10 Unique (and Free) At-Home Activities to Try For Adults

---

Note: This was originally posted to help the Breakroom Buddha community get through the difficult 2020 lockdown. Since then, this list has been updated! So use it if you’re trying to save money, or just want a comfy, fun day at home!

If you’re a bit lost, fed up, or just plain bored, you’re not alone. Believe me when I say that I’m right there with you. There are only so many TikTok challenges, and Netflix movies a girl can watch.

Instead of dwelling on the negative, how about I help shift your perspective? I’ve scoured the internet (or more like my friend’s Instagram accounts) to find the 10 most unique (and free) at-home activities that you can do while you’re stuck at home. Enjoy!

1 | Become A Michelin Star Chef

Okay, wait! You won’t actually make it to Michelin Star Chef status anytime soon, but if you’re looking for a quick home activity to do, you can try a few new (and unique) recipes!

If you’re anything like self-proclaimed master chef Crystal Kurian, you are taking FULL advantage of your time at home. Chef Crystal is a Snapchat chef (who deserves a Michelin Star), who’s putting everyone’s (and their mom’s) home-cooked meals to SHAME! Her Snapchat stories are filled with mouthwatering late-night treats and savory meals. Some of her favorite recipes include Garlic Noodles, Korean Coffee, and “Burnt” Basque Cheesecake! Check out her finished products below!

Follow Chef Crystal on Snapchat for more fun eats! If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and become a Snapchat Chef like Crystal, then pick a recipe and get started! I’ve conveniently put together a beginner-friendly recipe playlist to help you get started.

Bonus Finds: According to Chef Crystal, these Digital Chefs have AH-MAZING recipes that are extremely beginner-friendly:

• Food Wishes (800+ beginner-friendly cooking videos!)
• Adam Liaw (Asian-fusion cooking)
• Seonkyoung Longest (more Asian cooking!)
• Joshua Weissman (American-style food)

---

Instagramable Bites!

Here are some of my other fave Instagramers who are cooking their way through the Quarantine. Check out their pages for more inspiration!

---

Beginner-Friendly Recipes

If the digital chefs above didn’t work for you, then try a few of these popular recipe websites.

• Hello Fresh Recipes
• Mealime Recipes
• Bon Appétit Recipes
• Brit + Co Recipes

If all else fails, get an air fryer, and follow these cool low maintenance air fryer recipes.

Source: Jhetta

2 | Exercise… Pero Like, While Tipsy

You don’t necessarily need to be tipsy to exercise, but if you’re looking to make a game out of it or you lack motivation, you should definitely try doing it tipsy!

Don’t know where to start? My girl LUNA has you covered! Follow along with her Happy Hour Yoga session below. If that doesn’t wear you out, check out her “YOGA” Instagram Highlight for more yoga routines.

---

Quarantine Workout Playlist

If you want more at-home workouts to do (while sober), I’ve put together a playlist full of fun up-tempo workouts. It’s probably best that you don’t drink while doing these though. 😬

Check out the playlist below, and add your favorite workout videos to it HERE!

3 | Host a “Stay Home” Themed Bar Crawl

Host your very own Bar Crawl at your house, and make it an invite-only extravaganza! And by invite-only, I mean only invite the people who live with you. If you live alone, facetime a friend, and have them virtually join in on the fun!

This concept of an At-Home Bar Crawl comes from one of my pals, Alana. Her parents thought it would be a fun way to celebrate her birthday, and they were right! Here’s how you set up one for yourself:

How To Set Up a “Stay Home” Themed Bar Crawl!

Step 1: Choose Your Locations

Choose 3-4 stops that you’d like to have on your crawl (i.e. the living room, the backyard, the porch, your room, etc.)

Step 2: Build Your Drink Menu

Choose a selection of alcoholic beverages that you’d like to have at each stop. Of course, alcohol is always optional. As a substitute, you can purchase sparkling cider, sparkling water, or any of your other favorite sparkling beverages (we’re trying to make this thing classy!)

Step 3: Set The Vibe

Now it’s time to bring it all together. Set a time, gather your group, and start the crawl! Dance, have fun, and take lots of pics!

*Bonus: Go Club Hopping!

In true Bar Crawl fashion, your last stop should be “The Club”. MAKE IT MEMORABLE. If you want to, you can even set up a VIP section. Use either of the playlists below to set the vibe.

---

Alcohol Suggestions

Need beginner-friendly alcohol suggestions for your At-Home Bar Crawl? I got you covered! I reached out to a few beer, wine, and cider enthusiasts and they suggested the following:

*suggestions from: Chi Chi, Cariann, and Nana!

