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Top 20 Things to Do While Self-Quarantining

It's surreal knowing that right now, right at this specific instant, you're in a historic moment in time. Some people are panic buying, some are self-quarantining, while others are still frequenting clubs and restaurants. I'm no doctor or health professional, but I have been reading a LOT of news articles and watching up to date news about the COVID-19 pandemic. What I've gathered is that we should ALL be practicing social distancing. You may be thinking, "I'm young & in good health, plus there's not that many outbreaks in my city, I don't need to worry". But that kind of thinking is honestly... selfish.

You could be carrying the virus for up to 14 days without showing any symptoms. 14 days... that's TWO WHOLE WEEKS that you're strutting around thinking you're fine, all the while passing it to others. Even if you don't come around any people over 60, or those with compromised immune systems (that includes your friend who just announced she's pregnant!), you could easily pass it to someone who does. THAT is why it's important that we come together as a nation, nay, as a global community to practice social distancing and good hygiene* for a while. 😷🚫🤝

Think about your grandparents, parents, and all the homeless people who don't have access to soap and water or good health care. Think about them when you're debating if you should go to that party (that's somehow still going on), or the communal gym, or that in-store sale you've had your eye on. If you've made the globally appreciated decision to stay in unless necessary, congratulations! Now what? 🤔

Co-quarantine

If you have a nearby friend or neighbor, feel free to "co-quarantine"; meaning that each person/household agrees to limit contact with others & practice good hygiene*, but are still hanging out with each other. (It's not okay if anyone involved is sick or starts showing symptoms.) In my case, I packed up my dogs and about a weeks worth of sweatpants & went to my boyfriend's house. 😜

Netflix & Chill 🖥🍿

Now's the time to catch up on all your favorite TV shows & binge watch all those movie series you've always wanted to. AT&T has said they would even waive all internet overages for those without unlimited, so stream away! 🙌🏼 Let's be real though, even this can get old after a day or two, so make it a little more fun by watching the same shows as your friends & having a group text to discuss (You's Joe Goldberg: hot or not?!). You could even start a movie at the same time while Skyping your friends, to have real time convos about what you're watching. Or take your Netflix binge up a notch by turning shows into drinking games, which brings me to my next boredom buster...

I drink you drink we drink 🍻

If you're with friends or others of age, you could play drinking games to pass the time. Turn TV shows/movies into games by drinking during famous quotes or when they do certain things in the show. Not creative? Put a hat on the corner of the TV & drink every time it appears someone is wearing it. You can turn board games into drinking games, or even just play Edward Forty-Hands or wizard sticks. Hey, you won't be touching others if your hands are full! And again, you can do these socially via Skype to continue fun with friends. Plus, having a hangover is a lot better when you don't have to go in to work the next day. 😉

Become a Mixologist

Have you always wanted to master making a perfect martini? 🍸 Put on your favorite 007 movie and Favor some vermouth from the nearest liquor store. You can make your own "Quarantini"; it's like a regular martini but you drink it at home by yourself! 😆

Maybe you have some fresh fruits or herbs, but feel like you should be cautious about eating them. A solution could be to boil them with equal parts sugar and water to make an infused simple syrup. *I'm thinking blueberry & basil infused simple syrup with whiskey & a splash of water on the rocks. Or perhaps some strawberry & mint infused syrup with vodka or gin topped with lemonade?!*

Not your style? I still recommend having some alcohol on stock (for ages 21+) to help take the edge off if this goes on for a while.

Don't wanna drink?

Playa's gonna play

B̶l̶o̶w̶ carefully clean the dust off those board games and have some quality family/couple/roommate time. There's plenty of games that only require 2 players, or if you're solo, search for some new games online. If you and a few friends all have the same game, you could even play each other via webcam. Games will keep your brain working which will help keep you from going stir crazy.

Read

Maybe you're not a game person, or it's just too hard if you're doing this solo. I'm pretty sure you've got a book sitting on a shelf somewhere that you've never read. Now's the time! Even if you have read all your books, or simply don't have any at home, book stores are still open at the moment if you need your fix NOW. If you can stand to wait a day or two, order a few online. Just like with the games, you could even convince your friends or coworkers to read the same books so you can all discuss when you finally go back to work.

Get that booty movin'

So you're avoiding your gym & wondering how you're gonna shake off those quarantine blues? There are literally thousands of work out videos online that you can do from the comfort of your own home. Even if you don't have weights, you can get creative & use water jugs, or even your kids or pets! (Currently loving @ledsgetfit and @alexajeanfitness on Instagram). I brought over my good-ol'fashioned DVD player & P90X set to keep us moving. If you're home alone, crank up that music & dance like no one's watching! Just get that heart rate up! It is ok to be outside still, so go for a run, take your dogs for a walk, and enjoy some fresh air. 🏃🏼‍♀️

**Lululemon has announced all their North American & Europe stores will be closed March 16-27, but they are providing online yoga & meditation classes.**

Peace, baby ✌🏼

All this panic and frenzy in the news can take a toll on your mental health. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take some time to practice meditation. This can mean different things for different people. You don't have to sit cross-legged on a yoga mat and chant "oom" to find inner peace. 🧘🏼‍♀️ You can sip your morning coffee on your balcony while enjoying the uncommon silence of your neighborhood. Take a bubble bath while sipping on a glass of wine and wearing a mud face mask. Listen to a podcast to clear your mind. Do what makes you feel at ease.

