Take the time to catch up on all the things you never get around to, whether binge-watching TV, making shakshuka or soothing your cracked heels.
Stuck at home until you get the all-clear that you’re not a coronavirus carrier? Despair not.
Annoying as it is, lounging around at home does have its upsides – you can finally indulge in all those things you never have time for, whether it be taking a cooking masterclass, attending to your cracked heels or getting through that book you’ve been ignoring all year.
To spare you debilitating FOMO anxiety, we’ve rounded up the best 10 things to do while you’re stranded at home, all courtesy of Israel. Stay safe!
- Binge on your favorite TV show
There’s nothing like quarantine to indulge in a small TV binge – after all, it’s not as if you can do much else. Luckily enough, the amount of good Israeli TV out there will most definitely take a few weeks to get through.
Whether you enjoy fast-paced action (latest season of “Fauda,” anyone?) or more thoughtful drama (hey there, “Shtisel”), there’s really something to fill every hour of your day.
2. Go on a virtual trip around Israel
Unfortunately, this whole quarantine business means that coming to Israel isn’t really on the cards right now. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all the beauty this little country has to offer – just check out the videos we’ve compiled highlighting all of the most gorgeous places in Israel, and keep them in mind for when you do make it here.
3. Read a good book
Unplug the TV, hide the remote and get back to basics: get out a good book and lose yourself in fabulous fiction published by Israeli authors. Not only will time simply fly by, but you’ll get to sound oh-so-superior when you’re asked how you whiled away your time at home. Check out our top recommendations here.
via GIPHY
4. Cook up some Israeli food
Unless you plan to live on takeout for the next couple of weeks, now’s the time to brush up on your cooking skills. Work your way through our easy-to-follow video recipes for a range of delicious dishes. Israeli salad is probably the most basic one on the list, but you can try show-stoppers like shakshuka, hummus, and cheesecake. And don’t worry if things don’t come out exactly as you’d hoped – after all, you’ll be the only one to notice.
5. Catch a movie
If you’re dining solo this quarantine season, we suggest making an evening out of it and enjoying a good movie with your homemade burekas.
If it is indeed burekas that you’re having, consider accompanying it with an actual “burekas film” – a genre of Israeli movies that (surprisingly enough) aren’t about food, but more about Israeli society.
And if that’s not your thing, there are plenty of romantic dramas, cult comedies, and wartime sagas. You’ve got time for everything.
6. Listen to music
via GIPHY
Had enough of sitting down in one place? Well, we’ve got the best music to putter around the house too. A comprehensive list of the greatest Israeli music albums since the 1980s, our recommendations really do contain all the greats: from Idan Raichel and Hadag Nachash to Static and Ben-El.
Trust us, there’s an album here for every activity. Even a workout. You know, should you feel so inclined.
- Play a box game
Usually the reserve of rainy Saturdays or long holiday breaks, box games also work a treat in times of corona. Rummage around your cupboards and pull out the Rummikub, Taki and Guess Who – all wonderful, fun games thought up right here in Israel. Just remember not to be a sore loser, since you can’t really storm out of the room.
- Study up on Israel’s high -tech revolution
If you feel as if the number of gray cells in your brain is declining with each day spent at home, use your time to read up on something interesting. Like Israel’s high-tech revolution, for example. Get the lowdown on what makes Israel the “Start-Up Nation” (from the very people who coined the term, no less), how it’s making an impact in the world, and maybe even come up with your own brilliant idea in the process. You’re welcome.
- Indulge in some spa time
There’s nothing a little spa time can’t help, global plague included. Check out our top Israeli skincare recommendations, decide what creams, oils or soaps are in order and proceed to abundantly schmear yourself all over. You’ll emerge out of the bathroom feeling much better. Or at least shinier.
- Don’t forget the kids
Contrary to what you think, kids can’t spend week after week staring at their phones behind closed doors. Lure them out of their bedrooms with great books for you to read together or with cool toys and games. They may hate to admit it, but being stuck with their family isn’t all that bad.
About the Author
Naama Barak is a writer at ISRAEL21c. A Ph.D. student at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, she loves all things history and politics. Food and fashion come a close second. Prior to joining ISRAEL21c, Naama worked for Israel’s leading English-language dailies and cutting-edge startups.
