Ideas to fill your days while self-isolating 

It’s been one week since the growth of the Coronavirus in Canada ensued a string of events leading Canada to join in on the practice of social distancing.

Although for many, the first few days were a welcome break, thinking of spending the next few weeks stuck at home can be daunting for many.

But not to worry as there are many ways to keep your entire family busy at home during this time. Here are just a few ideas to get your family connected and staying busy and taking a healthy break from the news and social media.

Around the house

• Spring cleaning: As it is currently spring, it’s a great time to pack away winter clothes and do your routine spring cleaning with an added emphasis on sanitizing.
• Declutter your house: Take your spring cleaning one step further and get rid of all those unwanted items that have been sitting around for years.
• Renovations: Use this time to complete any minor fixer-uppers, paint a room, or go all out and create a whole new room in your basement.

Entertainment 

• Board games: Connect with your family the old-school way and bust out the board games or even multiplayer video games.
• Puzzles: Puzzles are also a great way to get your family connected.
• Scavenger hunt: Keep your little ones entertained by creating a scavenger hunt for your kids to find unique items around the house. Be sure to give them a prize at the end.
• Go down memory lane: Dust off old picture albums or home videos and enjoy with the whole family.
• Bake off: Have a bake-off with your family or get your friends involved by posting your pictures on social media and voting on the best looking baked treat.
• Cooking night: Enjoy a fresh, home-cooked meal and get your family involved in the process.
• Picnic: Once the weather warms up and snow is gone, you can try having a family picnic right in your own backyard.

Get moving 

• Get out in the backyard (if it isn’t still covered in snow): Prep your garden for the coming seasons and start planting your flowers and vegetables.
• Working out: There are great videos online for kids of all ages to enjoy a good workout session.
• Get out in nature: You and your family can still enjoy taking walks, hikes, or just being out in nature.

Self Improvement 

• Learning new skills: This may be a great time to learn any new skill you’ve always been wanting to get around to.
• Picking up old hobbies: Similarly, try picking up an old hobby or encourage your kids to start a new one whether it’s painting, writing, sewing, knitting or scrapbooking.
• Reading: Do you have a book you’ve always been dying to read but haven’t had the time?
• Education: With all this time off, you don’t want your child’s math or reading skills to get rusty, so be sure to make time every day to go over some of the basics your kids have been learning at school.