WEB EXCLUSIVE

A global pandemic is a trying time for everyone. From the doctors on the frontlines to the small business employees and many others losing their jobs, we all could use some uplifting in these troubling times. With the president extending the shutdown to the end of April, many of the people stuck at home right now face a common enemy: boredom. With nowhere to go and lack of social interaction, one could start to go crazy. Here are some tips and ideas for what you can do while you’re stuck in quarantine.

For one, you could finally watch those shows that have been in your watch list collecting dust for months. Catching up on other shows that you’ve fallen behind on is another option. Try a new video game or finish ones you’ve never had time to finish before. Read a book or listen to an audiobook or try some writing yourself.

Now is also a good opportunity to learn something new. Now that there’s time, you could try out new recipes and experiment. You could even start learning a new language on Duolingo if you want; I’ve been refreshing my Latin there recently. Look up activities, arts and crafts and DIYs on the internet and have fun with those. Do some painting, learn to knit, make some puppets, etc. If you have an instrument at your house that you haven’t touched for a while, try picking it up again and practice.

If you’re stuck inside with other people, try organizing fun games and activities for you all to do, since they’re probably just as bored as you. Bust out some board games or play a game of cards. Monopoly and Uno are great games that take up a lot of time. Try organizing a group karaoke and sing your heart out. Perhaps revisit some of the things you used to do when you were younger, like building forts out of pillows and blankets or making pretend swords out of cardboard paper towel tubes. My family made a “restaurant” in the back yard to celebrate my parents’ anniversary last week. Being creative and inventive with what you have can be entertaining for you and the people you’re with.

No need to despair if you can’t see your friends in person. We’re fortunate in this day and age to be able to connect online, or over the internet. Facetime your friends over social media or connect your consoles online and play a video game together. Even write letters to each other just for the fun of it sometime. Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while and catch up. In addition, there are plenty of online forums where there are several people willing to talk to others.

It’s important to stay healthy during these times, so try out some new exercises. If you have a front or backyard, exercise there and get some sun. The CDC says that stretching and meditation can help with anxiety and mental health, too. Do some yard work, try your hand at gardening. You may discover a new passion or hidden talent. Tidy up your room or whole house even. Do those little odd jobs you’ve been meaning to take care of for a while.

Overall, it’s important to stay healthy and to not be discouraged by boredom. Whether it be by picking up a new hobby or chatting on the phone with friends, there are many things to keep you entertained. Staving off boredom can be as simple as turning on the TV or firing up your stove.