What to Do While You're Self-Isolating

The COVID-19 virus has reached New Zealand so to help stop the spread we’re currently self-isolating ourselves. Rather than binging my life away on Netflix, I thought it would be best to come up with a few productive ideas of things to do to help pass the time. Check out my ideas below:

Firstly, on a more serious note, coronavirus is no joke. We’ve seen it’s impact across the world and it’s a situation we need to take equally seriously here. Some families and businesses will really struggle during this time, so make sure that even while you’re social distancing that you’re still reaching out to your community and supporting each other. Grab groceries for each other, crop swap if you have a vegetable garden, check in often and try help each other smile even when things get tough. Our elderly and those with impacted immune systems are most at risk, so please make sure you’re reaching out to those you know in this high-risk category.


Remember, social distancing and self-isolation doesn’t mean social isolation. Use the internet to remain in contact with those around you - FaceTime often, Skype your friends, stay up-to-date with what’s happening in the world!


Now, on-top some ideas of things to do while in self-isolation!

1. Organise/Clean the House!
Now is the perfect time to get on top of the cleaning and organising. Lately, I’ve gone through my wardrobe and removed all the clothes which no longer fit me or I plan on wearing. Now is also a good time of year to pop all your summer clothes into storage and to get your winter woolies ready for the new season!


We’re also loving finally getting to clean and organise our pantry and kitchen. Little tasks like wiping out your kitchen drawers can make such a big difference.


Do those ‘rainy-day’ cleaning tasks that you don’t often get around to doing - vacuum the couch, wipe the skirting boards, wash the walls, clean your technology, organise that cupboard under the sink! The opportunities are endless.


Check out our FREE Cleaning Schedule Printable here to give you some more cleaning ideas for around your home. We love to keep this schedule in a visible place so all family members can contribute.


Also, now is a great time to make your own reduced-chemical cleaning products! We shared some DIY recipes here.

2. Keep Learning!
Isolation is a great time for creativity. It’s often when we’re most bored that we come up with our greatest ideas. However, let’s keep our brains at work by reading lots of books, catching up on interesting documentaries, and experimenting in the kitchen.


Here are some of our favourite recipes we recommend trying:
- Stella's Super Slaw
- Morag's Specials (Chocolate & Coconut Slice)
- Healthy Raspberry Muffins
- Delicious Lactation Bliss Balls
- Chocolate Chip Cookies (BEST RECIPE EVER!)
- The Most Perfect Snickerdoodle Cookies
- 6 Freezer Meals

A goal of mine for this year was to learn french, so lately I’ve been learning via the app Duolingo and I’m loving it!

If you’ve got kids at home with you in self-isolation, firstly I’m giving you a virtual high-five because you’re amazing. Secondly, check out Pinterest for some super easy and creative DIY activities to help keep the kids entertained! Here are 7 ideas I thought looked like fun:

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3. Self Care:
Hair marks, face masks, doing your nails, meditations and long baths are all necessary right now - in my opinion anyway.

It’s not often that we get times like these, so let’s look after ourselves and take time to slow down and listen to our bodies.

I love doing meditations via the Keep It Cleaner app, a free alternative which I also love is Insight Timer.

4. Reconnect with Nature:
We need time outside now more than ever at the moment. Make sure you get outside often for walks! I enjoy doing workouts on the deck in the sunshine and getting into the vegetable garden. I’ve recently been preparing my garden for autumn/winter planting - don’t forget to get your bulbs planted too!

Check out our blog post about the importance of reconnecting with nature here. 

5. Write Lists & Letters:
I’ll say it, I’m a list addict. But seriously, they’re the best! I encourage you to write lists for everything: cleaning lists, bucket lists, seasonal to-do lists, things-I-want-to-do-as-soon-as-I’m-out-of-quarantine-lists, EVERYTHING. I’m currently adding to my ‘movies to watch’ and ‘books to read’ lists!

Letters are a lost art, but I think now is a great time to bring back the good ol’ handwritten letter. Write to an old friend, a family member and even pop little notes into your neighbours mailboxes with a funny joke or a nice quote to make them smile. I’m sure it will make their day!




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My biggest tip, is to stay connected. Talk to your family and friends often, share your thoughts and concerns about what’s going on and try to stay up-to-date with the world around you. For those living alone, times like these can be awfully isolating, so make sure you’re reaching out and giving a hand where you can.


Most importantly, stay safe and well!


From our home to yours,