It’s no secret that the cost of living right now is brutal. Between student loan repayments, historically high housing costs, and ever-rising grocery costs, checking your account balance can feel like a jumpscare. Whether you’ve already used your monthly recreation and entertainment budget – or maybe having a recreation and entertainment budget sounds like a luxury, becoming a homebody might be right for you. Here are 7 ways to become a happy homebody when, quite frankly, you don’t have a choice.
1. Remember, being a homebody doesn’t mean being a loner.
First and foremost, it’s important to proactively change your perspective about staying in! Becoming a homebody does not mean becoming isolated and lonely. In fact, a “loner” can actually be the opposite of a homebody with these social and resourceful at-home activities for adults! The focus is all about bringing the fun to you so you can make the most of your free time without making a massive dent in your bank account. Don’t tell yourself you’re stuck at home, but rather that you’re choosing to make creative and financially savvy decisions.
2. Use this as an opportunity to explore a new hobby.
Whether you’ve wanted to learn to crochet, train for a half marathon, or start a blog, these weekends staying home are the perfect opportunity. Spending nights out in town is expensive and leaves little time to explore hobbies and interests you’ve had your eye on. Pick up some cheap arts and crafts supplies (or whatever supplies you need for your hobby of choice), and you’ve got a full weekend ahead.
3. Plan a creative at-home date night.
You don’t have to leave home to take your partner on a date! Becoming a homebody forces you to get more thoughtful and creative with your planning, which can make for an even better date night idea. A few of our favorites include:
- Make a pillow fort for a movie marathon of your partner’s favorite flicks from childhood.
- Cook up their favorite meal to accompany a movie or old TV shows for the perfect nostalgic evening.
- Pack up a picnic to take to a local park and eat dessert under the stars.
- Make cocktails or mocktails and listen to music, taking turns as the DJ.
There are endless cheap date ideas for nurturing your relationship while simultaneously nurturing your finances!
4. Research free and low-cost entertainment options in your area.
You may be surprised at how many free or cheap activities and resources have been right under your nose this whole time, from festivals and special events to free activities at local establishments. A quick Google search will typically bring up lists of options, but it also pays to be resourceful!
Cut your streaming subscription costs by getting a free public library card and using it to rent movies. Take free dance lessons on YouTube. Visit museums or art galleries on their free or discounted entry days. Typically, a treasure trove of free and fun activities is available to anyone looking for it.
5. Join a club!
At the risk of sounding like your high school guidance counselor, join a club! By joining a book club, a running club, a knitting club, or any sort of club, you’ll have the chance to meet and socialize with like-minded people without breaking the bank. Websites like MeetUp make it easy to find available clubs to join, but you can also find out about different opportunities on flyers and advertisements at local hotspots.
6. Host a potluck game night.
Don’t forget that walking on the homebody side doesn’t mean missing out on all the fun with your friends and family. Instead, it offers all-new ways to bond and spend time together! Host a game night, inviting everyone to bring their favorite game and signature dish. You can spend the evening trying different foods cooked by your favorite people while playing board games. It’s much easier to catch up in this setting than at a loud nightclub or show.
Not really a game person? There are plenty of fun things to do with friends at home, like karaoke, a potluck brunch, a movie night on the sofa, a football watch party, or a bring-your-own-treatment spa day – just to name a few!
7. Shop at CORT Furniture Outlet for cozy furnishings on a budget.
Being limited by your budget is never fun. Between student loans, bills, high housing costs, and managing a meager entry-level (or even mid-level) salary, it might feel like there’s nothing left for you to enjoy. While going out may not be getting any cheaper, staying in doesn’t have to be boring. Embracing quality time with the people that matter, finding a new hobby, and seeking out free experiences can enrich your life without spending precious dimes on frivolous things.
But while you might be able to cut out pricey brunches, skimping on your must-haves like a comfortable bed and functioning furniture is a no-go. At CORT Furniture Outlet, your dollars can stretch further with up to 70% off retail prices. High-quality, lightly used furniture is just a click or visit away! Shop CORT Furniture Outlet today.