4 | Throw Paint Everywhere…

But make the target your canvas. If you’ve been racking your brain trying to find a way to unleash your creativity, then this activity is for you! Why not host a Virtual Paint & Sip Party! This activity is inspired by my friend Chelsea, who’s apartment complex so flawlessly made this a reality for their residents. As you can see from the pictures below, Chelsea’s complex definitely went all out, but you can (and should) keep your party low key.

How To Host a Low-Key Virtual Paint & Sip Party

Step 1: The Painting

Choose a simple painting tutorial (see below)

Step 2: The Beverage

Choose your favorite alcoholic / non-alcoholic beverage (sip while you paint)

Step 3: Send Out Invites

AND last but not least, create a Video Chat group call so that all of your friends and/or family can join in on the fun! Everyone should be watching and painting along with the same tutorial!

---

Paint & Sip Materials and Video Tutorials

Canvas Painting – Materials

If you want to go the more traditional route and paint using a Canvas, then you’ll need the following materials:

• All-Purpose Paint Brush Set ($11 – 10 brushes)
• Assorted Acrylic Paint Colors ($9.50 – 12 colors)
• Canvas ($10 – 2 canvases)
• OR Purchase a Painting Set ($45 – includes 3 canvases, 24 paints, and 15 brushes)
• Water (free)
• A Plastic Cup (to hold water)
• A Plastic Plate (to hold paint)

Canvas Painting – Tutorials (20+ videos)

Watercolor Painting – Materials

If you’re looking for an alternative, or want to try something new, then Watercolor Painting is for you! You’ll need to stock up on the following:

• All-Purpose Paint Brush Set ($11 – 10 brushes)
• Watercolor Paper ($6 – 30 sheets)
• Watercolor Paint ($17 – 36 colors)
• Water (free!)
• A Plastic Cup (to hold water)
• A Plastic Plate (to hold paint)

Watercolor Painting – Tutorials (100+ videos)

5 | Become a Literal Skills Billionaire

You’ve heard me use the term, “Skill Bank” pretty often right? Well if not, a skill bank, in my opinion, is your secret weapon. It’s a secret bank where you house all of your unique skills and attributes that make you, YOU. I believe in this imaginary (but also very real) bank so much. In order to be classified as a “billionaire”, you have to work HARD. But don’t worry, now’s the perfect time to fill your piggy bank with a TON of new skills!

5 Skills You Need to Develop Right Now

It’s a common thought that there are truly 5 hobbies or skills that you need to ensure that you’re always thriving. Below you’ll find the skill categories you should target, but keep reading to find the right skill for you! Enjoy, and join the conversation on Twitter!

See more

What are your 5 hobbies? 👀 pic.twitter.com/F184MbN9We

— Breakroom Buddha | Career & Lifestyle Blog (@BreakroomBuddha) December 4, 2020

Dive Deeper: Tools & Resources That’ll Help You Fill Your Skills Bank

• Breakroom Buddha – Young Professionals Network
  — Building a network full of successful, ambitious people is a skill! Get a head start with the official Breakroom Buddha LinkedIn networking group!
  
• Breakroom Buddha – Sticky Notes
  — Landing a job, keeping a job, and networking are all skills that you should have as a professional. Check out the Breakroom Buddha “Sticky Notes” category, to learn more.
  
• Make It – These are the 5 most valuable skills to learn right now
  — Futurist Scott Steinberg breaks down the key skills that everyone needs to gain if they’re going to stay successful in the future. TL;DR: emotional intelligence, creativity, and adaptability are key!
  
• Creative Mornings – Virtual Field Trips & Monthly Speaker Series
  — Creative Mornings encourages everyone to be their most creative selves. Each month they have free virtual skill-sharing events, as well as a monthly professional speaker.
  
• Harvard University – Free Online Courses
  — Expand your mind with some of Havard’s flagship courses. These courses cover everything from coding to food science. They’re free and open to the public, so check them out!
  
• Free Code Camp – 450+ Free Ivy League Courses
  — Become cultured with this curated list of free ivy league courses. Dive into modern poetry, marketing & business strategies, film topics, and even learn what the true meaning of “success” is.
  
• QuarantineCon – Virtual Networking Conferences
  — After being sentenced to a mandatory lockdown (like most of us were), two recent college grads started “QuarantineCon.” It started off as a one-day virtual speaker series and networking event but now has blossomed into a monthly virtual speaker series.
  
• Duolingo – Courses & Podcast
  — Duolingo is the languaging app that won’t let you quit! Duolingo offers courses via their mobile app and extra learning via their podcasts. Now you can finally learn that new language!

How can I take what I learn today, to make my life different tomorrow?

