Bored at Home? Here are the Fun Skills Bloggers Learned During the Pandemic That You Can Totally Steal

13 December 2021

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Numerous lockdowns mean reduced outdoor activities, closed travel destinations, and work from home setups. If you're also one of those who are stuck at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, then chances are you're probably on the lookout for something to do. Because honestly speaking, it's not always fun to be at home 24/7.

So to help you make time indoors more enjoyable, we asked four bloggers how the pandemic changed their lives and the things they learned at home even amid a crisis. Like many people across the world, these four bloggers found new ways of doing things, and their newfound skills and hobbies are interesting—some you would even relate to for sure!

Here's what they had to say.

Angelica B. Gondra of The Walking Biscuit

Angelica Gondra, 31, is a blogger and freelance writer. Before the pandemic, she was an ESL Online English Teacher and an office worker. She worked 5 to 6 days every week and could only enjoy going out with her friends and family on weekends or Sundays. But when the pandemic came, she had more time to spend with her family. She even learned how to cook some famous Korean dishes you'd see on K-Dramas! Read her story below.

What are the things you loved doing pre-pandemic?

My life is pretty boring compared to other people, even during the pre-pandemic period. I just enjoyed eating out with friends and colleagues on Friday nights and traveling to new places with my parents or friends. I'm not a party animal. I prefer a more relaxing day-off than an active one. I think it was because I didn't have much free time because of my regular job and I used to feel exhausted after the day's work.

How has the pandemic and quarantine affected your usual routine?

I started working from home ever since the lockdown began last year. It was quite sad because we needed to say goodbye temporarily to our colleagues since we couldn't meet in person for a long time. However, I also felt happy because I didn't need to travel every day and be stuck in traffic jams going to the office. The thing I missed most from my usual routines before the pandemic was my freedom to travel anywhere I wanted to. I also miss those moments when I could meet and eat out with friends. We used to enjoy talking about life while drinking coffee at a cafe until midnight.

What's your routine during the pandemic?

Oh my gosh. I thought I wouldn't have a more boring lifestyle than I already had! Since I started working from home, my daily routine was to wake up, walk on the treadmill, eat brunch, then sit in front of my computer to start my job. My day ends when my work ends. Yup. That's how pretty boring my life was, with 50 hours of work a week.

What hobbies or skills did you learn during quarantine? And of all these things, what is that one hobby or skill that you can consider as the "best" newfound interest and why?

I was able to enjoy my hobbies fully. I started working as a freelancer. I had more time for myself and my parents, considering that I could follow my own schedule as long as I met the deadlines. Aside from writing blogs, I also enjoy cooking and watching many Netflix and YouTube shows and videos with my parents. But what I considered as my best newfound interest is cooking.

When I was still working in the office, I didn't have much time to stay home. I was always on the go, either traveling or commuting or working in the office. Being a freelancer changed my lifestyle. Although I mostly spend my time at home because of the pandemic, this gives me the chance to be more productive as I have more time to explore my cooking skills. It's really fun to try some new recipes, especially those I missed most when I could still eat out.

I learned how to cook kimchi fried rice and tteokbokki, both of which are my favorite Korean dishes. I also learned how to cook rabokki, a combination of ramyeon and tteokbokki. I think my lifestyle has become healthier ever since I could control my schedule.

Share some tips about your newfound skills or hobbies.

The most important tip I can share with people like me who would like to experiment—whether it would be cooking, a career, or in life in general—is never to be afraid to try. Also, do research or watch some YouTube videos that will help you out in your new endeavor. It's easier to learn and discover new things and ideas these days, thanks to the power and magic of the internet.

Quarantines have brought so many negative effects to our lives. How do you turn this uncertain and sad time into a positive one?

Before the pandemic happened, I didn't have much time with my parents. I can only spend and enjoy time with them during the weekends if I don't have any overtime work. But ever since the pandemic started, I was forced to stay and work from home. This gives me much time to help them out while enjoying each other's company. Yes, the pandemic might have really brought us struggles and sad times, but I could find a silver lining in this desperate situation. I can appreciate every free time I have spent quality time with my parents while trying to help them make ends meet.

What's your advice to those feeling down or stuck in a rut because of the quarantine?

My advice to people who feel stuck at home—because they can't go to places and travel all they want—is to look around and observe the things and people you have at home. It will be an eye-opener to discover how lucky you are to get stuck with a loving and supportive family. Some people aren't fortunate enough to have those blessings from this quarantine. Appreciate your home. Respect your parents, siblings, and whole family that they are still healthy, alive, and kicking. Grab this opportunity of getting stuck at home and spend more time with them. Talk to them, listen to their stories, and laugh with them. Appreciate life and trust the process. Everything will be better soon. Let's pray for that.

