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Feeling cooped up at home - what should I do?

89 Answers
Last Updated: 06/03/2022 at 7:59pm
Feeling cooped up at home - what should I do?
1 Tip to Feel Better
Canada
Moderated by

Kajsa Futrell, RTC

Counselor

I specialise in respectfully helping people navigate their way through trauma and relationship issues. The adversities in our life can actually transform us.

Top Rated Answers
MaeveTheBrave
July 21st, 2016 10:00pm
Try to get out of the house more! Even though it might be hard to do at first, once you actually get outside and start moving around, you will start to feel better! Try to get more sunlight, exercise, and social interaction. You can start by doing whatever activities appeal to you, whether that's walking dogs, going to a coffee shop, hanging out with a friend, going hiking, tanning at the beach, etc. Just as long as you start doing *something*, the cooped-up feeling will begin to dissipate. Just make sure you stay active, busy, and outside of your usual space/house!
UtopianMidgardianSanctuary
June 25th, 2016 8:28am
If I were in a small apartment and I wanted to get my energy out, I would open the windows, turn on a sound machine or listen to natural music, and do yoga or any other indoor exercise.
allnaturalUnicorns70
November 15th, 2017 2:51pm
Depends on your age and how much money you have! If you're a little kid, do your best at school and with friends and manage! If you're 38 and rich, fly the coop!!
phasmophobia
June 25th, 2016 7:20pm
Creative activities like singing or drawing are ways to get out some mental energy without taking up a lot of room; there are also physical activities you can do in a small space like yoga or strength training (sit ups, push ups, etc).
Anonymous
June 29th, 2016 12:43am
Sunlight can really help when you're indoors a lot, open some windows and it can help you feel much better :) apart from that if you're not sure what to do you could look up indoor hobbies and activities online, personally I enjoy doing crafts like knitting and building paper models.
AveryC1208
June 1st, 2018 7:56am
Hang out with friends! Don’t be on ur phone all day, do something and have fun with the people u love!
WithHappyDay3010
December 4th, 2020 12:50am
Feeling cooped up at home - what should I do? My heart will says To make a house a fun place for adventures, I can set up a tent in the living room, play war-games with my children, sit by the balcony window and write some articles, poetry to keep my heart stay happy. I also have more time to provide self-indulgent care, to clean the kitchen and dining room, and to enjoy the good times when watching movies while rolling on the blanket, on the soft mattress .... I try to count the many good things everyday to stay in good health with gratitude to God Almighty. ( #WithHappyDay3010, KL :-) Keep struggling, Stay healthy!)
incredibleIceCream7228
August 20th, 2020 11:42am
Try developing new hobbies,Or reading a story book or watching a movie or series.You can also call and chat with friends and family.That ought to distract you .It will make you forget all about being cooped up all day and actually enjoy your day. You can also take advantage of your time at home by either reorganizing your home or doing activities you always postpone doing when at home. In all just try to keep yourself busy and do stuff that you will enjoy.I for instance watch a movie or read a storybook when feeling cooped up at home. I hope this helps.
TheAdmirableCreatureAmanda
September 3rd, 2016 1:48am
Try taking a dog for your walk, or message friends on Facebook. One of my favorite things to is go for an "Adventure," which is when I basically start walking while listening to a book on tape and just see where I end up. It is just about getting outside and walking until I begin to feel unstuck.
Anonymous
November 1st, 2020 2:26pm
It's easy to feel cooped up during such difficult times. I have been through that too and while there might not be a 100% effective solution to that (other than obviously taking a vacation), I will try to share the methods that worked out for me: 1. Take a break from stressful situations. This might sound generic but it works! We are used to working or studying in a certain environment and shifting everything online is not only a change of environment but also somewhat of a pressure to our brain because it associate our home with relaxation and now we are suddenly bringing everything in that home that doesn't involve relaxing. 2. Take care of yourself. Another thing we all know but very few follow. Don't skip on meals. Drink water. Go to pee when you need to. Wear warm clothes when cold. Just simple tid-bits thatmakes more of a difference in our mood than we know! 3. Change your house. You don't literally have to shift houses but shift your furniture. Change those old curtains, those creased up bedsheets and maybe even colour your walls. Trick your brain into thinking this isn't the same house you felt stuffed up in! 4.Exercise. Yeah I know not many people are a fan of this but it's a great way to kill time, stay healthy and release lots of endorphins and dopamines!
Anonymous
June 21st, 2017 1:20am
If you're able to get out of the house, you should. Even if it's just for a few minutes at a time to experience fresh air and sunlight (or whatever kind of weather is happening outside). If you're not able to leave your house, you could always open the windows and the shades and sit near them if you can.
Roishere
August 13th, 2017 10:22pm
I used to feel this way often after I took a gap year right after finishing high school. I started by reading books. I did this at home. When I felt like I need fresh air I'd take the book out to the patio. When that started to bore me I took the book to a nearby park. It was so refreshing. After that I started walking to and from the park whenever I'd run out of things to do. If I wasn't feeling up to walking I'd make my way to a record store and hang out there for a little while listening to music. When it started to feel routine I started doing yoga. I also enquired a local dog shelter about taking different dogs out on different days for walks and I've been doing that ever since. Find what you might like doing outdoors and get on it!
