Whether you are social distancing or spending the entire weekend at home, you are bound to get bored at some point. While you have the option of doing some house chores to fulfill the time, you may opt for a video game instead. However, playing video games for prolonged periods can also become tedious, so before you know it, you will be back to square one looking for something entertaining to do.

Fortunately, there are many home activities you can engage in, all providing the same amounts of dopamine and excitement as video games. From playing an old-fashioned board game with the family to learning a musical instrument on your own, you have numerous options to choose from to help you spend your time productively.

So, to help you in the process, here are five entertaining home activities you can replace video games with and have just as much fun in your free time.

Solve jigsaw puzzles

A classic board game that can be both exciting and challenging as playing video games are jigsaw puzzles. They are very versatile as they come in many sizes and require lots of time and dedication to solve them. Once you complete the puzzle successfully, your brain will instantly increase the production of the happy hormone which is similar to when you are playing a video game.

Besides providing this positive rush, jigsaw puzzles can also be used creatively as a wall art decoration in your home. For example, the team over at Pixels offers versatile and exciting 1000 piece puzzles designed by independent artists giving you the opportunity to choose the one that will best fit into your interior.

You can place your finished piece in a colorful frame that matches your decor and hang it above your living room sofa to turn it into the focal point in the space.

Learn an art

If you are looking for a more relaxing alternative to video games, then learning some form of art such as drawing or playing a musical instrument is an excellent option. Such activities can be both fun and expressive and even offer many benefits for people’s cognitive development which you don’t really get from playing video games.

For example, when you draw, you have the opportunity to express your inner thoughts and feelings which further help you be more confident in yourself. In general, you will be relying on your imagination to create something beautiful and meaningful which doesn’t really happen with video games.

Similar to drawing, learning to play a musical instrument can also help lift your spirit. Music has that special quality to bring joy, peace and fulfillment which makes life more enjoyable. Plus, the self-achievement you get from learning how to play a musical instrument is quite an ego boost.

Make jewelry

Another excellent alternative to video games that has recently become very popular is handmade jewelry. This is a great way to express your artistic side while providing yourself with the opportunity to upgrade both your jewelry box and your overall fashion style.

The greatest similarity between playing video games and making jewelry is that you are using your hands to do something. However, with handmade jewelry, you get to unleash your creativity and make something completely unique. This will certainly provide you with that sense of satisfaction that will be good for the mind, body and soul.

Plus, if you become really good at it, you can easily turn it into your long-term hobby and even start your own business. All you need is to go to the nearest DIY store, look for the most beautiful and unique beads and start making personalized jewelry.

Photo by Kat Jayne from Pexels

Engage in physical activities

A home activity that should definitely be on top of your list is exercising. By being regularly active you are improving your overall health and protecting yourself from developing severe health conditions which you are at a higher risk of getting if you are playing video games frequently.

If you haven’t engaged in any kind of physical activity in a long time, you may want to start slow and work your way up as you gain strength. For example, while many consider yoga as one the most monotone exercises, this type of activity is actually fun, self-satisfactory and most importantly healthy.

When you are doing it, you will certainly feel increased mental and physical energy, a boost in alertness and enthusiasm and reduced stress levels. All of these benefits promote better self-care which is much better than if you are playing video games in your free time.

Redecorate your home

Probably the most entertaining activity you can do to replace video games is home decoration. This doesn’t need to be anything major, but simple and fulfilling improvements that will give your home a whole new dimension.

For example, if you are lucky enough to be living in a house with a backyard, this may be the perfect time to indulge in a home renovation project and design the outdoor living space you have always wanted. Whether you want to start with your plants and work your way to the patio, there are plenty of backyard improvements you can search for to create your personal outdoor nook.

If you want to go a step further, you can DIY your own garden room and design an oasis that will definitely provide you with lots of joy and pleasure especially during the warmer months of the year. This will undoubtedly be so much better than hanging out inside and playing video games.

Photo by Ralph (Ravi) Kayden from Unsplash

Final thoughts

Spending too much time indoors can easily become boring, so it is crucial that you look for various fulfilling and exciting ways to use it. Instead of opting for video games, there are all kinds of entertaining home activities you can engage in that will be just as fun and will instantly provide you with the same positive rush and satisfaction.

From solving a challenging 1000 piece puzzle to redesigning your home, choose the activity that seems most appealing to you and make staying at home more enjoyable and rewarding.