Just two short months ago, I was sunning myself on the grass of Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain, contemplating which gelato flavor I was going to choose on the walk home. Deciding on the most chocolatey flavor or a fruity, more refreshing alternative was always so hard. Yet, while I walked the streets of Madrid in my lace-up boots and denim jacket, the thought of cutting my study abroad experience two months short did not even cross my mind. And neither did the thought that the world would change so drastically in such a short amount of time.

I wanted to write something to share what I've learned during these two months at home, in the hopes that many of my college peers, friends, and family members can remember the great things that life can offer when we get the chance to dial things back and live simply for a while. I'm not trying to say that being at home all the time isn't boring. And I'm not trying to say that I've remained positive this entire time, because that couldn't be further from the truth. I'm here to say that quarantine has made me feel quite lucky for many of the things I have in my life, and this is something that I definitely do not get to reflect on enough. I'm glad that this time has allowed me to do so.

So, without further ado, here are 3 things that I've learned during this quarantine thus far:

1. Cherish the time you spend with your family. I consider myself lucky that I've always had such a close-knit family, the kind of family that writes each other very elaborate birthday cards and frequently breaks into Disney singalongs. Even though I had a fantastic experience studying abroad, and even though I love studying at Cornell very much, these things come at a cost when I'm unable to see my family as often as I would like to. Quarantine has provided me with the opportunity to spend every day hanging out with my family (and my dog), and I'm very grateful for this. I've busted out trendy TikTok dances with my younger sister, listened to classic rock music with my Dad, gone on neighborhood walks with my Mom, and made way too many baked goods with my older sister. As a busy college student, it's so rare that I would get the chance to be at home for months at a time with my family. Despite my obvious disappointment having missed out on two months in Europe, I'm extremely lucky to be safe at home with the people who matter most to me.

2. Utilize your newfound free time to improve your well-being. I'm talking both physical and mental well-being. It's so easy to allow yourself to lay on the couch and binge Netflix shows when you are stuck in the house all day. I don't mean to discourage the occasional Netflix marathon, because I love them as much as the next girl. But, something that's become so clear to me during these two months is the importance of staying active. I've been a dancer since before I can remember, so my go-to quarantine workouts are 305 Fitness at home hip-hop dance workouts. Trying to fit a workout and some stretching into my routine, even if it is not every day or not very long, can make a world of a difference, as I'm left feeling happier and healthier. Spending time outdoors (socially distanced, of course) can also be extremely beneficial. If I spend my day sitting on the couch, staring at my computer, and moping about my boredom, I feel truly awful by the end of the day. So, go for a walk. Breathe some fresh air. Get some sun on your face. In an attempt to feel like your life hasn't been put on pause during this time, I suggest that you get up, get active, and get outside. Disclaimer: beware of spring allergies.

3. Picking up old hobbies again can be a great way to enjoy your time. For me, this has meant many things: making rainbow string bracelets, dusting off the Wii for some Mario Kart races, tie dying old sweatshirts, and so on. It's almost as if I've reverted back to the Julia of 10 years ago. Of course, the majority of us are still working during the week or taking online classes in some way, but there are certainly free moments where you can do the things that make your heart happy. Being that I am a bit music-obsessed, it gives me immeasurable satisfaction when I put together a playlist that I'm truly proud of. My passion for discovering new music is the reason why I spend a lot of time on Spotify each day, and why I've been teaching myself to mix songs on GarageBand too. Many of us are stuck at home looking for things to do, so there could not be a better time to do what makes you smile, and to try new things as well. Take me, for example—I'm sitting here writing this article, something I would not be doing if it wasn't for my newfound free time. So, in those breaks between Netflix marathons, do the things that give you joy, and bring the things that you once loved back into your life.

Everything I've just written is definitely easier said than done. It's very difficult not to focus on the downside during all of this craziness. I've come to understand this challenge after losing my abroad experience and my summer internship so suddenly, after many months of excitement and hard work. However, it is crucial to remember that being stuck at home means just that: you are home, and safe, with your family, and this is something many of us take for granted. If you are safe and sound with your family during a time when countless others can't say the same, you are doing alright.

So, instead of complaining about everything you are missing out on, try celebrating the things you still have and the hidden opportunities that time at home has given you. A Dr. Seuss inspired poem that I came across earlier this month writes, "Maybe this virus that caused so much stress / Showed the whole world that more can mean less." It is exactly this attitude we need to adopt, so that we might learn to hold our loved ones close and keep on living as best as we can during this time. We should count ourselves lucky if our biggest problem during a global pandemic is boredom.