Tips to get through isolations. PHOTO CREDIT: Melissa Marchese
In January 2020, COVID-19 vaccines were becoming widely available to most Americans and for many, the pandemic seemed to be coming to a close, but a year later contracting COVID-19 and quarantining is not uncommon.
For many, the term quarantine was meaningless before 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the word into common use. Whether they contracted COVID-19 or were in close contact with someone who did, many students at the University of Rhode Island have been quarantined. This period of isolation, while necessary, is quite often boring. So, here are my top ten tips to combat quarantine boredom.
- Start watching something new or rewatch an old favorite. There are so many streaming platforms out there, complete with hundreds of movies and shows, all available at the press of a button. Not seeing anything new and interesting? Rewatch an old favorite you haven’t seen in a while. Personally, I love rewatching my favorite movies, paying closer attention to detail and finding Easter eggs. Plus, if you’re feeling lonely, there are a lot of ways to watch movies and shows with friends online.
- Pick up a new hobby. A lot of students have said that they picked up a new hobby/interest during quarantine to keep them busy. Some people played video games, others read or learned crafts like knitting and many tried their hand at cooking and baking. These are just some examples of hobbies you can develop during quarantine to help you stay busy in a fun new way.
- Grab a furry friend. Whether they be real or stuffed, having a furry companion can make you feel very supported and cozy. You can play games with them, tell them your darkest secrets or just cuddle.
- Stay in touch. Staying in touch with my friends and family was the main way I stayed sane during 2020. From FaceTiming and texting my friends, to calling relatives and checking in on coworkers- any and all communication made me feel connected to the outside world I couldn’t go see.
- Get a snack or make a meal. It is important to remember to eat and stay hydrated during your quarantine. Time moves strangely when you have nothing to do and it’s easy to go a whole day without eating. So drink your water, grab your favorite snack and remember to try to eat actual meals as well. If you’re feeling frisky, call on your inner chef and cook something yourself. There are so many recipes online from simple mac and cheese to four-layer cakes.
- Find a fun game to play. A few people mentioned they spent their quarantine playing video games which helped the time pass much faster. Not a fan of video games? Grab a board game or a puzzle and get to the fun. Some board games have options online to play with friends.
- Organize the junk drawers you’ve been ignoring. With so much free time on your hands, consider cleaning or organizing. Make it fun by playing some music or watching something while you work! Cleaning can not only freshen up your world but also help declutter your busy mind.
- Create something. Channel your inner Picasso and create some art. Not into visual art? Write a story or make some music. Whatever you’re into, make it fun and innovative, maybe even share with friends and see what they think.
- Read a book. If you typically don’t like reading, that’s fine! It can be pretty difficult to get into a book. Personally once I’m a few chapters in I’m hooked. There are so many amazing books out there, all of different genres and plotlines. Not into books? Grab a magazine or listen to a podcast. However you go about it, it’s always beneficial to dive into new information.
- Take a drive (by yourself to be safe). Taking a drive by yourself is one of the best ways to safely get a breath of fresh air during your quarantine. I did this a lot during 2020 because I don’t like sitting in one place and I love to drive. This was the perfect outlet for me.
During a trying time like this, especially if you have to quarantine alone, it is important to remember to stay safe and positive. Take care of yourself and stay connected with others to keep in touch with reality. You’ve got this!