The coronavirus outbreak got you avoiding the crowds? Fret not, there’s plenty to do without leaving the house...

2020 hasn’t exactly gotten off to a good start, what with the coronavirus wreaking havoc on us. But throughout the supermarket sweeping, panic buying and mask hoarding of Covid-19, we’re heartened to see Good Samaritans step forward to contribute in small ways and keep spirits high. Still, if you prefer to ditch the great outdoors to stay home and hide indoors, you’re not alone.

Whether you’re in self-quarantine, under official orders or working from home, there’s no reason to give in to boredom or monotony. (Even if the only people you’re in contact with are your fam and the meal delivery peeps.) So stop worrying yourself with non-stop news updates (why not fuel your mind instead?) and read on for tips on how to make the best of the situation when you stay home!

Grow your green thumb

Photography: Leonardo Iheme via Unsplash

Dreaming of living the lush life? We’ve got plant nurseries sprouting up all across the island, and now that you’re a homebody, you’re free to care for these leafy greens and blooms. Need a beginner crash course on all things flora? Here’s our quick guide to indoor plants that demand less attention than your cat.

Cuddle up with a good book

It’s tough to beat that feeling of whiling the afternoon away in a cosy bookstore. But you can always set the scene (and scent) at home with candles and a bottle of wine delivered to your doorstep. If you’re feeling like a stranger to the world of words (because Netflix), our book club has all the recommendations you need for bestsellers, classics and guilty pleasure reads.

Relax and rejuvenate

With all the stress swirling around us, self-care and personal wellbeing are of utmost importance. To stay calm and keep anxiety at bay, boost your sleep routine with easy tricks and slow down to rest and reflect on your ‘busyness’ mentality. For some weekend indulgence, lounge around in your comfiest pyjamas, lift your mood with aromatherapy and pamper yourself with a soothing face mask.

Upgrade your kitchen skills

Photography: Brooke Lark via Unsplash

So you’ve kitted out your kitchen with the most convenient, multi-use tools… but you’ve yet to get ‘em dirty. Stop fantasising about being the next MasterChef and start living your best domestic god(dess) life, we say! You may not be attending cooking classes, but perhaps you’ve heard of this little thing called YouTube? It’s supremely handy.

Clear out stuff that doesn’t spark joy

Stop the hoarding and start decluttering – trust us, you’ll feel better after organising your space and getting rid of things from yesteryear. If you’re feeling up to the task of giving your home a makeover, check out these online furniture stores for convenient shopping.

Put on your crafty cap

Your craft corner gathering dust? Now’s the time to dive back in and splatter your creative juices all over the floor. Anything’s game, from scrapbooking and painting to knitting and crocheting to adult colouring and even jewellery-making.

Stick to your fitness goals

Photography: Avrielle Suleiman via Unsplash

Forget gyms. No matter what exercise you’re into, you can probably find it online (or via workout apps). The web’s buzzing with inspirational fitness blogs and trainer videos full of extremely buff people who somehow manage to smile through their workout without a sweat. Best of all, you can flop and flail all you want – there’s no need to shrug on your sleekest activewear outfit because no one’s watching.

Host a picnic for one

Can’t leave the house? No problem. Fling open your windows to let in the fresh air, hang up those twinkling fairy lights, tune in to your favourite TV series and let wholesome meal delivery services do all the work for you – no cleanup needed. Stumped by what to press play on? Our binge-watch list will come in handy!

Go wild with an online shopping spree

Retail therapy doesn’t have to mean a day out on Orchard Road. You can easily update your wardrobe online, too – just click your way through these circuit breaker shopping deals, menswear stores, sustainable fashion and decor brands, affordable blogshops, batik beauties, and all the best retailers with free shipping. Even grocery stores, if that’s what excites you.

Plan your next vacay

Photography: Dino Reichmuth via Unsplash

Overseas trips may be on hold for now, but you can always look ahead. We’ve got the lowdown on the best weekend adventures in Southeast Asia, as well as the top travel destinations for 2020. Going somewhere nearby? Our Honeycombers teams in Bali and Hong Kong have everything you ever wanted to know about those popular spots.

Keep the romance alive

Romantic restaurants are out of the question, but dating apps can still light that spark in your love life. Singles, update your profiles and get ready to mingle online. You never know who you’ll meet; plus, your dating story could be one for the ages!

Get your game on

Don’t be bored; instead, reach for your board game and have a little family fun. But if you’re more of a solo person, amuse yourself with puzzles, crosswords or video games to pass the time.

Work first, then play

Say yes to a routine

Photography: Arnel Hasanovic via Unsplash

It’s easy to dawdle the day away in your PJs, but the best way to fire up your work from home routine is to get an early start, plan your schedule and stick to a dedicated space (no couch-surfing!). Oh, and it goes without saying, avoid the lure of social media (unless it’s part of work) – quick fixes include logging out of your accounts, turning off notifications and removing social networks from your bookmarks tab.

Take advantage of productivity

Map out your day in line with your most productive times so you can arrange the bulk of your work accordingly. And when you start to feel the afternoon slump, take a short break from your desk so you can return to look over your work with fresh eyes.

Power through tasks with a playlist

Ever wanted to blast that EDM track to blaze your way through a document? Or perhaps a relaxing instrumental soundtrack keeps your heartbeat steady through stress storms? Well, now that you’re alone at home, you can crank up the volume to your heart’s content. Find the background music that pumps you up and just do it. (Or, y’know, check out our quaran-tunes playlist.)

Check in with your colleagues

No one wants to feel like they’re on an island alone, so stay connected with your teammates through instant messaging platforms. That way, everyone’s kept in the loop about any important updates, meetings… and memes.

Working from home is not the same as being home

Yeah, tell that to this good doggo. Photography: Cole Keister via Unsplash

You may be physically present, but you’re not technically available for fun times. So make sure your parents, grandparents, kids, dogs, cats and rabbits know you’re not to be disturbed until you snap out of that work mindset.