Kendra Seguin
Depending on who you are, social distancing either seems like the best thing in the world or the worst thing on earth. While some people can easily take this time to relax, others may find excessive time at home to be frustrating. Even those who enjoy the extra “me-time” at first may become a little restless as the practice continues. To help fight any social distancing boredom or blues, Fuzzable has compiled a list of 10 things to do while social distancing:
Learn something new
Is there a guitar in the corner of your room that you never learned how to play? Did you save a recipe online but never had the time to try it out? Have you been wanting to try your hand at becoming the next TikTok star? Now is the time to try out everything and anything that you have not had the time to do before — that is if it falls within the social distance barriers. With time alone and online tutorials at your fingertips, learning a new skill could never be easier.
Clean out your closet
Closet clean outs can sometimes be a tedious task, but it can make you and your closet feel great when done. Since spring weather is starting, now is the perfect time to pack away any winter garments and take a good look at what was and was not worn last season. Remember to be honest with yourself about how much you really like or need an item. Put all of the clothes that you no longer want into a box to donate once social distancing is over. To make the cleaning process more fun, turn on your favourite upbeat music and have a personal fashion show every time you try something on.
Have a spa night
Treat yourself to a five-star experience in the comfort of your own home. Think about what a relaxing evening sounds like to you: is it a long bubble bath, sitting back with a face mask, giving yourself a manicure, or all of the above? Feel free to have several spa nights, each with different treatments. Be sure to set a calm mood by lighting candles and making your favorite warm drink. You deserve it.
Connect with friends and family
While social distancing prevents us from seeing our friends and family members in person, it does not need to stop us from interacting with them entirely. Social media and the internet allow us to connect with our loved ones more than ever, despite the distance. Video call distant family, play an online game with friends, or host a Netflix Party with everybody you know. Social distancing can still be social!
Get your work done
Although some people have dubbed the time off from work and school “coronacation,” the truth is that many of us still have responsibilities to complete at home. In order to stay on track, make a list of the work or school-related responsibilities that need to be done each day and stick to it. Take special note of any scheduled online meetings or classes so that you do not miss them. Like you should every day, remember to take breaks in between working periods and reward yourself for the tasks you finish.
Do an online workshop
Keeping on the note of work and education, another way to learn new things from the comfort of your own home is through online workshops. Many websites and organizations offer both paid and free workshops that help you learn valuable skills and will look great on a resume. Look for workshops related to technical skills, leadership, or topics of personal interest. It may even be wise to check with your work organization or school to see if they have any connections or recommendations.
Write letters
While social media allows us to connect to one another instantly, sometimes the extra time and personalization of a handwritten letter can make a message all the more special. For loved ones old, new, near, and far, consider writing a short letter to send to them via snail mail. If you feel pressured or stuck on what to write, just think of what you would normally say to them in person or online. Ask them how they are doing, tell them something that recently happened to you, or share an old memory. Customize your letter by adding drawings, stamps, or stickers. When mailing your letter, use the same social distancing practices as you would when going on a neighborhood walk — stay six feet away from anybody else you see, do not touch any high-contact surfaces (that means simply sliding your letter into the mailbox), and wash your hands when you get back home.
Revisit your childhood
Nostalgia is a powerful force, but there is no better time than now to get re-addicted to one of your favorite childhood experiences. Pull out your Disney DVDs, turn on your Wii, and log back into Webkinz because it is time for a throwback. You may be surprised at the jokes you missed while watching a movie as a kid or how much easier a game is now that you have more hand-eye coordination. Alternatively, revisiting your childhood may simply bring you a sense of joy and will remind you of a different time.
Binge-watch shows and movies
If you have been waiting on trying the Disney+ free trial, this is the moment to jump on it. With extra alone-time on your hands, binge-watching shows and movies is a great past time. Think back to all of the Netflix suggestions that your friends have given you and that you promised to start soon. Now you have the time to fulfill that promise. Remember that binge-watching is not limited to new movies and series. If there has been something that you have been meaning to re-watch, you now have the opportunity to do that too.
Take care of your mental health
Taking care of your mental health should always be a priority, but it is especially important right now. Different people take care of their mental health in different ways, so it is essential to find out what works best for you. If you are not currently familiar with mental wellness practices that are effective for you, use this time to figure that out — it will be useful both now and in the long run. Some ways to take care of your mental health include meditation, journaling, and engaging in activities of interest like exercising, painting, or listening to music. It is also important to think about the effect of news consumption and social media on your personal well-being.
If you know that those things add to your stress, set a limit to how much time you spend online each day. More than anything, make sure to communicate with others how you are feeling at this time. Like mentioned earlier, social distancing does not mean a lack of social interaction, so talk to the people you trust about your well-being so that they can support you, even from afar. In addition, remember to regularly check in on your friends and family to see how they are feeling as well.
When you consider the possibilities, there are a wide variety of activities to do in this time of social distancing. Make a plan and set goals of the things you want to do each day, but remember to have fun with everything too!
What are you doing while social distancing? Tweet us @Fuzzable to let us know.
