These will help you stay distracted while also being productive
If you don’t feel like going out right now, that’s ok. You can still stay busy and even be productive at home. Here are some low-pressure things that will keep you distracted from everything that’s going on right now.
This isn’t about reinventing yourself, learning Mandarin or training for a marathon. It’s about small, practical things that help you feel a little more in control, a little more organised, and a little more calm.
20 productive things to do at home
Do a quick home reset
Set a 20-minute timer and tidy one room. Clear surfaces, throw away rubbish and open the windows if you can.
Clear 50 emails
Search your inbox for newsletters or promotions and unsubscribe from a few while you’re at it.
Check your essentials
Make sure you have the basics at home — water, easy meals, medication and chargers. If you need anything, delivery platforms like Careem, Talabat and Deliveroo can help.
Organise one drawer
The kitchen junk drawer, your bedside table, a bathroom shelf — small wins count and it will be so satisfying
Write tomorrow’s to-do list
Keep it realistic. Five tasks max.
Declutter your phone
Delete unused apps, clear out screenshots and back up your photos.
Update your life admin
Renew a subscription, book a doctor’s appointment or finally update that document you’ve been meaning to send.
Do a quick laundry cycle
Fresh clothes or bedding can instantly make the house feel better.
Plan something for the future
Research a holiday, restaurant or activity you’d like to do when things settle down.
Clean one thing you’ve been ignoring
Think microwave, fridge shelves, makeup brushes or your laptop keyboard.
Change your bedsheets
Fresh bedding is one of the easiest mood boosters.
Refill household essentials
Soap dispensers, water bottles, spice jars — small jobs that make tomorrow easier.
Organise your wardrobe slightly
Just fold one shelf or sort out a small section.
Prep tomorrow’s breakfast
Overnight oats, chopped fruit or a ready-to-go smoothie.
Download useful apps
Food delivery, pharmacy delivery or grocery apps are helpful to have set up.
Back up your photos
It’s one of those things we always forget until it’s too late.
Make a simple meal plan for the week
Even planning two or three meals can reduce stress later.
Go through your medicine cabinet
Throw out any medicines that are out of date and you’d be surprised how satisfying an organised medicine cabinet is.
Dust those picture frames
So much dust can gather on them.
Water your plants
Trim dead leaves and give them a quick wipe — they’ll look instantly healthier.
20 relaxing things to do at home
Take a proper shower and get dressed
Even if you’re staying in. It helps reset your mindset.
Watch a comfort show
Choose something easy and familiar like Friends or Brooklyn Nine-Nine. We have a list here of different things in the UAE you can stream if you need some more inspiration.
Read a few chapters of a book
No pressure to finish it today. If you don’t have any new books at home, The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale is on until March 15 in Dubai.
Do a short stretch or yoga session
Even 10 minutes can make a difference.
Step onto your balcony or by a window
But only if safe to do so. Fresh air and natural light can shift your mood quickly.
Put on a podcast instead of scrolling
Choose something light or interesting to listen to while you relax. We recommend some uplifting ones here.
Cook a comforting meal
Simple dishes like pasta, fried rice or shakshouka are perfect for staying in.
Take a short digital break
Put your phone in another room for an hour and see how it feels.
Light a candle and wind down early
Creating a calm atmosphere can help your whole evening feel slower.
Take a bath
And add in extra bubbles for good measure.
Take a virtual museum tour
Switch off and step into some of the world’s most iconic collections without leaving your home, thanks to immersive virtual museum tours that bring art, history and architecture straight to your screen. See the best ones here.
Do a five-minute breathing reset
Inhale slowly for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for six.
Check in on someone
Send a quick message to a friend or family member and see how they’re doing.
Bake something simple
Banana bread, cookies or muffins are comforting and easy.
Write down three good things about today
A small gratitude exercise that can shift perspective.
Do a simple skincare routine
Cleanse, moisturise, maybe a face mask — something small that feels like self-care.
Watch short, light YouTube videos
Cooking clips, travel vlogs or animal videos can be surprisingly soothing.
Look through old photos
Scroll back a few years in your camera roll or revisit old albums.
Put on calming background music
Something instrumental or acoustic while you relax.
Write a few thoughts in a notebook
Nothing structured, just whatever is on your mind. Journaling helps when you’re feeling overwhelmed