• NPR – The Best Commencement Speeches, Ever
  — Life stories can be inspiring, refreshing, and informative. This is especially true for those who have overcome immeasurable challenges and reached success in their lives. Browse through this collection of graduation speeches, to get inspired, and learn something new. You might even recognize a few of the speakers. 🙂
  
• School16 – Free Remote Classes & Speaker Series
  — If working in tech is on your radar, or if you’re just intrigued by the tech world, then you should be paying close attention to School16. You have the opportunity to learn and hear from tech professionals during free virtual events!
  
• FreeBooksy – Free Ebooks
  — FreeBooksy is simple. They find free books for you to read! Start expanding your mind, and check out their latest finds via their website.
  
• Google Arts & Culture – Virtual Tours
  — Here’s yet another to become the “cultured” friend. View famous paintings, and take virtual 360 tours of famous landmarks all on Google’s dime!
  
• Bored Button – Interactive Activities
  — You never know what you’re going to get when you hit the “Bored” button…which is a good thing! Get instant random facts, learn about new games, and discover a little more about yourself.
  
• Reader’s Digest – 12 Virtual Day Trips
  — Traveling right now is a bit…you know, but there’s always virtual travel. Dip your toes in the water (virtually), and plan out your IRL adventure while you’re at it!
  
• Thinkwritten – 365 Creative Writing Prompts
  — Have you ever thought about creative writing? It’s a good way to keep your creative juices flowing and up your communications skills! Don’t forget to read often too, to elevate your writing.
  
• Linkedin – Course Club
  — LinkedIn has a number of courses (that are not free), BUT every quarter they unlock a few of their popular courses for the general public! Check out this quarter’s free courses now.

---

Spotlight: TEDx Talks

Here’s an extra plug for you: TEDx! TEDx is an extension of the very popular TED Talks platform. TEDx is a platform that allows students, teachers, and community leaders to spread their ideas across local colleges, universities, and communities!

6 | Give Your Friends & Family a (Virtual) Emotional Hug

The need for some sort of human connection has skyrocketed, and rightfully so. If you live alone or are separated from your family/friends here are a few activities that you can do together on a weekly basis!

Virtual Home Activities to do with Friends/Family

• set up weekly chats (phone or video) to catch up
• cook a meal together
• host a virtual paint & sip party
• host a virtual watch party
• host a virtual brunch
• attend a virtual concert/music festival together
• host a virtual sleepover
• work on a side hustle together
• host a virtual happy hour
• record fun reaction videos
• attend a virtual field trip together
• attend a virtual conference together
• Host a virtual game night!

---

That actually reminds me. I’ve been flirting with the idea of hosting another Virtual Netflix Watch Party. And yes, of course, you’re invited.

Fill out the form below, and download the Scener Google Chrome Extension. I’ll send you an invite to the next one. 💕

Join Deja’s Monthly Watch Party

What is The Monthly Watch Party? On the last Saturday of every month, I’ll be streaming one tv show or movie, with the Breakroom Buddha community.

How do I join? Fill out the form below and get an official invitation sent directly to your email! Leave a suggestion below too!! 🙂

Don’t forget to check out my Streaming Guide for tv / movie suggestions as well!

7 | Clean up, Clean up… but make it FASHION.

Have you ever had a mini fashion show for your friends and family after you’ve just gone on a massive (or mini) shopping spree? Well, the “Cleanup” Fashion Show is just like that. But, instead of showing off things you’ve just bought, you’ll be modeling your Fall 2018 collection. You know the garments that you’ve pushed to the back off your closet that you’re still holding on to. Ha!

How To Host a “Cleanup” Fashion Show

Step 1: Rangle Up Your Clothes Backstage

Gather all of the old clothes that you’ve been thinking about throwing out. Solicit help from someone who knows your closet well if needed!

Step 2: Make Tyra Banks Proud

Model your old clothes for your friends and/or family. Have your friends/family give you a thumbs up or thumbs down on your “lewk”. Majority rules in situations like these.

Step 3: Let Go & Give

Gather up all the garments that don’t make the cut, and put them to the side. When the lockdown is over, make sure you donate them or join a clothes SWAP party and give them away!

Let Jake Park show you how ROCK YOUR LOOKS. Take it away Jake!

https://breakroombuddha.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/wp-1588734298744.mp4

---

Alternative: Reconstruct / Flip Your Clothes

Alternatively, if you can’t seem to let go of your old items, you could reconstruct your clothes! Dust of your old sewing machine (or fabric glue) and get to work!

Here’s an example of a t-shirt turned skirt that my friend Tina made!

