We’re all now well-versed at being at home after the last couple of years, but when you spend a lot of time at home, you can get in a bit of a funk or a rut. And sometimes, you just have the impulse to feel more productive.
There are a lot of things you can do to feel good, and make the most of your time indoors. If you’re looking to get inspired with some activities to occupy your time, help you grow, and get some things done, we’ve got you.
Also remember, rest is productive. Doing absolutely nothing while you’re at home is totally okay too.
Here are 23 ideas for productive ways to spend your time at home.
1. Watch a documentary
So, a Netflix binge is probably the first thought when it comes to some days inside right? But instead of going for your favorite TV show (though definitely do that too), start with a documentary that can challenge you to think differently.
We watch so many shows that distract us or make us laugh, but there aren’t as many that really push us to make changes in our own lives. Documentaries have the power to do that.
2. Create a vision board
Start planning and dreaming while you’re cozy inside and have nowhere to be. Get intentional on where you want your life to be. Use Pinterest or do it the old fashioned way and cut out pieces from old magazines.
3. Watch YouTube videos from total bosses
There are so many inspiring people on YouTube who share their best productivity tips and routines. Some of my favorite boss ladies are Erin May Henry, Muchelleb, Sarah’s Day and Kalyn Nicholson.
This video from Erin May Henry on How To Change Your Life is a good one.
4. Try a new organization platform
I switched from Trello to using ClickUp*, because it does all the organization I need for free. I set goals, plan out my days, and keep track of every aspect of my business using ClickUp.
Read this: How To Use ClickUp To Set And Track Your Goals
5. Sign up for a webinar or online training to learn something new
Whether it’s related to your personal development or developing a new skill, there are a ton of coaches and leaders out there with free trainings that can help you learn something new. Whether it’s SEO, crocheting, or learning a new language, there are webinars and workshops for just about anything.
Personally, I joined The Social Bungalow Community hosted by Shannon Lutz to watch some of her past video trainings on Facebook. I’m also planning to dive into some of the courses I’ve purchased and only half-finished.
Have you purchased a course, but not gotten around to it yet? Now’s a perfect time, friend!
Read this: 25 Small Changes For Creating A More Productive Workday
6. Read a fiction book
Stuck in the routine of reading for work or for your personal growth, and not purely for fun? Dive into a fiction read. Or just read in general. Go through all those books you have on your bookshelf that you haven’t gotten around to and select one!
7. Do an at-home workout
Exercise is still important. Just because you might not want to (or be able to) hit the gym, doesn’t mean you can’t stay active. Try this 10-minute flexibility full-body yoga flow from Yoga with Kassandra. Or dive into one of the many apps available for working out at home.
Two of my favorites are Melissa Wood Health and Cacti Wellness Collective. Use the code LIFEGOALS for a free 30 day trial.
Here’s a list of some of our other fitness app recommendations.
8. Clean or refresh your space
Rearrange what you already have or make some online purchases to make your space feel more like home. You want your space to feel soothing and beautiful if you’re going to be staying there. Take extra time to clean and declutter to make it a space you love being in.
9. Sign up for an online learning platform
There are so many affordable online learning platforms like Skillshare or Udemy or learn from the top in their field with Masterclass.
10. Take a social media break
There’s no better excuse than now to take a little breather from social media. Whether it’s for a few hours or for entire weeks, take this as time to take a breather from the outside world for a bit.
Read this: 7 Signs You’re In Need Of A Social Media Detox
11. Start that business
It’s the best excuse for hunkering down and finally working on that business. Or the podcast, blog, newsletter, YouTube channel… whatever has been on your heart to start for a while now. Start taking the steps to make it happen. Quit overthinking – just go for it.
12. Take more time for self-care
Take some extra time for face masks, hydration, hot showers, journaling. Be gentle with yourself. And it’s always a good idea to spend an extra few minutes on your skincare routine.
Read this: Tech-free Evening Wind Down Routine Ideas
13. Try the KonMari method
Put on the Netflix show and get to work. The folding method is a gamechanger.
14. Binge that TV show
Okay, so it doesn’t sound super productive… but sometimes we just need the freaking break. And it’s nice every *once in a while* to go full binge mode on a fun TV show. Some good ones to binge: Virgin River, Gilmore Girls, Friday Night Lights, Love Is Blind, Grace and Frankie. I mean, the list goes on.
15. Cook slow meals
We’re always rushing to and from things to get more done when you have more time to stay home, take everything slow and make meals that take a while and cook for hours. It feels so hygge. Use that slow-cooker, put love into your dishes, enjoy the process of cooking again.
16. Baking
Do you stress bake? Well, maybe try out some new recipes and have fun with experimenting.
17. Create a TikTok video
Try something new and experiment with a new platform like TikTok.
18. Unfollow / mute people & topics
Take time to unsubscribe, unfollow, and unplug from what isn’t serving you.
Lucky for us, there are so many options on social channels to temporarily remove something from our lives. I’m giving you permission to temporarily mute whoever isn’t making you feel good.
It’s not forever – just until you feel like you can handle those vibes again.
19. Craft a letter or make a phone call to your local city council members
Do some research on local and national politics. You can make a huge difference within your community, and it’s a great place to start. In a time like this, it’s important to remember that we are a collective. We are in this together.
20. Do deep inner work
Journal, write lists about what you appreciate about yourself, meditate, really dig deep within yourself, pray. Reflect on where you’ve been and where you’re going. My favorite meditation app to use daily is Insight Timer.
And one of my favorite people to listen to there is Sarah Blondin.
Read this: 30 Journaling Prompts
21. Start tapping
In terms of self-care, there are a million ways you can practice healing. But one of the most powerful practices that I’ve found to release anxiety is EFT Tapping.
Our post on tapping for emotional overwhelm is a great one to follow along with and the TappingSolution app is spectacular.
22. Go inbox zero
Clear the digital clutter and create a system for your inbox, so that you’re not missing emails or feeling like you’re never keeping up with the endless
Read this: KonMari Your Email Inbox In 3 Steps
23. Remember to choose love
In times of fear or hardships, remember to lean into love instead of fear. It’s hard to push through the fear, but when we find the parts of ourselves. Beyond all else, the most productive thing you can do is choose to lean into love. Whether it’s hugging your dogs extra close or sending texts from afar to your friends, spend time giving extra love.
One of the most powerful speakers around for LOA is Abraham Hicks (Esther Hicks). If you’re not in good-feeling place right now, I recommend starting with these Animated Abraham videos.
Any ideas to add to the list? We’d love to hear them.
*Full disclosure: I became a ClickUp affiliate after falling in love with the platform. So if you decide to upgrade to a paid plan, I receive a small commission. It’s totally free though to do almost everything, so you don’t even need to!