A long weekend is often desired by those who from Monday to Friday spend long hours away from their loved ones for reasons such as work and/or school.

Sometimes, due to extraordinary situations, such as the current COVID-19 virus, many of us are encouraged to stay away from social interactions and often resort to staying at home.

One hour, two hours, three... and then suddenly you might find yourself not knowing what to do... How many times are you going to play Snakes and Ladders with your younger siblings anyway? 😵

At Newspoint, we have compiled a list of activities you can do at home, to keep yourself productive, entertained and most of all focused!

1. Reading
   
   It's always a great time to start that book which has been collecting dust in your personal library at home. Come on, now's the time to do so! You might like it so much, that you won't be able to let go, after all! ☺
   
   
2. Cooking
   
   Whether you like it or not, everyone enjoys eating. You might have followed a recipe or two in the past, and nothing great came out of it, but hey, this is your chance to shine. If you've got siblings, this might be the best time to do a cooking activity together. Mmmm, already getting hungry. Is that Tagliatelle alla Bolognese on the menu I hear? 😋
   
   
3. Playing an instrument
   
   Ever felt like channelling your inner Chopin or Beethoven? Your fingers are itching to have a go at that musical instrument you've been postponing to practice for months... Get out of bed and get practising one of the nicest talents one could ever possess in life. Who knows? You might even compose while you're at it! 🎼
   
   
4. Board games
   
   We did say that you might already be fed up of playing board games, but there are so many to choose from that it's virtually impossible that you have tried all of them. Depending on how many you have at home, see if you can spice them up with some tips and tricks which you could find online. 👾
   
   
5. Studying
   
   Is it time to start studying? Or maybe you have been doing so and with everything that's happening around us, you feel the need to do something different. Take on a new language, do some research in an area which has always interested you, or maybe increase your general knowledge with some online tests or games. Many apps are also available to help you achieve this. Vedi? Hai già iniziato! 👩‍🏫
   
   
6. Netflix & Chill
   
   Sometimes bingewatching a captivating series is the best remedy to wind down. Whether it is Breaking Bad, Narcos, The Crown or a classic such as Friends, we're sure that you will see time pass by like there's no tomorrow. Is it really 8pm already? 📺
   
   
7. Stay active
   
   Are we really going there? Of course we are. Yes, you should include in the mix of things some time for physical activity. At home, you'd be surprised how many routines you could do to stay on top of it all. Put that Lady Gaga playlist on and break a sweat! Ra ra rum-mah-mah! 😂
   
   
8. Housekeeping (Part 1)
   
   Hopefully no sinks have been leaking for long, but this might be your time to get your hands dirty (temporarily of course!). Open that toolbox you've received as a gift that Christmas of 2012 and get fixin'! Then wash your hands thoroughly with soap... And needless to say, make sure everyone in your household knows of the hard work you've spent your day doing! 👨‍🔧👩‍🔧
   
   
9. Housekeeping (Part 2)
   
   It could be that you don't feel too comfortable fixing a leak, but cleaning is your forte! Grab that duster, a broom and some glass shine liquid (?)... You know that glass has been asking for it every month... So much so, you've been ignoring its calls! Awkward! 😳
   
   
10. Write
    
    Is it time for you to start that diary? 'Dear Diary...' Not cool? Maybe some poetry? OK. I'll stop there. But joking aside, writing helps one express themselves in another way, while also serving as a way to relax the mind. Come on, give it a go! Is that the best upcoming national author award I see? 👌
    
    
11. BONUS: Sing
    
    We've seen it happening in the bathroom, in the comfort of our rooms, but now even in balconies... The sense of community during such times inspires us to rediscover how nice it is being helpful to one another. Whether strumming your guitar, accompanied by a choir of balcony singers, belting out the national anthem, or just singing in private, sometimes it's great to vent out your feelings with your favourite jams! 👨‍🎤👩‍🎤
    
    
    

Make sure to check out the latest updates regarding COVID-19, while following advice to avoid contracting the virus.