By: Aavani Raj
Hi everyone!
I know people are having a hard time dealing with this whole coronavirus situation. Many have lost their jobs, and many still need to work and put themselves at risk everyday. It seems silly to complain about boredom at a time like this, but it is something that a lot of people are dealing with right now. There's never been a situation where almost the entire country has been advised to stay home under quarantine. These are unprecedented times, and everyone is learning to adapt.
It is really easy to feel lonely and anxious during this period of extended isolation, but there are so many activities you can do to keep yourself occupied. So, without further ado, here are 20 things you can do to keep your boredom at bay.
1) Read a book
Okay, this one seems kind of obvious, but hear me out. When I was younger, I used to read all the time. As I got older I read less and less, and I kept telling myself I would start reading again when I had the time. Well, now I have all the time in the world! Okay, maybe not all the time in the world, but I definitely have more of it. So, dust off those bookshelves and pick up a book that interests you. I'm sure most libraries are closed by now, but you can start with the books you have at home. Here are some other options if your supply runs short:
Audiobooks-Check out websites such as audible or find some free audiobooks on YouTube
Comics-A lot of comic subscriptions including Marvel are offering free comics online during this pandemic. Now's your chance to take advantage of that!
E-books-There are plenty of free books online in pdf form. You can also use an e-reader of your choice and access a wide range of digital reads
2) Walk your dog
This situation may not be ideal for you, but it's your dog's paradise! Spend some time with your pup and take them on a well-deserved walk. If you don't have a dog, walk anyway! Just leave the house, enjoy some sunshine, and get some exercise.
3) Learn a new instrument
If you have an old guitar in your home gathering dust, check out some basic online tutorials and teach your self how to play. If you don't have any instruments, teach yourself how to sing or dance. Embrace your musical talent!
4) Try out new styles
Now's your chance to experiment with your look with a very low risk. No one will be be able to see you for the next couple of months, so cut some bangs, bleach your hair, experiment with new makeup looks. Mix and match your clothes to find outfits that you like.
5) Take a Virtual Tour
All you have to do is go online and type in virtual tour and the place you would like explore. You can 'visit' museums, zoos, theme parks, and more. If you're in high school, you can also take virtual tours of potential colleges you would like to apply to. You'll be able to find virtual tours on the university's website. If you don't know what virtual tour to start with, here's a tour of the Smithsonian to get you started.
6) Start a YouTube Channel
Now's your chance to display your talents on your very own YouTube channel. Put in your time and effort to grow a following and connect with others who have the same interests as you! The best part is you'll still be productive and you may even learn about filming and editing videos in the process.
7) Learn how to cook
Cooking isn't as hard as most people think, and it's a useful skill to have. Look up some recipes online and experiment with those. Gather all the ingredients you have in your house, and find a recipe you can make using only those ingredients. It might turn out a lot more delicious than you expect!
8) Earn some money
There are plenty of legitimate ways you can earn money from home. On websites such as transcribme.com you can earn money by transcribing audio to text. You can also try selling your clothes online on sites such as Poshmark or Depop. There are also many places, such as Amazon, where you can choose surveys to take and earn money from them.
9) Give back to the community
You can still give back to your community even if you're stuck at home! Volunteer to get medication or groceries for your elderly neighbors. Make masks or cards for healthcare workers. If you are self isolating, you can volunteer virtually. American Red Cross, for example, has plenty of remote volunteer opportunities that you can do from home.
10) Work on your art skills
There are a lot of art tutorials for beginners online. Also, if anyone in your family is a talented artist, you can ask them to teach you what they know. If you already know the basics, pick a challenging piece of artwork and try to replicate it.
11) Pick up a new language
We live in a world where we have access to limitless information at our fingertips. Make use of that and try learning a new language. If you have books from past attempts to learn a language, now's your chance to commit and put in the time and effort. There are also plenty of resources online such as Rosetta Stone or Duolingo.
12) Take an online course
If you're in high school, use this extra time to take a course for advancement or simply to fulfill a credit you may need. Even if you aren't in high school, you can take free courses online to learn a new skill or subject. Visit the website of a local community college to find potential courses that fit your interests. If you're still in high school, these courses can be free, and if you're not, the price is still pretty affordable. There are a lot of legitimate courses you can take online as well. If you don't know where to get started, check out Harvard's free online courses.
13) Spend some time with your family
Gather all your family members to spend some quality time together. This quarantine period gives everyone valuable time to spend time with our loved ones. Play a board game, play cards, do a puzzle, cook together, watch a movie, or simply just talk. Take advantage of this time while you can.
14) Online shopping
So, you want to update your wardrobe but you can't leave your house? Don't worry, there are a ton of stores that still give you the option to shop online. In fact, a lot of stores have sales right now. Some websites you can check out are
If you are looking for more sustainable options, check out
Pact
If you want even more options, simply look online and check out different blogs/websites to find a store that fits your own personal taste.
15) Give your room/apartment a makeover
Organize your clothes or your books. Rearrange your furniture. Paint some pieces or buy art online and hang it on your wall. Hang up some lights to give your room an entirely different vibe. Order paint online or use paint you already have and paint your room or create a statement wall. Even a slight adjustment here or there can change the atmosphere of a room, so experiment with it, and keep what you like.
16) Start an interest group
If you're having a hard time connecting with people during this time, you're not alone. Start an interest group and invite your friends and people from the community to join you. You can have video meetings as frequently as you want to to discuss a shared interest. Whether it's a book club or a group dedicated to Astrology, this is a great way to find people to connect with.
17) Stop Procrastinating
Take some time to write down everything that you've been putting off because you've been too busy. Whether this is doing your chores, exercising, or dealing with finances, now is your chance to get it done. Make a to-do list or a schedule, and try to finish up all the tasks you've been avoiding.
18) Write
Writing is therapeutic, and it can be a great way to let out all your thoughts and feelings. You can write in a physical journal or even a Microsoft word or google document. If you ever get overwhelmed, you'll have somewhere to let everything out. Or, you can just keep a light-hearted account of your daily quarantine activities. I'm sure it will be something interesting to read in the future!
19) Exercise
While your gym may be closed, you should still devote some time in your day to exercise. Go on a run, lift weights, or do some yoga. Focus on keeping your body healthy. Don't forget to eat healthy as well, because nutrition plays a big role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
20) Self-Care
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and maintaining your mental health is even more important during this quarantine period. Many people may begin to feel lonely or depressed while stuck at home. Try meditating every one in a while, and try to stay productive. Most of all, avoid getting into a slump. Keep a steady sleep schedule, and try to stay consistent with the daily routine you had before quarantine started. For me, it's been hard to stay motivated while I'm stuck at home all day, so I've been planning my entire day out sticking to my schedule. Plan a spa day, do some gardening, spend time with your pets. Do whatever makes you happy, just remember to take care of yourself!