming about. Take a course online on a subject you’re interested in. Whatever it is, chase your passions and dive into the unknown with abandon.
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