At-home activities for a socially distanced winter

We know people in our community are dreading winter, especially when we are engaging in social distancing and spending a lot more time at home.  In an effort to give people fresh ideas, we asked our followers on social media to share what activities they have been doing at home to keep themselves entertained.  Below is our list of at-home activities for a socially distanced winter.  Feel free to share any additional ideas and suggestions you have as we would love to add them to the list!

• Exercise–there are lots of free apps and exercise videos available on the internet

• Listening to music

• Spending time with pets

• Photography

• Graphic design

• Crafts

• Watching Netflix

• Puzzles

• Reading

• Coloring

• Taking a hot bath

• Listening to podcasts

• Baking

• Making cards for other people

• Cooking

• Playing video games

• Crocheting

• Organizing pictures and photo albums

• Knitting

• Playing solitaire

• Prayer walks

• Meditation

• Yoga Nidra

• Phone calls with friends and family

• Calling older family members to discuss memories

• Writing

• Scrapbooking

• Trying new recipes

• Painting

• Making bracelets

• Taking care of houseplants

• Baking for others

• Sewing

• Watching movies

• Have a “theme night” where you identify a country you want to learn more about. Cook recipes unique to that country and watch documentaries about that country.

• Indoor gardening with herbs and microgreens.

• Bundle up and do some outdoor activities!! Making snowpeople, going for a walk around the neighborhood, ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing are great outdoor activities.

• Find a book about hygge and find small changes you can make inside your home to make it more cozy and inviting.  Dr. Zielke has been reading “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living” by Meik Wiking.

We also know that winter time and shorter days can take a big toll on people’s mental health, even in the best of times!  If you are struggling to function in your daily life, please consider calling us for an appointment or reaching out to any of the wonderful mental health providers we have in the community.  Also, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a great resource and available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.