We’ve been stuck at home for over four months now. We’re running out of things to do, and going for a sidewalk jog or reading a book may not cut our boredom now. In this article, I’m making a list of ten unique activities to try during this quarantine, which may actually turn out to be a new hobby!

1. Start a Podcast

Do you know about something obscure that most people wouldn’t know? It could be sports cars, classical music, or gardening, but if it’s unique, chances are other people are going to want to learn it too. With some recording equipment and a phone or computer, you can start producing a podcast about something you know a lot about. Another way you could explore this specific branch of creativity is starting a YouTube channel. Doing music, game, car, or movie reviews is a sure way to put your ideas out into the world and have a receptive audience.

2. Hone Your Athletic Skills

And I don’t mean just working out. Chances are you probably have a basketball hoop, tennis court, or track near where you live. If you live in a rural community or in the forest, there’s sure to be trails or paths for you to run on. While you don’t have to train or strive for a professional level, it’s always fun to shoot some hoops, run a couple miles, or practice your serve. Summer is a great time to better yourself at certain skills, rather than just doing the same workouts every day.

3. Learn About Something New

Choose a topic you’re curious about. It could be something wild, like the possibility of aliens or crazy conspiracy theories. Do some research, so you know more about it. It’s always good to learn new things, and learning about things you’re interested in is always fun because it doesn’t feel like learning. You could also learn about psychology and the human brain through a human interest podcast, which are always super interesting. Some of my favorite human interest podcasts are NPR’s Invisibilia, This American Life, and Reply All by Gimlet.

4. Take Care of Plants

Start a garden! Or even buy and maintain houseplants if you don’t like going outdoors. Just maintaining your plants every day and watching them grow helps you feel good about yourself, and it improves upon your responsibility and your organizational skills. Making sure your plants don’t die or wither is hard, and the rewards from doing so really help improve your self confidence.

5. Learn an Instrument

A cheap, used keyboard or a cheap ukulele are great to learn on your own. It’s easy to pick up on basic chords on both, especially if you follow some YouTube tutorials. Making your own music is really rewarding, and it’s a skill you can carry through your whole life. Even if you don’t sing, learning keys can help you a lot in the future, especially if you’re interested in joining a musical group later on in life.

6. Learn a New Language

It’s always good to know more than one language, or even to learn basic touristy phrases in several. Knowing how to get around in a lot of countries is great, and becoming fluent in a second language is a skill that is unparalleled in how it can help you in the future. Use Duolingo or another platform to start becoming fluent in a new language.

7. Write a Novel

Check out this handy tutorial on how to start writing a novel. It might be hard, but it’s definitely a rewarding experience. Diving into your own imagination is a great way to spend time productively, especially since you don’t have to write about anything you don’t like. It’s your own little world. The experience is different for everyone, but it’s worth it.

8. Go Camping

Bother your friends or family into booking a campsite (and I mean tent camping, not cabin camping). It’s a great experience to go out into the outdoors, make your own food, and be one with nature for a few days. Camping makes bug bites worth it, especially if you go with people you love spending time with. Be sure to go near great hike sites, so you can get some good hikes in while you’re there. And if you don’t want to spend money, try camping in your backyard for a couple days.

9. Learn a New Cuisine

You’re probably used to cooking and eating whatever your family makes at home. But if you enjoy a certain cuisine you don’t get to eat at home every day, try learning how to make the items you like at your favorite restaurant. For example, I recently learned how to make bubble tea using this recipe! Now I can make it myself and I don’t have to go out and buy it.

10. Write an Article for us!

Here at The Spearhead, we’re always looking for new writers. If there’s something you’re passionate about, or just want the world to hear about, fill out the form on our connect page. We accept everything from music, politics, pop culture, and opinions. Whatever you want to write about, it has a place here. Don’t be afraid to reach out!