blueberryrawr1
August 7th, 2020 7:21pm
It's hard staying at home all this time with the feeling that there is nothing to do. But there's SO MUCH you could do. Maybe pick up a new hobby (singing, dancing, reading, volunteering, playing an instrument, running, playing a sport, yoga/meditation, becoming a Listener at 7Cups, etc!!). Use this time to finish stuff that you have always wanted to do. Be productive with your activities, but also remind yourself that it's ok to be taking a day off to have a movie marathon or rewatching your favorite show! Maybe invest in some self-care products or practices that you weren't able to do before. Hope this helps :)
Heatherms6436
July 19th, 2020 9:05pm
Get out and go for a walk, hike or even a drive! Join a local meet-up group in your area. Ask a friend to start meeting for regular walks. Alternatively, it may also help to socialize online. You can participate in a chat, join a meet-up group or take an online baking class via Zoom. This way you can socialize with others without worrying about social distancing. It may also help to discuss with friends and family that you are feeling this way. Others might be feeling the same and be willing to work with you on scheduling regular outings together.
optimisticOcean3904
August 28th, 2020 7:18pm
Find something you can do in or around the house that makes you feel productive! Inside, you could reorganize a room. Outside, you could go for a short walk or run! You could also try things such as doing a puzzle, reading a book, or cooking a meal. There are a lot of things to try out even when you might think there aren't. All of these things are beneficial to me when I'm feeling cooped up. It is important to do things that bring us joy but also make us feel like we are doing more than just sitting around!
dancingWind2421
September 4th, 2020 6:03pm
Being cooped up at home is a feeling a lot of us have probably felt at one time or another in our lives. Whether it is because of a global pandemic or just not getting out enough, there are countless ways to not be cooped up at home. The most obvious thing to say would be: go outside. Once you are outside you can exercise (e.g. go on a walk or hike), socialize (safely meet up with your friends), and do other various activities that you might find fun (e.g. painting, visiting places of interest, going swimming, and so forth). Another option, if you don't want to go outside, is to be productive at home. Being productive might help you feel less cooped up at home because you are filling your time. Examples of activities you could do at home are working out, starting a project, picking up a new hobby, video-calling your friends, playing board games with the people you live with, and so forth.
Duetelll
September 6th, 2020 8:02pm
Especially during these trying times, it is very hard to actually get out and do things. What I tend to do is just sit outside on my porch, and just take in the sun. Just getting some fresh air can feel very relieving to some. I take a walk around my house also, especially if I feel a bit claustrophobic from being inside a closed house for so long. Do activities normally done inside, outside! I’ll take my laptop outside, I’ll eat my lunch on my patio, and paint and draw outside! Even if your mindlessly scrolling on your phone, you can sit in your front yard and do it!
Tegg
June 10th, 2021 2:07am
Take a walk! Challenge yourself to take some cool and unique pictures while on your walk. If you can't leave your house, maybe come up with an exercise routine to get yourself moving and improve both your mental/physical health. Blasting some music could help get you motivated and improve your mood as well! If you are indeed able to leave your house and you are looking to get out more, you could see if there are any volunteering positions in your location that would be a good fit for you! That can be a great way to help both yourself and the community. (Also looks great on college applications)! Good luck, and have fun :)
Anonymous
July 29th, 2020 1:50am
Read a book, particularly a fantasy genre. There was a quote I once read, it said " A reader lives a 100 lives". And as a reader I found that to be true. So live as a character for a day. Travel to a new world and forget about reality for a while. Be invested in something that would help you detach from reality for a while so when you come back you will feel like you actually left your house for a while. It will help you de stress and also you might grow an appreciation for this genre.
brewTeaful777
July 22nd, 2020 12:17am
I totally get how you feel, I've been feeling cooped up at home too, especially during this COVID season. I try to brighten the mood in my house by opening up the windows and curtains in my room throughout the day to bring in some sunlight, which helps a lot. Aside from watching your favorite shows or reading your favorite books, it helps a lot to explore new hobbies and interests you've never done before. I've also taken a lot of time to meditate and reflect on myself during this season. And finally, I've made use of the technology I have to reach out to my friends and family I haven't talked to in a while.
CalmCourage
March 21st, 2020 1:06am
Hey there, I get how you mean... we are going through a weird time at the moment that's for sure. I think exersising, eating well and learning something you have always wanted to but never had time could be somethings to think about. It's hard not to see our friends and go out and do things for sure but we can also see it as an opertunity to do some good or learn a skill, as well as learning how to deal with our minds. I hope these suggestions help and would love to hear what you make of them! Lots of love to you all!
Evalistening
June 28th, 2020 10:52am
Due to the corona virus, many are finding it hard and boring. However, you can finally take a chance to read the book you have been meaning to read for sometime. Or you can help others by chatting online on 7cups and volunteer as a listener and feel like you have a role and that you belong. You can also start applying for courses online especially that there are many discounted ones now. Also the hectic planning of having to go to the gym to go to a yoga class or a hiphop class has been made easier, just grab a mat or a cushioned towel and join a yoga or a simple meditation class and start making friends online. Finally you can start connecting with family or friends on many of the online apps.
