Self-Quarantine & Chill
I heard the term social distancing for the first time a couple weeks ago. As a healthy young adult (and prior to COVID-19 being a worldwide pandemic) I foolishly thought to myself that it was the perfect excuse to bail on dinner plans -- and I wasn’t the only one that was piqued by the term. The Internet hopped on the social distancing bandwagon with endless memes and comical videos relating to the current climate surrounding the virus.
What started as news jargon slowly turned into reality. Once a suggested social cue only elders and folks with a compromised immune system were encouraged to follow is now an abiding rule across the nation.
No matter your generation or geographical location, everyone should be partaking in self-quarantines.
It’s day five into my committed relationship with social distancing. Working from home, family dinners via FaceTime, delivered groceries, and frequent counter wipe-downs are the new norm. Although the daunting feeling of isolation has become a bit too real, I’m working on rewiring my brain to think of this as a societal vacation.
Now, “I cannot find the time” for the laundry list of things I have been wanting to do is no longer an excuse. Here are some activities and tasks we can all do (from the comfort of our own homes) while exercising our social distancing civil duty:
Clean out your closet
Make donation piles, and (when the time is right), drop them off at a local shelter or donation center. Certain organizations also offer doorside pickups, so go online to see what is offered in your area. Apps like Poshmark or Depop are also great ways to get rid of old clothes -- and a great way to make a little side cash!
Adopt or foster a pet
If you’ve been thinking of getting a pet, this is the universe’s way of telling you the time is right, as adopting one now would greatly reduce the strain on shelters. If you can’t make the commitment, offer to foster as shelters are surely going to be inundated with pets from those who can’t care for them due to being seriously ill or hospitalized. This uncertain and stressful time is a wonderful opportunity to unify behind a common love of animals. Reach out to the Humane Society for more information.
Journal
Reflect, make note of your feelings, and jot down what you’re thankful for. Honor your thoughts, but do not let them control you. Journaling is a great outlet and a breath of fresh air.
Collaborative playlists
Add all your friends to a communal playlist and have them share their current favorite jams -- then have a Skype dance party!
Nap
Catch up on some major ZZZs... you deserve it! A good night’s rest (eight to nine hours) can greatly help boost your immune system.
Write letters
Much more than your overdue Christmas ‘Thank You’ cards. Start an excel sheet and have your friends and family add their address -- because when was the last time you got a handwritten letter from a friend?! (Psst: it’s encouraged to not lick envelopes right now, so be cautious of that!)
Read
It’s the perfect time to finish (or crack open) the pile of books that are now collecting a layer of dust on your nightstand.
Art and craft
Tie dye. Make jewelry. Knit. All those starter packs you bought for the hobbies you wanted to pick up now officially have a purpose.
Happy hour
Friday night FaceTime with a glass of vino. Did you know that Postmates also delivers alcohol? Quarantini, anyone?
Reach out to your loved ones. Scale down to what you actually need. Reconnect to what’s important. And for yourself and everyone’s sake: stay inside.
Emily Moore is a Loyola Marymount University summa cum laude graduate. She is an avid trinket collector, self-proclaimed poet, hot yoga practitioner, and lover of all things found in Erewhon Market (especially the Saffron Latte). She is the community and marketing manager at the fullest. Find her on the ‘gram here.