Staying in can be just as fun and productive as going out, with Jules Verne’s tips to keep boredom at bay; from learning new skills to embracing your inner DIY-guru. Try these activities to keep you busy when confined at home during COVID-19.

Plant some flowers or a herb garden - Introduce some welcome colour into your house or garden; growing your own flowers or herbs can be very rewarding and enjoyable.

Clear out your wardrobe - Dedicate your attention to sorting out your clothes, ditching items you haven’t worn for six months.

Read a good book - It’s time to read that book that's been sat on your shelf for the last few months. Take a look at our recommended reading for 2020.

Make a photo album/back up your phone pictures - Remember that tour you took in 2016, or when you climbed Machu Picchu? Ensure that memories like this are treasured by taking the time to compile a photo album or scrapbook. Similarly, make a back-up of photos on your phone, to ensure you don’t lose them in years to come.

Start a blog - Start a blog to share your thoughts, favourite hobbies or simply an update about your life during this unique time.

Baking - Improve your baking skills with some sweet treats, there’s no shortage of baking tutorials online.

Learn how to knit - Pick up your needles and take the time to hone a new skill like knitting; it’s a great skill to have and one you can pass on to the next generation.

Get your DIY on - Take the time to tackle some interior improvements - be that painting your walls, upholstering old furniture or rearranging a room.

Play board games - If you’re in quarantine with company, dust off the board games for some light competition.

Mindfulness colouring - A fun way to add calm into your life; mindful colouring is about bringing our awareness into the present moment by consciously focusing on colour and design.