During this time anxiety is high, spirits are low, and levels of fun are even lower. Finding something to do while stuck at home may be hard when you can’t do it with friends, or maybe even family, but luckily, I am here to give you some ideas! Whether you’re trying to do something artistic to forget what’s going on or just trying to procrastinate your schoolwork (like me!), I have a few things up my sleeve for you.
- Make dinner with unused items you might already have at home (or donate them!).
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Look through your pantry and fridge. What do you see? There is definitely some food in there in the back of the shelves that has been there for a while and hasn’t been used. Take it out, make sure it’s not expired of course, and think about ways you could use it. Try to combine the things you find and see what kind of concoctions you can make. To make this even more fun, make it a competition between you and your family members to see who can make the best dish. If there’s nothing you want to make with the unused items, consider donating them to a food bank during this time.
- Try learning something new.
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Yes, I know it may be hard to pick up a new skill, but, if you’re like me and not working during this time, you pretty much have all the time in the world. This is the perfect time to put your mind to something and achieve it. Watching YouTube videos is a great way to learn something new like painting, drawing, weaving, embroidery, cooking and so much more. Some people are even learning how to make homemade cloth masks. There is a video for pretty much everything! Take progress pictures of whatever you’re trying to do so you can look back later and see it coming together. I did this while learning how to draw and paint and I am so happy with my progression!
- Start a workout plan and/or eat healthy.
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There is no better time to start a workout plan and take it at your own pace. In the comfort of your own living room, sprawl out on the floor and get those push-ups and sit-ups in! Going to a gym can be intimidating and make some people not want to work out, but now we can jump start our workout plans at home and gain that confidence to get in the gym when this is over. There are plenty of free phone applications that will give you personal workout plans and diet plans depending on what your goals are. As far as eating healthy goes, try to cut out snacking and other unhealthy foods. Don’t eat when you’re bored!
- Support local businesses by ordering delivery, curbside pickup, or take-out.
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While grocery stores are booming during this time, your favorite local restaurants and bakeries might not be doing so hot. Getting food from these places now will really benefit them because they will be able to pay bills and their employees. Always remember tipping these places is also important because times are tough right now and those people are working hard to serve us!
- Spend time with your immediate (household) family.
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Being a college student and being forced to come home might not always be the most appealing idea, but we have to make the best of it. Parents are excited to have their kids back in the nest and now they have plenty of time to hang out with you. Do things as a family like having game night, having a cookout on the back porch, or watching movies together. If you have siblings, try to do some things that interest them, or tell them about your school experiences. The ideas are endless when it comes to hanging out with family, so pick something that (almost) everyone can agree on and dive in!
- Clean around the house and in your room.
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Now that you’re home from school and all settled in, offer your help in cleaning the house or doing chores. If you don’t feel like cleaning the whole house, think about starting with your room. You probably just moved back in, your room is a mess, and you have a lot to unpack. Take a look through your closet and junk drawer. If there’s articles of clothing, shoes, knick-knacks, or anything else in good condition, consider donating it to your local goodwill or homeless shelter. These items that you may not need might be very beneficial to someone not as fortunate.
- Most importantly, stay on top of your schoolwork.
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As I mentioned above, it’s very easy to push schoolwork aside during the “coronacation,” but we can’t let good grades slip out of our fingertips. Setting reminders in your phone is a good way to stay on top of due dates and to know when your quizzes and tests are. Online school may seem like fun and games, but ample amount of time should still be used to study and look over material, so you have a full understanding of what’s going on in class. Online learning may be harder for some students but try your best!
Staying busy and using your time to do things other than lying in bed will make the “coronacation” not feel so long and boring. Along with the ideas above, there’s more self-explanatory things to do like reading a book, painting your nails, or going on a walk in a state park. Just remember that staying indoors and obeying social distancing ideas to the best of your ability may not only save your life, but someone else’s life. If you are working during this time, thank you for your hours of hard work at essential businesses, and, if you work in the healthcare field, thank you for risking your life every day to spare the health of others.