As each and every one of us do our part to flatten the curve and to partake in social distancing, I wanted to put together a list of things that you can do to keep yourself busy at home. We are currently in the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and you are probably already tired of watching TV by now if you are working from home or out due to school or work closures! Hopefully this list will give you some ideas on things to do in quarantine.
1. Spring clean your apartment
This may not be what you had in mind when you got the opportunity to work from home, but this is the perfect time to spring clean your apartment. You’re going to be stuck inside anyways so you might as well set a day aside to deep clean your space.
2. Try a new recipe that is easy and simple
Since quarantining may be our new normal for a few weeks, brighten up your space by trying out a new recipe that is easy and simple to make at home. It’s a fun date idea that you can do with your loved one, and it gives you something to do besides worrying. I’m personally going to be bringing out my ice cream maker to test out a few recipes that I found on Pinterest. The one that I have is the Cuisinart 1.5 Qt Ice Cream Maker, and I love it so far! It makes some really good homemade ice cream without a lot of work involved.
3. Try an at-home workout program
With life being pretty stressful right now, it’s now more important than ever for you to be involved in your health and stay active. A lot of gyms and fitness trainers are offering free or discounted online workout programs and videos that you can do at home. Exercising releases endorphins that makes you feel better, and we could all use that right now.
4. Take an online course on something you’ve been dying to learn
If you’re out of school or classes due to the outbreak, you may want to utilize this time resourcefully and learn a new skill that you’ve been dying to learn. You can easily learn a new language to how to build a blog while you’re practicing social distancing.
5. Put time into your side hustle
Do you have a grand business idea that you’ve been meaning to start on? Or maybe you’re behind on some blog tasks? It’s the perfect time to put some extra love and attention into your side hustle to make you some extra cash.
Need some ideas on how to get started? Read these blog posts that I’ve created on some ideas on how I’ve made some extra cash throughout the years:
- The Hidden Secrets of Selling on Poshmark
- How to Start a Profitable Blog
- The Hidden Secrets of Dogsitting on the Rover App
- 5 Creative Ways for College Students to Make Money
- The True Story About How to Make Money Blogging
6. Read a book
When I was in high school, I used to always have a book in my hand or six stacked on my dresser. But now that I’m in pharmacy school, I never have enough time to sit down and enjoy the simple pleasures of reading a book. If you’re like me, definitely utilize this extra time to sit down and read a book.
Here are a few books that are on my reading list currently:
- #GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso
- The Melody by Jonathan Bright Jr
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
7. Take some time to indulge in self-care
If you’re stuck at home in quarantine, take the day to pamper yourself with at home spa day or even take 30 minutes out of your schedule to do something that relaxes you. Light a candle, play some relaxing music, do a face mask, and just enjoy the peace. You can even do your own nails or make your home spa water if you would like.
8. Do your taxes
I know for sure that I’ve been putting off doing my taxes, so if you’re like me, go ahead and do them now while you have a chance to breathe from your normal busy life. Plus it’s a great time to hopefully get a refund back from the government!
9. Finish decorating your apartment
Do you have some projects around the house that you haven’t quite finished yet? I know I for sure do, including making a shadow box and hanging up some frames. Use this time to work on that project you’ve been meaning to do and to finish decorating your apartment.
10. Declutter your makeup collection
Practicing social distancing is the perfect time to cross this item off your to-do list. Start by dumping out your entire makeup collection and organize it into three piles on the floor: one for trash, one to keep, and the third is to donate. The items that you should put in the donate pile are unopened products that you no longer interested in or using. You may have to check with your shelters near you to see if they take gently used products or only unopened ones.
If you’re local shelters doesn’t take in beauty products, here are some other options for you:
11. Start a craft project
Is there a DIY project that you’ve been meaning to do? Use this time now to start or finish your DIY project that you’ve been putting off. It’s a great time to get ahead and to cross some things off your to-do list.
If you’re an influencer or a business owner, then you know that there are always new social media platforms popping up and slowly taking wind. During this national wide break, take a few days to learn a new platform and become active on it. Right now it seems that Tik Tok is the new wave, but you can always dapple in ones such as Youtube, Pinterest, and Twitter if you haven’t already.
13. Study for an upcoming exam
Sorry my friends, but unfortunately national exams and courses will eventually start back up and you want to be ready to ace your exam. If you’re interested in pursuing medical, law, or pharmacy school, grab a few study guides on the PCAT, MCAT, or LSAT and get started studying for those exams now while you have the time.
For those that are interested in pharmacy school, I have a helpful blog post on some study tips to help you pass the PCAT, and I’m working on a Youtube video with even more helpful advice, so stay tune for that!
14. Organize your closet
Every year around this time, I really enjoy reorganizing my closet and getting rid of any clothes that I’m no longer reaching for. To make this process easier, I like to take out every item in my closet and lay them out on the bed. Then once I can see everything, I look at every piece, try it on, and see if I can keep it or toss it. I make the same three piles, except one is to sell not trash, as when I organize my makeup and it works wonder to clear out my closet.
Then once I have a sell pile, I like to take photos and post the items on Poshmark to sell. If you’re interested in shopping my closet, I have quite a few items up already that you can buy and will be adding more items over the next few weeks.
15. Facetime your friends and loved ones
If you and your friends or loved ones can’t be together right now, set up a time to video chat with them and spend time some together virtually. There’s also a browser extension called Netflix Party that allows you and your friends to watch a TV show or movie together online. So you have no excuse to be bored and lonely at home now while you’re in quarantine.
I hope this little list helps you stay busy and comfortable while you’re stuck at home in quarantine and practicing social distancing. Pleas be safe, stay at home, wash your hands, and help do your part to flatten the curve!
