30 Things To do While You Are In Seclusion for COVID-19
With the progression of the Corona Virus, it is important to stay calm. Now more than ever we need to band together (distantly) and maintain a level of comradeship and humanity and everyone has a role to play. Doing your part means staying home, and making sure you wash your hands thoroughly as directed by the WHO. Be sure you are getting your information from a credible news source and keep a level head. When shopping for supplies to stock up on, ensure that you are being mindful of others especially the elderly, and please do not fight over toilet paper, Lysol wipes, and hand sanitizer. We are all going through the same emotions so it is imperative that we do not lose our humanity.
While you are in seclusion, you may find yourself becoming incredibly bored. Personally, most of my hobbies include solitude so I always find myself entertained but in case you are looking for something productive to do to pass the time, here is a list of 30 things to do while you are in seclusion for COVID-19.
Read a book. You know that book that’s been on your New Years Resolution list, yeah that one. Take the much-needed time to finish it. When in doubt, Audible is your best friend and you can throw some headphones on while you do other things around the house. Did you know that your neighborhood Library may also have an App where you can rent/ download books, movies for free! Just use your Library card to access the application.
Learn a new skill. Learn something new. Its always gratifying to expand your knowledge and there is so much information on the web, YouTube, Skillshare, and much more. A lot of it is actually free. I recommend, binging a playlist from John Green’s Crash Course, learning to code, or even learning about Astrology. You never know what new passion is waiting for you just beyond your fingertips.
Create some art. A wise person once said, “boredom is the birthplace of creativity” (I’m absolutely butchering the quote and I don’t actually remember where it came from, but I’m sure it’s somewhere along those lines). Let your mind run free and improve your drawing skills, or try a new form of painting that you’ve been putting off. Personally, I just started Water Colour Painting and so far I’ve been loving it!
Discover new music. If you haven’t added new songs to your favourite playlist you may find yourself skipping over every song more than listening to any actual music. It’s time to let Youtube Music and Spotify run wild and discover new music based on your listening habits. Or, be adventurous and search for new music in a genre you do not typically listen to and discover your inner eclectic.
Fix your clothes that need fixing. We all have that one pair of trousers that have a rip in the seems, that blouse you keep reaching for only to realize that it is still missing a button, or that favourite knit sweater that you can’t wear outside your house because it is filled with lint and cotton pilling. We all have them. This is the perfect time to fix up your clothes so you can actually get the most out of your wardrobe and start wearing your clothes again. If you’re really feeling up to it, polish your leather garments with a leather lotion, and clean your shoes so they shine good as new once again.
Learn a new language. Everyone has THAT friend who speaks 3 languages fluently and they are currently learning a new one, and we are secretly jealous of them and want to be able to speak another language too but can’t seem to find the time? We all do. In truth, it doesn’t take a whole lot to learn a new language and you can actually progress really fast in just a few weeks. Apps like Duolingo help you integrate the language into your daily life with exercises that teach you to read, listen and write in a new language and can make learning a breeze. This will definitely come in handy on that trip to Spain you’ve been planning that you’ll take once this whole seclusion situation is over with.
Organize your documents. This could be on your computer/phone (emails, photos, random notes you have…) or in paper (like receipts, tax information for the next year, government letters you’ve received…). Take this time to get yourself organized and sort out a system so you’ll always know where to find important documents when you need them.
Become a Tik Toc star. This is the perfect time to revamp your social media and become a social media star. Everyone will be at home needing something to watch so why not direct their viewership to you. You never know, you could very well become the next Youtuber to break the internet or Tik Toc star! Why not start a daily Sequester Vlog and document what you’re doing. Or write a COVID-19 hit single and post it online! This is history in the making folks!
Redecorate your room. Everyone wants that Pinterest-esque room but doesn’t have the time to make your Pin Board a reality. Well, now you do. Take some time to organize a new layout for your room that will give you the feeling you’ve always wanted. You don’t have to limit redecoration to your room, organize your living room, and bathrooms if you want. By the end of seclusion, you’re going to feel a sense of newness every time you look around your house. Tip! Check out some easy home decor DIYs on YouTube to add a special touch to your room.
Create a skincare routine. Spring is upon us, and just because you’re locked in doesn’t mean you can sleep on your skincare routine! Take this time to research ingredients and techniques that suit your skin. In most cases, you don’t have to buy anything new, but learning how to use the products you already have to give maximum results is always a great idea that will help you step back into society with a brand new face! (your already beautiful face, but with better skin!). See this video for how to create a skincare routine.
Write a book. Going back to that creativity mode, why not write a book, (do this of course if you already love writing). It can be a great way to exercise your imagination and improve your storytelling, communication, vocabulary, and writing skills when you return to school or work. Or maybe you might end up making some much-needed money on the side and collecting royalties on a monthly basis.
Make money online. On the note of collecting royalties on a monthly basis, take this time to develop a side hustle. Online surveys are not the only way to make money online (although they are a good place to start). There are tons of things you can do. See this post for how to make money online!
Organize your finances. There is no better time to start getting a grip of your finances than when you can’t go to the mall to spend it. Take some time and evaluate your spending. Create a budget and start a plan for tackling your financial goals. There is tons of information all over the web to guide you into the realm of personal finance and it’s never too early (or too late) to start. Your future self will thank you! See 11 Financial Milestones to Achieve in Your 20s.
