Staying Entertained at Home as COVID-19 Resurges

With COVID-19 now beginning its third year as an active threat, many of us have come to change the way we do things. From working to socializing to running errands, it can’t be denied that the novel coronavirus has truly shaken up our usual routines. Additionally, with the highly infectious Omicron variant surging, staying home whenever possible can be a great way to protect yourself from infection and help curb the spread. (Incidentally, purchasing home insurance can be a great way to protect your humble abode.) However, if your favorite leisure activities traditionally involve leaving the house, you may find yourself in a bit of a pickle. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of ways to stay entertained without leaving the safety and comfort of your residence. 

Renting First-Run Movies 

Seeing movies in theaters is among the many experiences COVID-19 has turned into a risky venture. Needless to say, this has been a tough couple of years for film buffs. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to give up on seeing first-run movies. Because of the pandemic, a number of studios have taken to releasing first-run films as video-on-demand (VOD) rentals in conjunction with their respective theatrical releases. Additionally, even the films that don’t receive same-day VOD releases are often released as rentals on an expedited schedule.  

While watching first-run movies at home may be a very different experience than going to your favorite multiplex, being able to pause, take bathroom breaks and prepare your own snacks is undeniably convenient. Furthermore, depending on the size of your family, going the VOD route may be considerably less expensive than purchasing individual tickets and movie theater refreshments.  

Celebrating Certain Events 

Large celebrations can also be extremely risky in the time of COVID – particularly with the Omicron variant tearing through the country. So, if your kids have grown accustomed to massive birthday parties or family gatherings, they’re liable to be disappointed. However, this doesn’t mean that celebrations are off the table entirely. Provided the venue is your home and the guest list consists of the people with whom you cohabitate, small-scale celebrations are still very feasible. If you’re looking to foster a festive atmosphere, look into renting fun devices like a portable foam cannon.    

Getting in Shape 

If the threat of COVID-19 has prevented you from going to the gym – or you’re never able to find the time for physical fitness – you now have the opportunity to get in shape from the safety of home. So, if you have a large closet, furnished basement or spare bedroom, consider putting together your own little gym. For example, if you’re interested in strength training, you can furnish this space with an assortment of weights and muscle-building equipment. Alternatively, if you’re a fan of running, jogging or power-walking, invest in a good treadmill. 

Rediscover a Creative Outlet 

If there are any creative outlets with which you’ve lost touch, now may be the perfect time to rediscover them. Writing, drawing, making music and engaging in other creative pastimes can help relieve stress and anxiety and provide you with a tremendous sense of personal fulfillment. Additionally, if you’re looking to try your hand at any new creative outlets, why not use this opportunity to take the plunge? 

Tackle Your Media Backlog 

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t have a massive media backlog. With the copious amounts of new shows, movies, video games and other media being released these days, very few people have the time to keep up with everything that strikes their interest. So, if the threat of COVID-19 has you spending a lot more time at home, this may be the perfect opportunity to make a dent in your media backlog. Simply make a list of the various media you wish to consume, rank every item by level of importance and proceed to dive right in.   

If your favorite leisure activities involve leaving the house, it’s easy to see why the resurgence of COVID-19 would leave you frustrated and discouraged. While limiting how much time we spend away from home can seem like a burden, this relatively minor sacrifice helps curb the spread of the virus and improve public health. Additionally, if you associate staying in with being bored, you may not realize how many first-rate entertainment options one can access from the comfort of home.