SOCIAL DISTANCING ACTIVITIES

As COVID-19’s social distancing and self quarantining continues, some of us may be going crazy while stuck inside. With nowhere to go, all the negative news and our stress levels at an all time high, it may be hard to figure out what things to do during this time. Some may be working, studying or truly just using this time to relax, but when you’ve been cooped up for weeks, how can you spend your time? And more importantly, how can you shift your focus from the things you miss to truly enjoy the now? 

There are a lot of options out there and some may not be everyone's cup of coffee, but here are some of my favorites social distancing activities!

Video Chat with family and friends

May you be social distancing alone or with roommates/family, it may still be hard to miss people you used to see constantly. Video chatting is a great tool that has revolutionized the way we interact with the people we love. Thanks to this I am able to communicate with co-workers, family and friends. So whenever you feel lonely or miss someone, grab your phone and look at their beautiful face. Nowadays, everyone is just a phone call away. 

Work from home or study from home (if you’re able)

Okay! So this may seem like it isn't a ton of fun, but it is a way for us to feel a little bit normal in this not so normal situation. Having a routine is a great way to pass the time. If you're working from home or now studying from home, treat the day as if you were going out on your normal routine. Set up schedules, lunch breaks, shower, get dressed, set up your work space, etc. This will truly help you feel better and like you aren't being as productive as you would have been in the past. And even if you aren't working or studying, you can still set up a schedule for yourself. Turn self-quarantine into your new routine.

Read a book or play some boardgames

You guys know I love a good book! And I also love playing boardgames or games in general. Grab a book and escape your normal day to day. Books are a great way to travel somewhere else. And if you don't love to read, you can listen to an audiobook. And if you're craving a group activity? There are tons of games you can play online or recruit the people in your house (if you aren't alone) to play some games. You make the rules!

Listen to some music and dance / Enjoy free concerts online

The fangirl in me is LOVING all the concerts online artists are offering. There are so many performances and lives you can enjoy. And there are pages dedicated to promoting them. So don't miss out to watch some. Grab some wine and snacks and watch your favorite artist in the comfort of your home. Video chat with some friends and make it a party. Also, so many artists are releasing new music. So go and listen and have your own dance party. Get moving and grooving! 

Try a new recipe

Or two or three! I love having a little extra time at home because I love trying new recipes and cooking. I've been sharing some of my favorites on instagram. And I know many people have taken to social media to share some new and creative recipes that you can try at home. Gather the ingredients you have at hand and come up with something new. Treat yourself. It can be lots of fun!

Binge watch a new show or have a family movie night

There are so many shows and movies you can enjoy. So many streaming services. And even films that would have premiered in theaters are being available for rental online early. Use Netflix Party, video chat or gather up the people in your house for an unplanned movie night. Or binge watch an entire show for yourself. Make time for some rest and indulge yourself with something that you probably didn't have the time to do before.

Learn to do something new

Or retake an old hobby. There are classes online, YouTube videos, etc that could teach you a whole new skill. Or even seminars you can take that can help you in your career. And if there is a hobby (like blogging) that you love and don't get to do enough, DO IT. No matter if it is due to a pandemic or not, it is never too late to do something you love. The time is always NOW.

Meditate and exercise: physical and mental health is important

Spending so much time at home, we might spend all our time sitting down or laying in bed. GET UP! Get moving! It doesn't need to be a crazy work out but get your blood flowing. It is important to be healthy. Our bodies will thank us later. Find a live and join some people in some fitness or yoga classes. I have seen a few floating around in social media. And also, meditation is my favorite way to check up on myself. 5 minutes a day to just sit with our eyes closed and focus on our breathing and empty our mind. There are even guided meditations like on calm.

Connect with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while (not a toxic person)

There may be someone in your contact list that you rarely connect with but they really make you laugh or have the best conversations. Maybe, there is someone who needs a little extra love in this very difficult time. Check up on your friends and family. This is a great time to do so.

Have a crafting party! It may be a good time to do DIYs with things you have at home

My mom and I created all the Easter cards we sent out to family, and are already planning the Mother's Day ones. Find things around your house and start crafting with friends, family or alone. There are tutorials for everything, even homemade masks. Also, my friends and I had a makeup and wine party the other night via FaceTime. We made a playlist and did our makeup, drank and caught up with each other. You can create these little moments of themed parties so you can spend your time and have fun. 

This list could go on and on. During this time, we just need to make the best of it. Maybe even get a little creative with it. And overall, we need to take care of our mental and physical health. Let me know what your favorite quarantine activity is in the comments or message me on instagram. I would love to read how everyone else is spending their time.

Stay safe. Stay healthy. And if you can, stay home.

If you are an essential worker during this difficult time, thank you! Sending everyone a big virtual hug.

Love, Nashi