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May 24, 2021Quarantine has affected our lives in one way or another in the last year and a half, leaving many with a lot of time on their hands and a lot of stress on their mind. All of this pent-up energy with nowhere to take it adds to the stress and uncertainty of what the future holds. Thankfully, being so connected through the Internet and our devices gives us an advantage in today’s world and allows us to be interconnected with people from everywhere. But now, let’s discuss some of the activities to keep yourself going through this difficult time.
Rewatch Your Favorite Movies
When the world was too busy going through its hustle and bustle, getting some screen time at home seemed impossible. Today, we’re not commuting and are saving hours for our day. With all this extra space, why not take the time to rewatch some of the good old movies? Buy favorite snacks, turn on “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” and let yourself be carried away into a world of magic. Or, if you’re stumped on what to watch, the Internet is a perfect place to look for content you can enjoy. For example, if you’re into anime and want to find some novelties, you can use dedicated platforms, like forums and specialized dating platforms. Using an anime forum or an otaku dating website not only lets you find someone like-minded who shares your love for anime but also gives you an opportunity to add a few new series to your must-watch list. Searching for a community that fits you is a perfect way to not only make new friends and stay connected with other people during quarantine but also to share a passion of yours; that’s a win-win situation. And thanks to modern technologies, you can even watch something together with your new friends online; just install Discord and throw a little online party with the best anime series, tasty snacks, and good company.
Create a Schedule
You likely had a routine before quarantine happened, and now that you’re at home, you might feel like the day is just flying by, leaving you wondering where all the time went. It’s best to get back into a routine and create a schedule around your workday. There are so many activities that you can include with your family and friends to keep you entertained while giving you peace of mind that you’ve planned for them. Create a plan, follow it thoroughly, and you’ll see that your life can be full and joyful even if you stay at home.
Work Out in Your Backyard
One of the biggest hurdles that a lot of people face during quarantine is taking care of their health. With YouTube and many other apps available to give you exercise ideas like lifting weights, yoga, and skipping, you can get started with minimal equipment and keep your physical and mental health in check. If you’re working from home, our largest stressors are deadlines, and sometimes, you need to remove this negativity from your mind and body. If you don’t live in a home with a backyard but rather a flat or apartment, open up some space every day for a quick cardio session to keep your body moving and your mind clear.
Never Stop Learning
This extra free time is a perfect opportunity to keep your skills sharp and the door for opportunity open. Do you love writing? Take a course on writing effective copy and storytelling. Want to learn how to code? There’s plenty of resources available for free all over the Internet. Learning not only keeps your mind sharp but also helps you generate new ideas and keep you passionate about the world around you. Curiosity is an important trait in today’s working environment, so bringing new skills to the table can only benefit you in the long run.
Stay Connected with Family and Friends
The most important part of our life is the relationships that we foster. Living in isolation and away from those that we care about most is bad for everyone involved. Using tools like FaceTime, WhatsApp, and other social media outlets gives us an opportunity to stay connected. Everything you may be facing while living in quarantine is also the reality of your family and friends; that’s why it’s so important to stay in touch, talk out difficulties, and celebrate each other’s wins.
Quarantine is not fun for anyone, but that doesn’t mean that you need to stay miserable about it. We are all human, and it’s imperative that you remember that through this time in our history. If you follow some of the tips above, you can stay ahead of the curve and come out of this era in your life happy, skilled, and more empathetic.
Bio: Linda Raley is a Psychology Faculty student, a freelance writer on sex and relationships, and a relationship beginner psychologist-consultant.
