8 Things to do at home to get out of boredom in the pandemic

“What to do at home?” This is possibly one of the most asked questions in recent months. Being confined is extremely challenging and we want to help by giving you ideas for things to do at home during the pandemic.

What to do at home in quarantine?

There are many uncertainties and unknowns, and it can be very difficult to remain calm and focus on other things when we are constantly inundated with coronavirus news. Although it is important to keep yourself informed about what is happening in the world, it is essential that you take care of yourself and those around you right now.

We have compiled a list of light hearted ideas for things to do at home that will help you get through this current situation.

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1. Meditate

Meditation can help to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve your mood and reduce stress levels. If you don’t know what to do alone at home, implement a moment of mindfulness in your day-to-day, taking a few minutes to close your eyes, inhale and exhale.

There are many free meditation apps that you can download to your smartphone – such as Headspace, Insight Timer, Mediotopia or Calm – it can make the practice much easier for beginners.

2. Clean and organize

This might be a good time to implement that organizational project that has been on your list for some time. This will make you feel useful and can even be fun.

Also take the opportunity to better organize the second semester, already preparing some effective study techniques. As they say, “there are evils that come for good” and this time closed at home may be just what you need to improve your average.

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3. Schedule video calls with your friends and family

These moments can be very lonely, especially if you live alone. This is where technology becomes truly useful.

Schedule some time to chat on video with some of your friends and family. It can be a normal conversation or you can let your imagination run wild and hold a virtual brunch, for example.

The most important thing is that they listen and see each other to feel connected. Text messages do not have the same effect. Try it. You’ll love it!

4. Offer your help

The elderly are more vulnerable now, so you can help by offering to fill prescriptions at the pharmacy, to shop at the supermarket or other things they need.

Just make sure you keep the distance necessary for everyone to be safe.

What to do at your Collegiate Residence?

Surely the best accommodation option in Lisbon is one that allows you to maintain a healthy routine even in confinement. If you are lucky enough to live in student accommodation like the Collegiate Marquês de Pombal residence, you know what we mean.

If you don’t know what to do to get out of boredom now that you find yourself isolated at Collegiate, we help you. Read on.

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1. Practice physical exercise

Surely you have heard many times that physical exercise is highly beneficial to health – and it is true! If you’re at home, it’s easy to forget to get up and move, even though the residence has plenty of space to distract yourself.

We advise you to reserve 30 minutes to an hour of your day to exercise inside your room. The hormones that are released in your brain during and after physical activity will bring you more energy, a sense of wellbeing and motivation.

2. Go to the movies

What if you had a cinema at home to watch your favorite films with maximum image and sound quality? At Collegiate you do! You can pretend to go to the cinema as you always have, make popcorn in the kitchen and enjoy a good movie. And since you don’t live alone, you can always invite other guests in the residence to come with you.

Just remember how important it is to maintain safety standards, such as distance and wearing a mask.

If you like console games you will also like to know that you can use the cinema screen to play. The experience will take on another dimension. Try it!

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3. Use the library and read more

When was the last time you read a book? If you are not in the habit of reading regularly, this can be a great opportunity. Of course, you don’t have to like all books or literary genres, but with the residence’s library open you have the opportunity to explore and discover which style excites you the most.

Reading has the ability not only to educate us but also to transport us. It can be an incredible experience. In addition, reading has more benefits:

Brain stimulation: Studies show that getting mentally stimulated can slow progress (or even prevent) diseases like Alzheimer’s and other dementias, since keeping your brain active and busy prevents it from losing energy.
Stress reduction: a well-told story can transport you to other places, making everyday worries and tensions lose strength and allowing you to relax deeply.
Knowledge and vocabulary extension: the more you read, the more words you gain exposure to and, inevitably, start to be part of your daily vocabulary. Being articulate and speaking well is a great help in studies, in the professional field and in any interpersonal relationship. Reading books is also vital for learning new languages, which can help you make new friends.

The truth is that the benefits of reading are countless. So, if you have the opportunity to do it for free, don’t hesitate. If you still don’t have a passion for reading, you will surely earn it now that you have more free time.

4. Take a walk

“Confinement: what to do?” Fortunately, even in quarantine or confinement, we are still allowed to go out for physical exercise and take the so-called hygiene walks – with due care and distance.

Since the Collegiate Residence is very well located, take the opportunity to take a walk every day through the most beautiful streets of Lisbon, to visit the sights, to see the Tagus, to see the stunning palaces of the city that you are always postponing visiting and even to watch the sunset when the days start to get warmer.

Getting fresh air and walking will help you better deal with confinement and everything that it has deprived you of.

There are literally hundreds of things to do at home in quarantine, but there is no need to feel pressured. Resting, sleeping and doing absolutely nothing can also be good, if it makes you feel good. So take this time to take care of yourself. Go to the residence library and choose a new book, relax on the sofa in the common areas and enjoy this time with yourself.