Being A Hermit Isn't Weird — Why More People Are Embracing The Stay At Home Lifestyle

Because staying home is more fun than going out.

woman laying on couch at home Mariia Korneeva / Shutterstock
Advertisement

By Dawn Castell

For a long time, going out meant having the most fun, whether headed to a fancy restaurant, a nightclub, the movies, bowling with friends, or wherever.

Going out always seemed better than staying at home.

RELATED: 5 Reasons You Should Start Living The Hygge Life (Especially If You Hate The Cold)

In recent years, however, people have changed their lifestyles. Here is a look at 5 reasons why.

1. Staying healthy

The onset of the pandemic was the most significant reason people began staying home. It was a worldwide event, and staying home was a necessity in most places. Public spaces closed, some people worked remotely, and staying home became the norm.

Advertisement

Many people continue to limit exposure to the outside world to stay healthy. People with immunocompromised systems choose to stay home to avoid exposure to viruses.

Those who live with immunocompromised people might not want to bring home germs, so they limit their time in public places. Others prefer to stay away from crowds of people until the pandemic eases more.

2. Finding new ways to have fun

At the start of the pandemic, people innovated ways to stay connected. Video conferencing has become popular. It led to group chats, online games with friends, and events such as virtual coffee tasting as ways to keep in touch and have fun without leaving the house.

Advertisement

Even as public places reopen and people go out together in groups again, some new ways of having fun have stayed around. Virtual entertainment can be an excellent alternative for people who cannot get out due to illness.

It’s also an easy way for friends and family who live far away to spend time together.

RELATED: The Results Are In: The Benefits Of Flexible Working Are Overwhelming

3. Changing work methods

Many jobs had to adapt to the stay-at-home trend during the pandemic. Companies found new ways for people to keep working. Many operated remotely, using the internet to send work and meet on a video conference.

Advertisement

Now that workers are returning to the office, some companies have adapted to the remote work trend. In some cases, it helps businesses cut down on expenses. They require less office space if there are fewer workers in person.

They can also reduce utility bills, using less electricity to power lighting and equipment.

Many employees have discovered they prefer to work from home. It can help work-life balance if they can care for loved ones while working remotely. They can set a flexible schedule to function around their personal responsibilities.

4. Fighting inflation

As prices rise, people may need to cut back on expenses anywhere possible. For some, staying home means keeping more gas in the tank. They may combine errands or avoid getting in the car unless it’s necessary.

Advertisement

Other people may reduce entertainment expenses by staying home. They can choose to watch movies on TV or cook for themselves instead of going to dinner and a movie.

Staying home instead of taking a vacation is another way people save money. They choose to explore places closer to home rather than pay for airplane tickets, gas, hotels and pricey tourist attractions.

5. Investing in the home

As people began staying home, they focused more on their living spaces. This trend makes sense because people were spending more time there than they used to.

Advertisement

As a result, people are still enjoying their improved living spaces. They may have planted a garden in the backyard, built an outdoor kitchen, or decided to finance for pools.

Now the idea of staying home for entertainment has become more appealing. There are plenty of reasons people have started staying home lately. Years ago, wanting to be home may have seemed odd. Now it feels more normal and sometimes it is more fun than going out.

RELATED: 11 Indoor At-Home Date Night Ideas To Electrify Your Relationship

Dawn Castell is a budding entrepreneur and writer who spent a few years working in the CPG industry and a few more working in the business tech industry. She writes with a focus on lifestyle and health and wellness topics.

Advertisement