For the past week, our country (and world, really) has been getting used to this “new normal” due to the coronavirus pandemic. Just one week ago, I barely knew what this virus was and had really not been paying much attention to the news about it. That has changed so much in just one week. Now, I try not to read too much about it on social media, and instead I rely on my update emails from the New York Times and check their maps and graphs a couple of times each day just to stay updated on where we’re at. Other than that, I have been not just social distancing, but pretty much quarantining myself and Brent for the past week in order to do our part in stopping the spread.
Why is it so important to practice social distancing and/or quarantine? Hopefully most of you are doing the same. This is so important not just to keep ourselves safe and healthy, but also to keep others safe and healthy. And especially people who are elderly or immunocompromised who are at most risk for becoming infected and hospitalized.
If you’re an introvert like me, it’s really not a big deal to be quarantined for a while. I actually have been enjoying staying home and relaxing. Starting next week, I will be working from home also. But in the meantime, I thought I would throw together a list of 25 things to do to keep yourself busy/entertained during social distancing. AKA my “quarantine and chill” list:
- Read a book. Either something new that you’ve been waiting to read, or re-read an old favorite!
2. Binge-watch a TV show. Currently, Brent and I have been watching The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez on Netflix.
3. Clean and organize your house. I am finally using this time to organize my office and desk. Especially important since I’ll be working from home now.
4. Call or FaceTime a friend you haven’t talked to in a while.
5. Try to limit watching the news or reading social media posts about coronavirus. You should be aware and concerned of course, but try not to panic.
6. Play games with your family. Board games, card games, video games, etc.
7. Cuddle with your pets. Or better yet, if you have a dog, take it on a walk!
8. Or just go on a walk yourself! Around the neighborhood or on a somewhat secluded trail.
9. Draw or paint a picture.
10. Workout. I’ve been using this time at home to get back into a good workout routine. While many gyms have closed, you can find great workouts on YouTube for free! Pamela Reif is my favorite. I know a lot of gyms are also offering virtual workouts right now.
11. Cook your favorite comfort food, or bake your favorite dessert. Or try a new recipe!
12. Work on a project around the house that you’ve been putting off or don’t usually have the time to complete.
13. Start a blog or YouTube channel! Or if you already have one, use this time to be productive and prepare a bunch of content for the weeks ahead.
14. Have a good conversation with family. Just sit and enjoy each other’s company without phones or other technology.
15. Play video games. Brent’s a gamer, I am definitely not. But I do enjoy playing the Sims, especially the 100 Baby Challenge….
16. Scroll through Instagram and get caught up on YouTube videos. Support your favorite content creators!
17. Learn a new skill. Have you always thought about learning to knit, play an instrument, or learn a new language? This would be the perfect time to start a new hobby.
18. My personal favorite, online shopping! I spent all my money within the first couple of days of quarantine…
19. Work from home as much as possible. I honestly am more productive working from home sometimes since there are less distractions. During a time like this, it helps a lot to keep some structure. Set a schedule or to-do list for yourself each day and stick to it.
20. Play outside! It’s been rainy this whole week but is finally sunny today. Take advantage of the nice weather when you can! Throw a frisbee around, play catch, climb a tree.
21. Evaluate your current goals and set new ones for the rest of the year.
22. Find some new friends on Bumble BFF. This has been a fun way to meet new girls in my city! Of course you can’t really meet in person at the moment, but socializing of any kind is so important when you’re stuck at home by yourself for so long.
23. Work on a craft. Buy a craft kit or start from scratch. Hands-on activities can be a fun way to pass the time while also feeling productive.
24. Meditate and/or do yoga. Again, there are a lot of good videos on YouTube or apps you can download.
25. Listen to music or podcasts. Spotify and iTunes are my best friends lately. I love just having music on in the background while I’m getting stuff done around the house, or just sitting and listening to music with a cup of coffee or tea. So good for your mental health during a time like this too. If you need some good podcast recommendations, I included some in this post.
Let me know how you have been spending your quarantine! I am always open to new ideas for how to spend my free time. And there is no limit on free time in the near future. This “new normal” could last weeks or it could lasts months, but it will eventually come to an end. We can do this guys. We can get through this together (separately).
