Quarantine Tips

Staffers outline suggestions for stimulating, healthy ways to stay occupied during lockdown

Ben Bowler and Lila Maiolo
April 21, 2020

Video Calls

   Even though we’re unable to go to school and see our friends, it’s still possible to interact with them via video calls. As opposed to texting behind a blue screen, Zoom or FaceTime calls are the closest you can get to hanging out with your friends for the time being. Whether it be calling your friends during your ‘lunch period’ or calling them on a Saturday night, video calls offer a great opportunity to maintain some semblance of face-to-face interaction with those that you care about.

Netflix Party!

I imagine that this far into the journey of social distancing, we have all binged a new TV show or watched a movie or two with the free time we suddenly have. That being said, it can also be a great opportunity to connect with your friends over something. It can be as simple as deciding to watch the same movie and talking about it later. You could even download Netflix Party so that you can watch a rom-com or horror movie together and discuss it in the live chat, simulating the feeling of a movie night while complying with social distancing orders. 



Disconnecting From Technology

It is important to stay connected with those we don’t see at home, but unfortunately, we are now reliant on technology to do so. That means spending hours every day staring at screens, and while talking to friends does help pass the time and simulate some normalcy, it’s also important to disconnect from technology for a while and spend some time with your thoughts. Doing activities that don’t require technology allows you the chance to relax in ways that staring at a screen simply cannot. So, go for a walk, paint something, play an instrument. It is important to stimulate our brains when we may be feeling a bit restless stuck in the house.

Going Outside

Whether it’s with your siblings, parents or even your dog, getting outside is a great way to stave off going stir-crazy. Of course, it’s important to practice social distancing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go for a walk around your neighborhood or call your friends on zoom while sitting outside. It’s always a good idea to get some fresh air when the weather is permitting. It reminds us that there is a world outside of the homes to which we’ve been confined. 

Read!

 I can speak for myself when I say that I spend far too much time on my phone, and quarantine has only exacerbated this problem. This makes it necessary to try to establish a break in my day when I’m not connected to any distractions or anything coronavirus-related online, and reading books has been a great way for me to do that in a stimulating way. Many of us say that we would read more if we simply ‘had the time,’ so there has never been a better time than now to kick your feet up and curl up with a good book. Also, if you’re looking for a new book to read, you can still buy one digitally or pick one up via Barnes & Noble’s curbside pickup.

Family Time

 Though we all have different situations at home, capitalizing on quality time with family is a great way to connect with those who we don’t get to see as often during ‘normal times.’ Whether it be an older sibling that is home from college or a parent who is working remotely from home, many family members are home now more than ever, and this marks a great moment for family members to support each other through their own stresses and challenges during these difficult times. Fun activities to do with family include cooking, playing board games and just spending time together.