Learn how to invest. On the note of personal finance, why not take advantage of the stock market while every company is basically on sale! Now you’ll want to do some research first, but take some time to learn about the market so you can start making money while you sleep. History shows that those who invest during times of fear tend to do pretty well for themselves when the economy bounces back.
Start an exercise routine challenge. The gym may be closed but your fitness routine doesn’t have to go on a hiatus. The summer is coming and there is no better time to focus on yourself than when there’s nowhere else to go. Hop on the web and start an at-home guided workout routine. My favourite resources Whitney Simmons and the BootyGuru.
Face time with friends /family you don’t usually have time to talk to. We all have those long-distance friends we haven’t seen since college or family you only see at Christmas that you don’t talk to nearly as much as you should. Check on them. Call them, face time them, text them, and make sure they are doing well. It will really up their spirits and make them feel connected during a time of separation. Let them know you are thinking about them and you care about their well-being.
Unfollow/unfriend people you don’t need on social media. I don’t recall the last time I went through my Instagram, Youtube subscriptions, and friend list on Facebook but this is the time to expand or cut down your social circle. If there are people from high school on your list that you never really spoke to in school, don’t talk to now and don’t plan to in the future but when you see their life milestones it makes you feel like you don’t measure up because you don’t have your life as put together as theirs might seem, what are you following them for? Cut them off hun, your sanity will thank you for it.
Organize your contact list. On that note (I feel like a broken record…) go through the contact on your phone and get rid of the 5 Samatha’s with no last names on your phone that you have no intention of calling. Personally, I like to see a clean contact list (and this might be because of my self-diagnosed OCD-like tendencies) with both first and last names, and pictures to match. Import them from Facebook or Instagram if you’d like.
Fix up your resume. If you’re in school, you know that job application season kicks off in April. Why not get ahead of the game by giving your resume a much-needed makeover. Read some blogs online about what employers are looking for, ask a parent or friend to give you feedback, and get that resume sharp and ready to stand out from the pile of candidates.
Submit amazing job applications. Why not put that resume that you fixed up to good use by applying to that dream job or that internship you were hoping to get. Employers tend to look at the first few applications more favourably so get yours on top of their pile.
Take an online class. I know, the last thing you want to do on your time away from school is more school, but this is the perfect time to take that online social marketing class, business development course you’ve been eyeing. Hone your skills and start at that business venture you wanted to do.
Cook something new. There are so many recipes online to try, and while you’re not going to be going out to a restaurant like you would normally do on a Friday night, why not spend it making a new dish for yourself and your family? Make a challenge out of it, and try making something spectacular using only the ingredients in your house! Or try meal prepping to make your food last!
Do a pamper routine. In my young adulthood, I find myself loving my quiet time more and more. My ideal weekend involves Netflix, Wine, and a LUSH Bath Bomb bath and I feel very contempt. Why not take this time to give yourself some much-needed TLC and do your nails, do a hair mask, take a rejuvenating bath. Treat yourself to good rest and relaxation. See The Best Ways To Pamper Yourself.
Start a bullet journal. I see you. Yes, you! Binging all of AmanadaRachLee’s Plan With Me videos on YouTube! Why not join in the action and make your own bullet journal. It will help you organize your time at home and even organize your days better when you go back to work/school. You don’t need a lot of fancy tools, and an empty ruled notebook and a few pens are just fine.
Meditate. By far the most important thing you can do for yourself is to give your mind a break. Besides all the external pampering, take some time to work on your headspace. Practice some meditation to relieve stress, some ASMR to help you sleep, or Affirmations Sleep Guides to help reprogram your self-talk while you sleep.
Build a pillow tent and watch a movie. Why not reconnect with your inner child and build a cozy pillow tent in your living room and watch a movie? Whether you’re stuck inside with your family, roommates, or just by yourself, these nights are always fun (of course make sure to keep a safe distance please!).
Have prom with your family. A lot of students are disappointed that this seclusion is robbing them of the full high-school experience in the form of pretty dresses, finger food, and awkward slow dances… AKA Prom. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have your own fun. Get dressed up. Wear that dress or tux you spent so long choosing. Do your hair, put on some makeup, and slow dance with your parents, siblings, or friends. Just because you can’t leave the house doesn’t mean you can’t bring the party home.
Follow a makeup routine. We wear makeup for ourselves and not please others so take this time to perfect your winged eyeliner because you want to. Go all out and create a creative makeup look for every occasion. Try a galaxy theme. Follow that Jackie Aina cut crease video that has been on your to-do list, or even get FX and follow a tutorial from Glam&Gore. Do whatever your heart contains. Play with makeup and have fun. Snap it to your friends and make it a social affair!
Attend an Insta-Concert! Did you know that some of your favourite artists are performing on Instagram live and video to keep you entertained? Hop online and connect with your favourite artists.
Play games! Last but not least, take this time to hang out with the people in your house. Believe it or not, there was a time, long, long ago when the internet did not exist. Play board games, card games with your family or friends you live with, and keep yourself entertained, and laughing. Why not start a prank war with your siblings? Just make sure to bring the hand sanitizer along!
What are you doing to cope with the COVID-19 quarantine?