Staying Busy In A Literal Pandemic
‘Cause we’re bored in the house, bored in the house, bored
by ABIGAIL STERLING★ APRIL 6, 2020
Unless you’ve been living under a rock the past month, coronavirus has turned our world upside down. Social distancing, meant to help reduce the coronavirus cases so the healthcare system doesn’t become completely overburdened, means that people are now working and learning from home. But in between Zoom meetings, being at home all day can get kind of boring. Here’s what we’re doing to stay occupied while practicing social distancing.
Time to get a little crafty
Remember that old pair of jeans you saved because you were going to paint a cool design on them? Now is the time to do it. Ditto bleach dyeing your old sweatshirt, and teaching yourself to embroider using YouTube tutorials. So break out whatever supplies you have laying around the house and get to crafting. Who knows, you might end up with a totally unique and DIY-centric spring wardrobe.
Work out, don’t work, sleep in, get up early, whatever
Listen to your body! These are trying times, and your body will tell you what it needs. If you feel like going for a run, go for a run. But if you feel like sitting on the couch and watching Tiger King, that’s ok too. Being productive during social distancing is great, but there’s nothing wrong with being a little lazy. These are incredibly troubling and emotionally taxing times, and sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is make a big cup of hot chocolate and watch some bad reality TV.
Take a break
Honestly, stepping away from social media is one of the best things you can do right now. Being bombarded with updates and news can cause increased feelings of panic and anxiety. Put your phone down, or better yet, away from you and do something analog. Break out a puzzle to do with your family, read a physical book, or organize your beauty products. Anything to get away from the news and technology for a little while.
Break out your agenda planner
It seems counter-intuitive, but continue to make plans! Schedule a virtual happy hour with your friends over FaceTime, or plan a themed dinner with your family. Staying busy and making plans will keep you occupied, and give you something to look forward to. Plus it helps break up the monotony of being at home day after day.
Re-focus and re-examine
Being stuck at home all day, with no end in sight, is frustrating. It can make you feel claustrophobic, and cause feelings of hopelessness and frustration. Try to shift your perspective and think of this time as a gift, instead of a punishment. How often do we all wish we had more time at home to clean out our closet, or read a new book? Now is the time to do it!
These are crazy, crazy times. Right now, the best thing you can do is take care of you. Do what feels right, and be kind to yourself. It’s important to remember that You don’t need to come out of this pandemic having learned a new language or being in the best shape of your life. The only thing you need to do is stay at home as much as possible and give yourself some love!