When you are homebound or even bed bound, it can be very easy to let your thoughts get the best of you. Thoughts can quickly spiral downward into negativity and depression, anxiety or overthinking can set in, leading to emotional well-being issues and contributing to physical health concerns.

It can be difficult to keep your mind busy, especially if you aren’t feeling the best, so we put together this list of fun activities for your mind:

1. Puzzles. Jigsaw puzzles, word finds, sudoku, crosswords,- any kind of puzzle will do. Be sure to have different difficulty levels on hand in order to accommodate for different energy and mental stamina levels throughout the day.
   

2. Writing letters. Corresponding with family and friends the old fashioned way can keep you occupied for long periods of time. It can give you a chance to fully express your thoughts and feelings towards the people you care about, and gives them momentos that they can cherish for years. Plus, who doesn’t love to receive a handwritten letter via snail mail?
   
   Have a hard time writing? No problem! You can download free transcription plugins for internet browsers like Chrome so you can speak emails to people, or you can simply pick up the phone and call. You can even have one of our volunteers visit and they can help write your letters for you!
   

3. Books and Audiobooks. Reading is something that many people say they would like to spend more time doing. Consider reading a genre you’ve never read before, or consider reading some of the classics that you haven’t touched since high school. If you tend to tire easily from reading physical books, try audio books or even listening to old radio dramas from days gone by.
   

4. Documentaries. Broaden your horizons and gain new perspectives by watching educational documentaries. Discover different cultures, explore historical events, or uncover the fascinating processes behind how different products are made.
   

5. Share your life story. Passing on your memories, your life lessons, and your stories is so valuable. Find a family member or ask one of our volunteers to help you document your story. You can choose to have it written down, have an audio recording made, or even take a video of yourself sharing. Your friends and family will love listening, and you will experience the joy of remembering the good times.

Are there other things you love to do to keep your mind busy? Share with us in the comments!