Six ideas you can use to save money and keep yourself entertained without leaving your living room
Your living room is a space that has multiple uses, possible activities, options and alternatives. It's a space where you find peace and spend time by yourself or with loved ones. That's why we wanted to remind you of some things that you can do without even leaving it. Here are six things that you can do in your living room, either on your own or with your family, which will also help to save you money.
Make the most of your time spent at home!
1. A "Best Tapas Competition" with your family
Cooking is always a great way to have a good time: a brilliant idea! Although some love it and others hate it, you can be sure that everyone will enjoy a good tapas competition for some friendly rivalry with the whole family.
The rules are simple: all participants have to prepare their own small dish. Take them into the living room and try them one by one or all at the same time. You can serve them on attractive trays to give them an even more gourmet look – just like a real chef! Then, award points to your favourite dish and find out who cooked what. Who will be the winner?
Bon appétit!
2. An afternoon of video games or film series
While we're on the subject of competitions, what about one with video games? Don't let technology be an excuse to not spend time with family. Every now and again, it's a great way to have fun and spend time together. So, let's get playing!
Don't worry if some of your family members don't know how to play: it's all about having fun without leaving your home. Everyone get comfy, grab a controller and show them how it's done.
A film series marathon is another great option. Yes, we're talking about one of those series with three or four films that you can binge-watch one after the other.
With either of these ideas, you could even cook a snack together beforehand to enjoy while you watch or combine it with the tapas competition mentioned above. Just look at how many great things there are to do without ever leaving home!
3. Creativity in the living room: let's paint!
We know that it's hard to find enough space at home to unleash all of your creativity with paints and brushes, but even if your living room is small, there's surely a nook where you can sit and paint.
Children love this activity that they can do at home because it keeps them entertained for ages and also stimulates their creativity and imagination.
Remember, if you decide to do some painting, make sure that you cover everything with newspaper and plastic to keep the paint on the canvas and off your livingroom. Why not join in on the fun and try your hand at painting too? A canvas and your imagination are all you'll need to have a great day without leaving the house. And when it's done, you can put your work in a frame and hang it up for everyone to admire.
This video describes how important it is to encourage creativity at home.
4. Sport in your living room
Sport is one of the best things that we can do at home. And we know perfectly well that it's possible... We heard all about it all last year! That's why we recommend doing a sport either on your own or with others. We also recommend choosing a sport based on some simple guidelines, such as:
- If stress or anxiety are getting the better of you, spend some time doing an online yoga, Pilates or meditation class. You'll feel much better afterwards.
- If you're full of energy and need to burn it off, try a series of cardio or strength exercises, but remember to be careful. If you can follow an online class, even better.
- Need a good dose of fun to distract you from negative thoughts? Why not try a dance class on your own or with your family? Turn up the music and get dancing! You don't need to follow any rules – you're in your own living room after all. There are no rules there!
5. Spend some time to pamper yourself
Taking time for ourselves is something that is often overlooked in our daily routine. When can we fit in self-care? When can we find time to show ourselves some love and do all the things we enjoy? Spend your morning, afternoon or even the entire day doing different activities that you like without leaving home: reading, listening to music, sewing, tending to your plants, pampering your skin, your hair or your body etc. Do be sure to avoid screens and take a break from technology.
Another good way to look after yourself is by writing, either in a notebook and keeping things to yourself, or by creating a blog to share your feelings, thoughts and stories with the world.
Writing really is an excellent therapy that helps to reduce stress, better express ourselves and manage our emotions.
6. A day playing with the kids goes by in no time at all!
You can play board games, watch films, cook together or do some reading. Spending time with your children, playing with them and encouraging their creativity will help their development enormously. And the living room is the perfect place to play!
IKEA recommends any game that encourages and develops their creativity and imagination. Also, it's a great way to rediscover your inner child. You'll love it!
If you'd like more ideas of things to do at home on your own or with others, don't miss these articles.
We love it when customers use our products in a creative way. Why not try to do something new with them yourself? But do remember, any modifications or changes that you make to IKEA products will prevent them from being resold or used for their original purpose, thus invalidating IKEA product warranties and your right to return.
