It’s another week in quarantine due to COVD-19, and most people are finding that they have to utilize the most creative parts of their brain in order to keep themselves from becoming overwhelmingly bored. Family members are getting tired of being around one another, and college students are wishing that they can meet with friends face-to-face instead of through FaceTime. Let’s face it: as much as some of us have always dreamed of being at home, free to do whatever we want (besides meeting other people), the reality of it all is not quite what we had imagined it to be. Topped with worries about others’ health, as well as your own, being quarantined is not the best time.
Being quarantined can actually be fun, though, if you have the right mindset and figure out what fun looks like for you. If you are sick with the coronavirus, focus on resting up before you do most of the potential activities listed below.
Creative Activities
- Write a novel, short story, poem, or anything else. It does not have to be completed, just have fun with it. I bet apocalyptic novel writing is a huge pastime for people right now. Maybe even journal about your experiences so far with the coronavirus pandemic. This has been touted to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, so write it all down so you can show it to your children and grand-children one day.
- Play board games with your household members or over FaceTime with your friends. You can also change this to video games. Play a video game that you have been wishing you had time to play because now you do! If you have a gaming console at home that you do not bring to college, this is the best time to play all those games on your shelves.
- Read books. I believe most or all libraries are closed currently, but that does not mean reading is off-limits. Most libraries have online e-books and audiobooks that you can check out. If you are someone who likes to organize every single thing that you do, check out Goodreads — it’s basically Facebook in its prime but with books instead of people. Keep track of what books you are reading, find challenges, and engage with other readers — all virtually and within quarantine!
- Bake or cook. Most restaurants are not open or have limited hours right now. On top of that, you might not want to go get food even if they are open. So make some delicious food on your own, without leaving your home. Or make some snacks to munch on while you are reading all those books!
- Paint, draw, write music, listen to music, and anything else. Spotify still works, so find some new music to listen to or go listen to music you used to love. Make a collaborative playlist with your friends.
- Watch a bunch of TV shows and movies. A lot of content is being released early, such as Frozen 2, because of the pandemic. Take advantage of this, but unless you are super excited for The Invisible Man, maybe don’t spend $20 to rent it for one night.
Social Activities
- Bond with your household members! Catch them up on your life. Call your grandparents, who are probably super bored and missing their family.
- Spend some quality time with your pets. I’m pretty sure pets are the happiest ones during this pandemic right now, because they have their owners home with them all the time and aren’t aware of the scary world we are in right now.
- Call your friends. Play “Draw Something” with them or get all of your friends together to do a FaceTime call. Plan activities that you want to do once this is all over.
Productive Activities
- Do your homework. I know, it’s a bummer. You might not feel up to doing any work right now, which is understandable. Most professors are being really understanding during this time, so do your reduced amount of homework! If you’re having a super hard time, though, relay that to your professors and they can help.
- Clean. Clean your room, kitchen, bathroom, or wherever. Then organize! I find that putting on some music while cleaning makes the chore into something fun!
- Tackle the huge list of reminders on your phone, or if you’re more old-school, your to-do list on your desk. Some things you might not be able to do during the quarantine, but I bet there’s at least one thing you can check off without leaving your front door.
- Exercise! I was heartbroken when gyms were closed because I lift weights, but exercise is still possible without a gym. Most gyms have put free online workouts on their website or social media. There are also a lot of resources online, including workout videos and instructions. You can also do yoga if that’s more your speed.
That’s all I’ve got. Some of these ideas can spur other ideas, so find out what works best for you. Whatever activities help you get through the quarantine without being bored every second are the winners. Share what you’ve found with friends! We’re all at least a little bored right now, but hopefully, we can find things to tide us over. Stay healthy and safe, and know that the Conn community might feel disconnected, but we’re all going through quarantining together, even though it’s miles away. Sending well wishes to everyone reading this, as well as their loved ones. •
