We have all been spending more time indoors. However, staying indoors is not easy. You’ve probably had to re-think your home space so it is more functional for your new stay-at-home needs. Still, with more time on your hands, it may be easy to start feeling bored and unproductive.
So, to make your stay-at-home more eventful, here are some fun activities for you and your family to enjoy.
Crafty DIY Activities
Here are two easy and gratifying DIY craft activities to kickstart your creative productivity.
Scented Candles
Making scented candles is not difficult. All you need is a few ingredients and some patience. These candles can be customized to your liking as well.
Supplies needed:
heatproof glass jar • small decorative glass jar • a wick • soy wax flakes • glue dot • wooden dowel • double boiler • pot holder • essential oils (in desired scents) • thermometer • scissors
Instructions:
- Add the wax flakes into a heatproof glass jar which is then placed in a double boiler. Stir the wax flaked with a wooden dowel until all has melted. Temperature should reach about 180℉.
- Remove the melted wax from the double-boiler and allow the mixture to cool to about 100℉. This prevents cracking of the wax and gives the candle a more firm consistency.
- While the wax cools, insert the wick into the candle using a glue dot. Make sure that the top of the wick is not submerged in the wax.
- Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture. You can experiment with different scents.
- Add your wax mixture to the decorative glass jar. Allow it to cool and set. Make sure that the wick is not submerged in the wax.
- Use scissors to cut the wick to an appropriate length. Finish by decorating the glass jar.
Clay Diffuser Necklaces 
These rustic necklaces are easy to make, have old-school charm, and can have a long-lasting scent.
Supplies needed:
air-drying clay • wax or parchment paper • rolling pin • cookie-cutters • toothpicks or a steak knife • essential oils • straw or wine stopper • rubber stamps (optional) • sandpaper, leather, hemp or fabric cord • scissors
Instructions:
- For easy cleanup, set out a large sheet of wax or parchment paper on a flat, non-porous surface.
- On the non-stick paper, roll out about a pound of clay to a 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut-out your pendant. Store the unused clay back into the container.
- Use a toothpick or steak knife to cut away any excess clay.
- Optional: Gently press rubber stamps onto your clay pendant and then pull away to reveal the impressions.
- Use your fingers and some water to smooth away any rough, pointy, or crumbly edges.
- Use a straw or the tip of a wine stopper to make a hole towards the top of the pendant. This is where the neck cord will pass through once the pendant has dried.
- Allow the pendant to dry completely. Follow the instructions on your clay’s container.
- Once the pendant has dried, smooth out any rough edges with sandpaper.
- Cut a cord to your desired length (about 18-22 inches) and loop it through the clay pendant.
- Lay the pendant flat and apply a few drops of your favorite essential oil(s).
- Wait for the essential oil(s) to dry completely before putting the pendant on. The scent of the essential oil(s) should last for a few days before you have to add some more.
Make Your Stay-At-Home Cozy
This is the moment to create comfort in a time that we need comfort. “Feeling cozy” can be enjoyed all year round. It is a lifestyle. It can make a difference in the overall mood of your home. Here are some things to do to make your home feel cozy during your stay-at-home.
Rethink Textiles
There is nothing more chic than crisp fabrics and reed woven rugs, but if you want to make your home feel cozier, go with softer textiles. For throws, soft accent pillows and rugs, use natural fabrics like cotton and hemp – whichever comfortable textures that appeal to you.
Consider Soft Lighting
Bright, piercing white lights in your home are jarring and offset your overall well-being. Softer, warmer lights will help you remain calm and more at ease.
Play Around With Aromas 
Aromas are an excellent way to instantly lift your mood and make you more comfortable. Use a diffuser with specific scents such as apple, cinnamon, lavender and vanilla to make your home environment more inviting and cozier.
Refresh Your Home
This should definitely be on top of things to do during your stay-at-home. An excellent way to utilize your time is to give your home a fresh makeover.
Declutter
Once you’ve rid your house of anything that, in the words of Marie Condo, “does not spark joy,” your house will feel instantly refreshed. So, take the saying “out with the old, in with the new” as your new favorite mantra and start decluttering.
Display Memories
An excellent way to make your home feel more alive and vibrant is by displaying your favorite photographs. Use chic, simple frames, and fill up empty walls with special memories.
Pot Some Plants 
Plants can brighten up any dreary corner. They are a great way to bring nature inside of your home, especially when you can’t step outside yourself. Not only can they lift one’s mood and provide clean air, but they also add visual appeal.
Have Some Fun & Be Productive
In the end, your time spent indoors doesn’t have to be unproductive. Whether making cool DIY projects or sprucing up your house a bit, you are sure to make the most of your stay-at-home and also enjoy yourself.
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Gege, Guest Contributor
Gege is a professional freelance lifestyle writer. She talks about making homes smell better on her blog, House Fragrance. Over 1.5 million fans benefit from her lifestyle advice and product recommendations, improving the comfort and quality of their lives.