With days getting colder, lockdowns and the pandemic continuing to worsen; It can be difficult to find ways to stay occupied. Long gone are the days of excitement for being able to stay inside and make whipped coffee.
So what do we do? Not only are our options now limited with the weather getting colder, we’ve gotten bored of some of our old coping mechanisms. I know I can barely get the motivation to start a new show.
Revisit childhood favorites. While new entertainment might be a no go, now is a great time to re-consume media from your childhood! There is something so comforting about experiencing a familiar story during an unfamiliar time. This can go for books, movies, tv shows or music! Did I ever think I’d be re-watching the entire Barbie cinematic universe in my twenties? No. Am I enjoying it? Oh yeah.
Host a Netflix Party. It might not follow CDC guidelines to cuddle up with your friends for a movie night, but you can still stream together virtually. Teleparty, formerly known as Netflix Party, allows you to stream movies with others asynchronously.
The Google Chrome extension works with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu and HBO. You can have as many as fifty people in your party. The chat bar on the side allows for robust conversation while still being able to hear the movie. No need for shushing and you don’t have to share your popcorn.
Download Bunch. Zoom meetings with friends is always fun, but it can get repetitive after a while. If you want to spice up your calls, download Bunch. The free app incorporates games to play, while still being able to see each other’s faces. Some of the games included are Among Us, Flappy Lives, and Trivia, just to name a few.
Just a forewarning though, whenever you select the app, all of your friends will receive a notification that you’re active. You might be chatting with friends, and then grandma joins, and all your nieces and nephews, then mom and dad pop in…not that this has happened to me…but maybe it has…so be prepared.

Make a puzzle. If you’re looking for an activity that doesn’t involve screens, consider making a puzzle. Nothing beats a cup of hot chocolate warming your hands while you piece together a puzzle. Throw on some relaxing tunes and watch the snow fall from your window while snapping pieces together and you basically have a Hallmark movie in your living room!
One reason that I usually avoid puzzles is knowing that I’ll have to put it back in the box after. However, you can use Modge Podge, a type of craft glue, to make your puzzle forever connected. Using these connected puzzles instead of posters creates some unique wall decor.
No one knows how much longer the pandemic will last, so it’s nice that we can have fun with our loved ones, even if not in person.