With government officials telling the public to stay away from crowded areas and cancelling all the fun plans we had lined up for the foreseeable future, it looks like we’re going to be spending a lot of time at home. Thanks, coronavirus. 

Even though we’re pretty sad that spring has sprung and we’re stuck being scared of catching this contagious virus, we realize that it’s better to be safe than sorry. COVID-19 is causing chaos worldwide, so we understand why officials want us to steer clear of any virus-breeding grounds. 

So, while you’re trying to stay healthy and uninfected in the confines of your home, try doing one of the below activities with your partner to kill some time and feel like you’re still doing something while laying low. ‍

1. Support each other as you both finish those projects you’ve been putting off.

Now is the time to finally wrap up that book, short story, drawing, etc. you’ve been working on yet refusing to finish. Maybe you got frustrated and put it away for some time. Or perhaps you’ve just been chipping away slowly, but surely. Whatever the case may be, it’s time to pull it out and keep chugging—and it’s time to motivate your partner to do the same. You can schedule specific times during the day when the two of you sit together and work on your creative goals separately, but with each other.‍

2. Cook, bake, and fill up your fridge with goodies that you can enjoy together. 

Challenge your partner to a Chopped-style competition or scour the web for some must-try recipes. Cooking together is scientifically proven to help improve relationships, after all! If you’re planning on staying inside for a while, then you’re definitely going to want some comfort food in the fridge. Mac and cheese and birthday cake for the win.‍

3. Learn a new craft with your partner

Knitting, sewing, painting, collaging, etc. Whatever craft it is that you’ve been meaning to pick up, now’s the time to give it a go and to encourage your partner to join you. Find some informative YouTube videos and print out instructions from Pinterest. Then start crafting!‍

Studies have shown that the act of tactile crafting helps ease depression and generally improve one’s mental health. The better you and your partner feel internally (especially during this hectic time), the better you will be able to support each other.‍

4. Try something new in the bedroom.

Listen, you have more than enough time to figure out that new move you’ve been meaning to test out. Do a little exploration, start a conversation with your partner about what you each want to try, and spend a day in bed. ‍

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5. Make up your own game à la True American to have some fun with your partner

If you’re stuck at home with your partner, dreaming up a weird game with bonkers rules is always a hysterical way to pass the time. Think New Girls’ True American meets Pictionary meets Scattergories. Go wild. Drinking may or may not be included depending on the situation and participants.‍

6. Work through your Netflix Watch List for the ultimate Netflix and Chill sesh.

We have all amassed a library of must-watch Netflix shows and movies and yet continue to ignore our Watch List in favor of the newest releases—and double that, because your partner probably has their own unique Watch List, too. So, now is the time to put the new stuff on hold and dive into that collection of films you’ve been meaning to watch—until the “chill” part of the night begins. ‍

7. Dig into your relationship.

If it’s just you and your partner at home, you might want to take the time to excavate your relationship. Bring up topics you’ve been afraid to. Ask questions that make you think—like *really* think. We recommend checking out the card game from The Skin Deep, which provides you with a base to open up and get intimate with your loved ones.‍

8. Catch up on some much-needed sleep and cuddles with your partner.

Beauty rest is essential—as is overall wellness rest. Throw a little spa party for yourself and your partner, treat yourself to a shared bubble bath and face masks, and then drift off into dreamland together. Allow yourself to sleep without being woken up by an alarm and spend the whole night cuddling. Science has repeatedly shown us that cuddling with another person improves one’s health, from being able to more easily fight infections like the common cold, lowering blood pressure and heart rate, reducing stress, and more. Seriously, your body will thank you, and you’ll be more prepared to fight off any illness trying to break through your immune system.