Get some DIY Fashion inspiration from these Youtubers before you get started:

• bestdressed
• Nava Rose
• Haley’s Corner
• The Sorry Girls
• JENerationDIY
• Kheumani Stevenson
• JONYAÉ

---

Spotlight: bestdressed

Check out bestdressed on Youtube! She’s one of my favorite fashion DIY YouTubers, because she keeps it real, and doesn’t edit out any of her Ls. haha.

8 | Sit Front Row at a Digital Concert!

Have you seen the #ConcertsFromHome hashtag trending on Twitter? Well, if not you should definitely check it out. A ton of brands, musicians, and live-streaming platforms have dedicated their time to hosting free concerts that you can watch from the comfort of your home. These concerts also often double as benefit shows to support organizations that are fighting against COVID-19. So, if you have any spare coins, make sure to donate while watching these shows!

One of the more recent concerts that I watched (and donated to) was the Chase Atlantic Phases Experience. It was so AMAZING. I’ve included a small snippet of the concert below, just so that you can get a sense of what to expect when tuning in to a virtual concert. Make sure you listen with headphones too!

https://breakroombuddha.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Chase-Atlanta-Livestream.mp4

---

Live Music Streams Radar: Upcoming Concerts & Music Festivals

• Minecraft – Block By Blockwest Music Festival (May 16 @3P EST)
• BandsInTown – Weekly Twitch Livestreams (Tues – Thurs @1P EST)
• COLORS – HOME/BREED Livestreams (Every Tues @ 1P EST)

You can keep up with your favorite artists, as well as all of the upcoming live streams that are happening with an app called BandsInTown. It has been my lifesaver! You can link your Spotify account, and actively keep track of all of the Livestreams that your favorite artists post!

---

Music To My Ears: Non-Stop Music Streams

Looking for music to play in the background? Check out the YouTube channels that have non-stop live streams. One of my faves is below!

9 | Take Better Care of Yourself

If you’re looking for a quick list of things to do to make sure you’re in the right headspace, check out the below (courtesy of Bethia Thomas!):

• tap into the things that you enjoy doing (more often)
• take a break, draw a picture!
• eat healthily!
• try a new exercise daily (if you can)
• meditate
• go to church (virtually)
• pray daily
• don’t watch the news every day
• read positive words of affirmation daily
• declutter (your mind, physical spaces, etc.)
• tackle a project on your to-do list
• play a fun game, complete a puzzle, etc.
• have a virtual happy hour with friends
• pick up a side hustle (try door dash, while practicing social distancing)
• start a journal, and journal daily
• start a blog (and document your quarantine experience)
• read a book (fiction and nonfiction)

Draw silly pictures with Google Quick Draw Tool

• be kind to yourself
• call and check-in on your friends and family
• host a drive-by or parade for birthdays, graduations, etc.
• go for a walk around your neighborhood
• seek counseling if needed
• volunteer virtually, donate money, give away food to local organizations, etc.
• get crafty (learn to sew, paint a picture, etc.)
• start a garden!
• enhance your skills by taking online courses, or attending webinars
• have a spa day! (give yourself a facial, bubble bath, etc.)

“My body is healthy; my mind is brilliant; my soul is tranquil.”

huffington post

• think positive (it goes a long way)
• send positive text messages
• listen to music (listen to someone new every day!)
• learn photography (your phone will do), and take pics of the things that inspire you to smile
• create a gratitude jar, full of things that you’re grateful for
• stop what you’re doing, and simply breathe (try deep breathing techniques)
• go on a virtual date! (friend dates count)
• find something that makes you giggly, and just LAUGH

10 | Give Back More Than You Take…

As you might have noticed, a lot of the activities on this unique activities list involve pouring into yourself or making yourself feel good. After you’ve gotten to a place where you feel healthy and balanced, why not spread that joy?

The awesome folks at Good Deeds Day put together an amazing list of virtual volunteer activities that we can all do. You can view some of my favorite ones below.

At-Home Volunteer Initiatives

• Make a donation to vetted Coronavirus Charity Funds.
• Help support the Crisis Text Line as a Volunteer Crisis Counselor.
• Sign up to teach a virtual class about something you love.
• Check-in on your elderly neighbors and also participate in the Adopt a Senior initiative.
• Proofread and edited books for people with reading disabilities.
• Become a mentor and give career advice to students.
• Write a letter to local Atlanta Healthcare Providers or to Healthcare Providers Nationwide.
• Lend your professional talents to a good cause!
• Transcribe historical documents for the Smithsonian.

---

More Ways to Get Involved

Still, looking for more ways to get involved virtually? Check out local opportunities via the VolunteerMatch portal below!