It's been a month since I moved out of my dorm at Ohio State and began living in quarantine with my family. Since then, I have not stepped foot in a public building. At times it feels frustrating to be confined at home, but I am finding activities to do, apart from online schoolwork, to keep me busy. Here are a few of these activities that you can also try to ward off this springtime cabin fever.
Take a walk
While most public places are closed, parks and walking trails remain open for us to enjoy as the weather warms. I try to take a walk around my neighborhood every day, but sometimes I mix it up and head down to the Scioto Mile or a metro park to get a breath of rejuvenating fresh air.
Zoom a friend
It can be hard to stay in contact with people, but I have been utilizing Zoom to try and keep my connections strong. Whether it’s having a virtual coffee date or just chatting in bed, it’s important to continue socializing to remember we aren’t alone. Think of a friend or a family member that you haven’t talked to in a while and send them a text or an old-fashioned letter.
Write or be creative
I am in the creative writing concentration within the English major at Ohio State, so I am always writing for classes, but it's been quite some time since I've written something just for fun. I am now working on a short story. It may never see any eyes apart from my own but it serves as a personal challenge and source of enjoyment. If you have a creative outlet, try to plug into it, and don’t worry about the final product being “good.” Sometimes the fun is in the process.
Play Kahoot
This activity is a strange one, but sometimes I'm bored and not motivated to be productive. Playing silly trivia games with my sister has proved to be a successful cure to such boredom, as well as a throwback to high school classes. Download the Kahoot app and search a quiz about your favorite book or movie. Board or card games are also entertaining.
Watch a movie or TV show
Lastly, I am enjoying watching the show Little Fires Everywhere, based on the novel by Celeste Ng, on Hulu. I have also had marathons of the Hunger Games and Divergent movies. It's more than okay to take a break from productivity and creativity, especially when the world seems a scary and hectic place right now, so find a story and get hooked on it.
We are all searching for ways to both stay occupied and de-stress in these uncertain times. Don't worry if you haven't found the things that work for you. We will get through this.
Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health, says science
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