The government has ordered another round of lockdown measures in place for folks in Kathmandu Valley, with many other cities around the country already under prohibitory orders. With that, most of your usual means of entertainment are off the menu once again. At some point, even the most introverted of us are going to go stir crazy now that it's so nice outside—especially with clear blue skies and sunny days.

The good news, however, is that the internet is responding with more options for things to get busy with than ever before. So, if you've pretty much exhausted Netflix and the idea of spending another day on the sofa looking at memes is too much to bear, it's time to change up your routine and get those creative juices flowing.

Learn a new language

Remember all those times you said you'd learn Italian, Spanish or French but just couldn't find a spare minute? Here's your chance. With a wide selection of YouTube videos and online tutorials at your disposal, why not use this time to learn a completely new language?

Language learning app Memrise has recently launched its new Immerse feature, which includes thousands of bite-sized video clips shot by native speakers from their locked-down homes across the world. Offering authentic conversation and phrases that you'd need during your first post-lockdown trip, keep busy by immersing yourself in other cultures.

Paint with Bob Ross

Have any paint and brushes lying around? You’ll be pleased to know that 403 episodes of the timeless Joy of Painting have been added to YouTube so you can listen to Bob Ross’ soothing tones while you paint happy little trees and enjoy the beauty of imperfections.

Write a play or short film

Perhaps your work is better realised by actors rather than staying on the page? You’ll be pleased to know that the BBC is on the hunt for original scripts about self-isolation that they can turn into short films.

If you’re daunted by that task, you could try out our free screenwriting course to learn the ropes and (hopefully) catapult you into stardom after your first film is made.

Have a karaoke night

Missing karaoke night with your friends? You can still do it from home.

Apps like AirConsole let you turn your smartphone into a mic, and sing your favourite hits with the usual gang and practice new songs to sing at the bar once you feel like venturing out of the house.

Try a fitness challenge

There are plenty of fitness challenges you can try out from home, so you can work on your fitness without having to leave the house.

You could try the 100 pushup challenge, squat challenge, or just doing a 30-day bodyweight workout challenge to stay healthy at home for free. Just make sure that you don’t push too hard early on, and warm up thoroughly before you do any exercise.

Memorise the periodic table

Set yourself a challenge and memorise the periodic table of elements. This is the tabular display of the chemical elements, which are arranged by atomic number, electron configuration and recurring chemical properties, which put together in the table shows periodic trends. There’s a lot to learn and to memorise here, and you can later show off your science-y talent to your friends!

Solve a mystery

True crime fans can immerse themselves in mysteries or even start solving them. There are plenty of online communities like Reddit’s Unresolved Mysteries, where mystery fans get together to swap theories and combine information to try to get to the bottom of old cold cases.

Update your CV

Before lockdown, the idea of updating your CV, cover letter or LinkedIn profile might not have been very high up on your priority list. Rather than putting it off any longer, why not give all of your professional documents and accounts a total makeover? Use this present period to work towards an even brighter future.

Try amigurumi

New hobbies don’t get much cuter than amigurumi—the Japanese art of crocheting small creatures or characters. It’s a cheap hobby to start, and if you already have yarn lying around you can find plenty of free patterns online, like this one to create a tiny Freddie Mercury.

Learn Calligraphy

Bored of biro and pencil? Go one step further and transform your writing into a work of art by practicing calligraphy and lettering. With an array of tutorials and expert guides available online, you’ll learn the tricks of the trade in no time—all you’ll really need is a calligraphy set and the willingness to turn off your TV.