And if you are the person who isn't lucky enough, then find the courage and the means to escape from your current reality. Many people also experienced the same struggles that you have right now but could overcome them all and come back stronger and happier. Keep on fighting, my friend! You deserve all the best this world has to offer. Hugs!

Carlo M. Tecson of Food for the Body, Mind & Soul

Before the pandemic, Carlo Tecson, 57, was very active in food blogging, going out almost daily, meeting new people, and making new friends. But when the pandemic came, he just stayed home every day and could not go out with friends and visit family.

What are the things you loved doing pre-pandemic?

Going out with friends and going to different places/restaurants. Visiting Family.

What's your routine during the pandemic?

The pandemic significantly reduced the demand for rentals, so I decided to use an unoccupied condo unit as a mini-studio.

My routine is just staying at home binge-watching movies, TV series, anime, documentaries, etc., or doing photoshoots at the makeshift mini-studio.

What hobbies or skills did you learn during quarantine? And of all these things, what is that one hobby or skill that you can consider as the "best" newfound interest and why?

More of rekindling my interest in photography, I already had some knowledge, experience, and equipment. Doing photoshoots allowed me to use/improve/add to my knowledge and experience and also allowed me to meet new people and make new friends.

Share some tips about your newfound skills or hobbies.

Learning by reading, watching tutorials, etc., is good but actually doing and practicing is much better.

Quarantines have brought so many negative effects to our lives. How do you turn this uncertain and sad time into a positive one?

Find something that you like or enjoy doing that is possible within the new normal. Don't just wallow in your inability to do what you used to do.

What's your advice to those feeling down or stuck in a rut because of the quarantine?

There should be something that you enjoy that is doable within the new normal. Trying to find it can also be both challenging and enjoyable.

Liza Cochico of Mommy's Little Corner

Liza Cochico, 54, has a busy schedule pre-pandemic period. She goes to the office every day, goes on a Saturdate with her husband, visits her in-laws, and has Sunday lunch with them. While the pandemic canceled our travel plans and stopped most outdoor activities, Liza chose to look at it on the bright side and discovered a newfound love for plants.

What are the things you loved doing pre-pandemic?

My husband and I loved to eat out. We also loved doing the groceries together. At least three times a week, we would walk around University Avenue in UP as part of our exercise routine.

How has the pandemic and quarantine affected your usual routine?

All outdoor activities stopped, but the good thing is I get to cook a lot and plant herbs and veggies. My husband and I also got to talk a lot, settled most of our differences, and became closer and more open to each other.

What's your routine during the pandemic?

I got a 9-5 job, so I am always at the office five times a week.

What hobbies or skills did you learn during quarantine? And of all these things, what is that one hobby or skill that you can consider as the "best" newfound interest and why?

Planting. I became a plantita! I never thought I could grow plants from seeds. Haha. I was always afraid that instead of growing them, the plants would just die.

Share some tips about your newfound skills or hobbies.

Plants are like kids. You need to take care of them really well, guard them against intruders (in this case, the insects). Talk to them and never ever forget to water them.

Quarantines have brought so many negative effects to our lives. How do you turn this uncertain and sad time into a positive one?

It may sound weird, but I really enjoyed the many months of quarantine. I worked from home, spent more time with my family, baked goodies and sold them (so I got to earn extra, too!), and learned new hobbies.

What's your advice to those feeling down or stuck in a rut because of the quarantine?

Look at it on the bright side. Staying at home means you will have extra hours and do many things you didn't have a chance to do before. You may be locked up at home, but believe me, the possibilities are endless.

Bedalyn Aguas of www.dbedalyn.com

Bedalyn Aguas, 38, is a full-time housewife, part-time wedding coordinator, part-time blogger. Before the pandemic, she was busy attending events like weddings and debut. She also covered entertainment or launching events.

How has the pandemic and quarantine affected your usual routine?

No more physical events, no more social life, and missing events place

What's your routine during the pandemic?

Attending to kids' needs all day long

What hobbies or skills did you learn during quarantine? And of all these things, what is that one hobby or skill that you can consider as the "best" newfound interest and why?

Fixing and assembling all kids' clothes

Quarantines have brought so many negative effects to our lives. How do you turn this uncertain and sad time into a positive one?

From time to time, I play Candy Crush and watch happy movies on Netflix.

What's your advice to those feeling down or stuck in a rut because of the quarantine?

Always think of your favorite food or things you love to do and take a deep breath.

Whether it's a new skill you've been wanting to learn for so long or an old hobby you've been meaning to pick up again, now is the perfect time to try new things and rediscover your interests. This time may be challenging, but there are ways you can turn the table around and make your time at home more productive and enjoyable.