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Wellness

Ways to Entertain Yourself While at Home

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois chapter.

Being stuck at home has me feeling so gloomy and I sometimes feel like I’m forcing myself to smile. If this is something you’re struggling with, you’re not alone. This quarantine has changed people’s daily routines across the world and that doesn’t give us a reason to smile. At the same time, smiling boosts my mood tremendously, so I know I need to find ways to entertain myself in these tough times.

When you need to smile, try one of these things:

1. Watch Cute Animal Videos

Who doesn’t love cute animal videos? I saw a video the other day of a puppy that would celebrate every time he got a treat before he would eat it. I laughed so hard, it felt like I just did core exercises! Anytime you see a cute animal video when you’re scrolling through your socials, stop, watch and appreciate the pure joy of these cuties. Share the funny videos with your friends and family. I’m sure they could use a laugh or two as well. 

Puppy Hand Fun Ring Summer Hapy Original
Charlotte Reader / Her Campus
2. Video Chat With Your Friends

The people you spent most of your time with need you now more than they did before the quarantine began. Set aside time in your week to chat with your friends in a Zoom call. You all miss each other and your weekend adventures. Instead of throwing a pity-party, spend a Friday night talking and laughing with them. Dance together, paint or play a game!

2 women making the word love with their hands
Pexels / Leah Kelley
3. Put On A Comedy.

Friends. Parks and Rec. Someone Great. Just Friends. Pick a show or movie that you know makes you laugh. The Proposal is definitely a go-to for me. Whatever you choose, sit down with a bowl of popcorn and a cozy blanket to enjoy something outside of your daily life.

remote control turning on the tv
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters from Unsplash
4. Do Something Creative

With all of the extra time you have, spend some of it doing a creative activity like painting, drawing or maybe even writing a story. For inspiration, try listening to music or a podcast. You have creative energy, so don’t let it go to waste because you’re bored. Taking the time for yourself to do something creative will brighten your day and maybe make you smile as you paint and jam out to your favorite playlist. 

watercolor heart
stux via Pixabay
Try doing one of these things each day, especially when you feel so bored that all you want to do is lay in bed. We’ve all been there and it’s not easy. But, if you take a little time to do something to make yourself happy, you’ll feel more positive and motivated to take care of your responsibilities. Positivity is crucial right now and without smiles, it’s difficult to be positive. Share your smiles and successes with your friends and families to spread joy in this COVID-19 crisis. Stay safe, healthy and happy! You got this!

Hi y'all! I am a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign studying Advertising with a minor in Psychology. I'm passionate about popcorn, puppies, people and more. I'm looking forward to wherever life takes me!
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