Anonymous
June 19th, 2020 10:40am
During these uncertain times where the days seem to drag on forever it is normal to feel like you are locked in your home with nothing to do. In these cases it would be more beneficial for you to do something productive for yourself and no I am not one of those productivity and motivation ted talkers I am talking out of experience. One thing which I attempted to do is read books of different genres that I might not necessarily like and this allowed me to explore new authors and their style of writing. This will allow you to open up your vocabulary and mind to new perspectives.
Misskhan01
June 11th, 2020 10:27am
Self Care Take a bath: enjoy a long, relaxing bath and put on some music. Facial: put on your clay face mask, lie down, and instantly create your own at home spa. Exercise: there are plenty of at home exercises available from beach body to youtube videos. Mediate/Yoga: isolation is a good time for self reflection by practicing meditation. It is also a great way to calm any nerves you may feel. Go for a walk: getting outside and getting a change of scenery can help you not feel so cooped up. Hobbies Play an instrument: whether it is an instrument you already know how to play or one you want to learn, now is a great time to focus on your craft. Be an artist: whether it’s drawing, painting, or sculpting, now is a great time to let your artistic side out. Creating art is also known to be therapeutic. Knit/Sew/Crochet: create some goodies for your loved ones or yourself! Cooking/baking: try some new recipes and save your leftovers as meal preps. As long as you’re not leaving your house, you ought to at least be eating delicious foods. Writing: write a short story, start a novel, write a poem, start a blog, or just journal your own inner feelings and thoughts. Read: Read, read, read! Reading books is a great way to keep your mind occupied and stimulated simultaneously! It’s a chance to catch up on reading.
friendlySunflower228
June 10th, 2020 5:41am
Sometimes I find it helpful to make a list. It's helpful to write it down so I can have it to remind me later and refer to it again and again. It's helpful to include things on your list that you are able to do and can achieve with what you already have. Things to include in your list are things you usually do at home in your free time. Things you haven't done before but are willing to try. Things you can do with a family member. Make a list and pick two or three to do each day.
blitheComfort6759
May 30th, 2020 7:28am
There are lots of things you could do you could complete a puzzle, take on a Rubik's Cube, crossword puzzle, You could start a journal or blog Oh, you could write you can learn how to write poetry, watch long movies, learn a new language, meditate, look at pictures of puppies, face mask Lush self care, play actual letters to family and friends, Play a board game, put on a soap opera, Clean your room or around the house, try on clothes, have a zoom meeting / party baked goodies read New Yorker issues piled on your desk + newspapers knit or crochet or learn how to meet new friends online look at yourself in the mirror and attempt to do a self portrait of yourself going to a coloring book take time to reflect on yourself tried to write a short story or get started reading a novel bits of things around your house do origami if you know how to do or learn how to learn to braid do makeup interview with grandparents over the phone go through your camera roll pick your favorite photos from the past year make a photo book going to health kick and learn how to cook new recipes create a Google document that shows or movies you're watching his share of my own family and friends make a list of things that you are grateful for, if you're old enough to drink your alcoholic drink then have your own wine tasting session , play Pictionary, indoor scavenger hunt, or dye your hair a new color.
BlissfulEars1022
May 28th, 2020 7:47pm
take a moment for self reflection... what are you most proud of in yourself? write yourself a note saying congrats on your accomplishment...be silly, be honest, and most of all be friendly to yourself. If you are able to be friendly with yourself and speak to yourself in a positive way, this action will follow you to other aspects of your life. this ripple effect is contagious, try it one day at a time, or even one hour a day... start by feeling good that you got out of bed, wiggle your toes, stretch your back the ablility to self care will do wonders when you are feeling stuck in a coop!!
Anonymous
May 13th, 2020 2:01pm
Make the best of the bad situation! Think about all the things you haven't done because you did't have time - make a list and do them! Keep busy, this list could range from daily work out, to learning how to cook or bake, or watch the tv series you wanted to start but didn't have time. If you wanted to you could learn a new language, or master a new skill, this is your time to focus on you, with minimal distractions. Enjoy a more flexible schedule and continue to grow as the person you want to be and are! :))
yourfriendchica
April 8th, 2020 3:24am
Try taking a walk! It’s always good to exercise our brain and body, one way this could happen is by going on a walk while listening to music. After the walk, write down 5 things you saw, 4 things you heard, 3 things you smelled, 2 things you touched, 1 thing you want to see more of. Another option is to write snail mail to people that have made an impact on you. Vulnerability is a great strength that when shown, can empower other people to share their experiences. Be vulnerable in these letters, even if you’re not comfortable sending them.
Kokobean1850
August 23rd, 2019 12:04pm
Get outside! Go for a walk outside, or just spend a bit of time in your backyard or on your porch. If you have dogs, walk them! If you have to go shopping, tackle that! Especially if it's a beautiful day outside. If you're sporty, go out and play tennis, volleyball, baseball, hike, kayaking, etc. Whatever floats your boat.