Imagine this: you just woke up, and it’s a beautiful day, one where the birds are singing and the sun is shining. You’ve crossed off the items on your to-do list, your calendar is empty, and you’re free to do whatever you want! All the possibilities pop into your head all at once; you could go shopping, see a movie, hang out with friends, have a picnic, or try that gourmet restaurant that’s been spamming your Instagram with delicious food pictures.
But, as you snuggle deeper into bed, you realize you don’t feel like actually going anywhere. Heck, at the moment, you don’t even feel like unwrapping yourself from your cocoon of warm blankets. You resign yourself to the fact that today is going to be a boring day at home.
I feel like there’s a lot of pressure to constantly be going out and doing exciting, social media-worthy activities. But for days when you don’t feel like getting out of your comfy sweatpants, here are a few tips for feeling like you’re going out while staying within the perimeters of your home.
- Create a home theater
-
Another pro to this one is that it saves you a lot of money! Order food for delivery and pop some popcorn! If you want to get really fancy, make a sweet or savory popcorn recipe, dim the lights, and turn on a great movie. You can even implement a no-phone policy to keep people present and make it feel more like the theater. And take away people’s popcorn for breaking the rule. (Just kidding! Well, maybe not.)
- Dine like a king or queen
-
Channel your inner sous-chef, put on an apron and cook up a gourmet meal at home! You could pick a favorite cuisine (Chinese, Italian, Thai, French, Mexican, etc.) or theme it around a favorite entrée (burger night, mac n’ cheese night, breakfast-for-dinner night, etc.). There’s no lack of easy, beginner-friendly recipes on Pinterest and the internet. When you sit down to eat with friends or family (or by yourself; a self-date is totally cool), put on ambient music that matches the mood. I like searching for “jazz cafe” or “Italian music” soundtracks on YouTube.
- Shop ‘til you drop
-
Columbia Pictures / Revolution Studios You could even get a tote bag out and pretend you’re shopping in a store. I know I have tons of clothes and jewelry squirreled away in the back of my closet or drawers that I’ve forgotten about. Try “shopping” through your own closet with the critical eye of a prospective buyer and see if you can pair up old items in new combinations. You could also get together with friends and pool the items that none of you have worn in a long time and have a clothing/accessories exchange.
- Crush that workout in your home gym
-
Maybe you want to get into better shape but aren’t into going to the gym. A lot of people like going to a gym because being in that environment creates accountability. You can create accountability at home too by dedicating a space at home to be your personal gym. Stock it with gym mats, free weights, kettlebells, jump ropes and any other supplies you need to get in a sweat. You could even decorate it with some Pinterest-worthy inspirational quotes that will motivate you to keep going!
- Treat yourself to a spa day
-
Get out some bubble bath soaps, essential oils, Epsom salts and a comfy bath pillow, and enjoy a relaxing dip in the tub. You could also do your nails, put on a face mask, or make your own scrub (there are lots of recipes online; I personally love the combination of sugar, vanilla extract and coconut oil).
Even though we usually feel like we have to go out of our homes to have fun, you can still treat yourself while staying at home. It may take a little extra effort and creativity, but you can transform your boring “stay-at-home-and-do-nothing-day” into a restorative self-care day.