This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FSU chapter.
Being a college student during a pandemic is not easy, especially if you go into quarantine. Isolating in quarantine is the responsible thing to do to protect others if you test positive, however, it can be a mentally draining time for the average college extrovert. That being said, it is of the utmost importance to do your part to protect our community during this time, so here are 10 ways to stay motivated in isolation:
1. Journal. Journal. Journal.
First and foremost, while quarantining by yourself, it can be a scary thing for a lot of people to be alone with their thoughts. I think the best way to cope with this is to write these thoughts down. Whether just writing what you feel or utilizing journal prompts that you found online, journaling can allow you to grow as an individual during your time in quarantine.
2. Get ahead on homework!
If you are a college student like me, you know how tricky it can be to stay on top of online school, let alone get ahead. However, this is the time to do just that! With the little distractions of isolation, I suggest you tell yourself to just get one assignment done when you first wake up in the morning. Getting this one assignment done can provide you with a sense of gratification that will inspire you to get another assignment done, then another and another!
3. Do that self-care you seem to never have time for otherwise.
Sometimes in the craze of regular life, it can be easier to just go to sleep rather than take an extra 20 minutes to paint your nails or use a jade-roller. With all the time you have in quarantine, do that facemask! Paint your nails with some little pattern you found on Instagram and spend half an hour carefully tweezing your eyebrows, (of course, don’t overdo on the latter!). Self-care is important for your mental health, and it can make you feel more put together during this time.
4. Speaking of feeling put together, put on a cute outfit!
It can be so easy to stay in the same set of pj’s for your whole 10- to 14-day quarantine. While I encourage wearing whatever makes you feel comfortable, I know for myself and I feel about 100 times better wearing a cute, clean outfit rather than lounging in my pj’s all day. Besides zoom classes, this outfit is for you and you only, so wear something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself even if no one can see it.
5. Use the time to experiment with your make-up.
As I said, no one is seeing you during this time except for zoom meetings. Make-up isn’t for everyone, but if you have the slightest interest, take this time to mess around with that eyeshadow palette you got for Christmas two years ago or to attempt the latest eye-liner trend you saw on Pinterest. Make-up is a great way to make you, again, feel put together.
You might see the trend here, but quarantine is a great time to try new things you didn’t have time for before. One of those new things I suggest trying is some form of art! You could be sketching on one of those 0.99 cents notebooks from the bookstore or be a literal Picasso on a canvas that you might already own, or somewhere in between. Wherever you are on this artistic spectrum, try to create something you find beautiful!
7. Create a new playlist, (or 10 new playlists.).
Everyone has a different relationship with music, I have to have music on whenever there is quiet in my life. However, I believe for everyone, playlists can help you express your mood or even change your mood. Throw in a little folklore by Taylor Swift with some oldies like Cough Syrup by Young the Giant and you have a perfect playlist to journal or practice your art too!
8. Get back into Pinterest.
If you didn’t get back into your 2014 Pinterest obsession, did you even experience quarantine? Seriously though, something about organizing those aesthetically pleasing photos and quotes into different boards was so relaxing to me! Plus, you might find some new recipes to try out once you are out of isolation!
9. Read a book or watch a movie.
Instead of relentlessly checking social media before going to bed, put the phone down and pick up a book. Reading is a great way to escape your quarantine room and do something good for yourself at the same time. If you are not a huge reader, put on a good movie; the world is your oyster with all the throwbacks available on Disney+.
10. Don’t feel guilty for taking a long nap!
As silly as it may seem, staying in the same room all day can be tiring! It is valid for you to take this time to catch up on some sleep. Particularly if you are experiencing symptoms, it is good for you to take that midday catnap. Take this time to rest and recharge!
These have been my tips to find motivation and to just keep in a good mood during your quarantine. Know you are doing the right thing and keeping countless people safe by isolating yourself. Allow this time to care for your wellbeing, physically and mentally. Finally, stay safe to all our readers, thank you for your continued efforts to protect your community!
Julia is a fourth-year student at FSU majoring in editing, writing, and media. When she isn't writing or studying, you could probably find her somewhere drinking a lot of coffee and watching some good movies.
