Background: The widespread outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 led to the implementation of home quarantine policies for healthy individuals across many regions of Iran. This sudden and mandatory experience had diverse psychological, social, and behavioral impacts, the exploration of which may inform crisis management in future public health emergencies.

Objective: This qualitative study aimed to explore and explain the lived experiences of healthy individuals subjected to home quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2020 using a conventional content analysis approach. Twelve healthy individuals from Kerman Province who had experienced at least one week of home quarantine were purposefully selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s five-step method. Interviews continued until data saturation was reached, which occurred after the twelfth interview when no new codes or categories emerged.

Results: Data analysis revealed four main themes: “Immersion in Mental Turmoil,”“Efforts toward Adaptation,”“Enhancement of Hygiene Practices,” and “Attitudes toward Infected Individuals.” Participants reported experiencing contradictory emotions, fear, obsessive thoughts, and social isolation, yet also noted spiritual growth, improved hygiene behaviors, and reevaluation of social relationships.

Conclusion: Although home quarantine presented significant psychological and social challenges, it also offered opportunities for self-care, resilience building, and raising health awareness. These findings can guide policymakers in designing supportive interventions for future public health crises.