Quarantine has given us a lot of free time. Maybe too much.
One of the advantages to this is seeing how everyone else is spending their time. And judging by the internet, there are two distinct types of people.
The ultra-productive, read three books a day, learn a new language each week, and bake lots of bread. And the “quaranchillers” who are checking off Netflix episodes like homework assignments and discovering a new restaurant a day on Uber Eats.
Does it really matter how you’re spending your time? Absolutely not. The important thing is you’re safe at home, so might as well try to have a little fun to pass the time right? And yes, maybe even learn a thing or two.
Here are 7 quarantine activities you can try today (or maybe tomorrow), your bed is looking pretty nice…
1. Go for a walk
While most of the world is closed, the outdoors is not, for now at least…
Take a lap around your neighborhood, breathe in some fresh air, and distance yourself as much as possible. Being stuck inside for too long can do crazy things to humans (have you never seen Cabin Fever?), so if you can, getting outside for even a quick walk can completely turn around your day.
2. Learn a Tik-Tok dance
We know you’ve seen them… how couldn’t you? Everyone and their parents and grandparents have been doing Tik Tok dances.
Yes, it sounds exhausting, and maybe a little cringe, but honestly this is a fun way to pass the time, let some creative juices flow, and move around for a bit.
If you need inspiration, look no further than the For You page to get bombarded by a new trend almost daily.
3. Have a movie marathon
What makes you feel more accomplished than finishing an entire movie (or TV) series in one sitting? A lot… but we’re not here to talk about that.
Instead, grab your favorite quarantine snack, find a comfy position on your couch, and enjoy a stay-in movie experience where admission is free, and you can bring all of the food you want.
If you need inspiration for a new series to start binging, look no further.
4. Try a new recipe
We get it, not everyone is a michillen star chef. But, that doesn’t have to stop you from trying. Inspiration can be found everywhere, whether you’re looking for a quick snack to make up, or you’re planning on treating the rest of your quarantined household to a hand made dinner.
Media platforms like Yummly and Tasty have thousands of crowdsourced recipes, ideas, and guides for turning your quarantine cooking dreams into a reality.
And at the very least, yes you can try to bake bread.
5. Game night!
Few things say stuck at home as well as board games. The key is to find one that will result in the least amount of arguments, so that cancels out Monopoly and Scrabble right off the bat.
Hey, you can always try a puzzle.
6. Go on virtual dates
While quarantine may be preventing you from finally working up the nerves to ask that person on a date, romance doesn’t have to be dead.
Whether you already have a partner you’re not quarantined with, or you’re looking to start a connection with someone new, there are dozens of ways to get creative in this new world of e-dating.
With websites coming out daily letting you watch Netflix or youtube together, play games together, shop together, it’s up to your imagination and internet connection to make your e-romance a reality.
7. Take a Harvard class
While no one is forcing you to be productive, in light of the circumstances, many institutions are opening up the gates to allow easily accessible education and materials for just about anyone who’s interested.
Courses range in duration from one week to 15 weeks, with subjects that span programming, health and medicine, social sciences, computer science, art and design, business and humanities. While these do not count for actual credits, there’s never been a better time to tap into world-class education for literally nothing.
Those interested in applying can simply visit the university’s website and view the course catalog at online-learning.harvard.edu.