Take Note 📝

Journaling comes highly recommended by health officials to help sort through our thoughts and emotions. If you don't already journal, now would be a good time to start. For some that means literally putting pen to paper, for others that could be a blog or vlog. In a time when there's so much fear and uncertainty, taking the time each day to write down what you're grateful for can really keep you grounded. Or consider writing about what's going on and your feelings toward it all. That sure would be interesting to look back on 20 years from now.

Hit Snooze 😴

For all those students, teachers, and early risers in the work force, you can now sleep in! Even those that still have to work from home, you no longer have to factor in time for your commute! For some, this may even mean not having to put on makeup or get dressed. Use those extra minutes/hours to catch up on lost zzz's. Without that annoying alarm clock ruining your REM cycle, you could even focus more on your dreams. Start a journal, and jot down every detail you remember as soon as you wake up. Then hop online to research what your dreams mean.

Access your Right Brain 🎨

Ever want to try sewing, painting, or knitting? What about learning a musical instrument or a second language? You've got time! 😜 Places like Michaels and JoAnn Fabrics sell all your creative needs (you can order online) and feature online classes with how-to's. Adult coloring books like this Amazon one, or this Etsy one, are a good for passing the time if you'd like a little help creating your masterpiece. Youtube has videos to learn instruments and languages (as well as Rosetta Stone).

The creativity doesn't have to be on paper either, if you love watching makeup tutorial videos but never have the time to spend 20 minutes on one eye, now you do! 🤩 Plus, it could lead to some cute pics for the gram which might be hard to do right now. 😆

Become an Expert

If you're not the type to go lightly into a new task or endeavor, take advantage of all this free time to study your butt off. It can be school related, or perhaps you've been wanting to learn more about your current profession, or learn an entirely new one. You could learn every factoid there is about Friends to prepare for all the buzz surrounding their reunion movie. You could boost your vocabulary by busting out the dictionary & learning 5 new words a day. That tic toc dance video been getting the best of you? Master it & then make your own. Even if you're an expert in all you do, consider making a video to teach others.

Spring Cleaning

Perfect time to get a head start on spring cleaning! And I do and don't mean clean it. If you have plenty of cleaning supplies, then yeah, it's probably a good idea to deep clean your house. 🧼 However if you're scarce on supplies, save those for in case you do get sick and need to clean up.

With everyone online, it's an ideal time to sell online. Go thru your closet and see what clothes and accessories you want to donate/sell. If you are selling to others online, just be sure you can print off the shipping label and drop it in the mail with limited to no contact to others. You may have to wait to donate clothes to charities/stores, but it sure will feel good having that out of the way. Plus, after all this time indoors, you're probably gonna want to go out and shop a bit when this blows over! Might as well make room in your closet now.

Do Me a Favor

It's hard to say which is safer right now; going to the store and being around others to shop, or having everything delivered. I do know that I don't plan on going to a restaurant for a sit-down meal in the near future. I also know that a lot of places are still open though and I don't want to see them hurting with lack of clientele. One way to help for now is to order in from your favorite places (granted those places have a good health grade). No matter what you're having delivered, the safest thing is to have the carrier leave it at your doorstep, then grab the delivery after they've walked away. Wash your hands well after unpacking everything.

Cook-off

This really is a terrific time to try out a new recipe or have a cook-off with your quarantine buddies. If you can safely make it to a grocery store, grab what you need to try that dish you've always wanted to; you know, that stuffed chicken that takes 4 hours to marinate? Go for it. If you're on a limited food supply, make it a competition who can create the best dish with what's in the pantry. Just keep in mind to not be wasteful.

Call me, maybe? 📞

In a time of social distancing, we need to remember not to over distance ourselves! Have at least one friend, family member, or neighbor that you're keeping in contact with. This could be over the phone, or webcam, but physically talking and hearing someone's voice is better than communicating via text or email. If you don't have someone to call and are feeling isolated, look up a Telehealth doctor or therapist.

Who let the dogs out

Don't forget that your pets are doing this with you! For those in apartments or places where taking your dogs out means having to touch a bunch of possibly contaminated surfaces, I understand that it may be an inconvenience. To keep your furry friends occupied while indoors, try teaching them a new trick or playing games with them. I absolutely love this Pet Robot that prioritizes pet fitness. You could also create an agility course around your house or backyard to keep their minds and bodies working!

Take in Nature

Nature is seeming like the ideal place right now. Odds are someone else didn't come along & wipe their sneezy hands all over that tree you're propping your bike against. You know, the one near that gorgeous view of your city that you never knew was there? Until now that is. I know Dallas weather calls for cloudy skies and thunder storms for the next week and a half, but as I write this, the sun is making an appearance. Take advantage of any dry/sunny hours to be outside. Or, do what my boyfriend and I did last night, and fall asleep watching the lightning show.

When in Rome 🇮🇹

We need to come to terms that we could be social distancing for months, not weeks. If that's the case, just remember you're not alone. Take a look at @exploring.italy on Instagram for some feel good videos of how Italians are dealing with their entire country being on lockdown. Many people are proudly hanging Italy's flag, others have pulled karaoke machines on their apartment balconies to sing to their neighbors, and couples are seen dancing around and enjoying themselves. Let's show the world that America can & will come together as a nation in these difficult times, not tear each other apart. 🇺🇸

and the last boredom-buster needs no explanation... hopefully...

Afternoon Delight. 😘

There you go! 20 ideas on how to beat the quarantine blues. Please, share how you're getting through these crazy times!

*good hygiene- properly & frequently washing hands, avoiding sick people, covering nose/mouth when coughing/sneezing and washing hands after.

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