You might feel like you have way too much time on your hands due to the fact you’re stuck at home. To fight your boredom, consider these suggestions of what you can do while keeping yourself safe.

1)News

Stay informed for any updates within your area. Here are updates from District 219. 

2)Prepare

People are panicking over the virus, so direct that energy into productivity. Only buy essentials instead of bulking up so others can get their resources. Wash your hands and learn what other health precautions you need to take.  Sew up  and create your own face masks. Facing your issues can help calm you down. 

3)Homework

Complete your remote learning work. Communicate with instructors/students to see if any improvements can be made. Remote learning will start on April 1, take a look at the guide here.

4)Shop

Illinois issued a stay-at-home order and only essential businesses will remain open. Support local companies that are still open. To combat the stigma that has been misappropriately placed against Asian Americans, consider supporting local businesses, especially with Asian employees.

5)Move

Health should be prioritized so people should try to get about an hour of exercise everyday. Do research on workout routines that satisfy your needs. There are videos with online fitness coaches. Also,  LA Times provided a list of home workouts and Planet Fitness will be streaming and posting videos of their “Home Work-Ins.”

6)Socialize

Social/Physical distancing prevents COVID-19 because its symptoms are delayed, so avoid external contact. Instead, video chat or converse with friends through social media. However, not all connection needs to be online. Now is a good time to connect with family members in your home. Board games, video games, and card games are always good options. 

7)Learn

Use this time productively to gain a new skill or practice an activity you’ve been wanting to do. Before the quarantine, people felt as if they had little time and now we have time to breathe. Play an instrument or practice another language. Anyone can improve themselves little by little.

8)Relax

Shows are certainly entertaining, but according to CNN, streaming services like Youtube and Netflix are slowing down. Other alternatives to watching shows are reading, writing, art, and listening to music.  

9)Clean

Organize your rooms because you will be spending more time at home. Decorate and do whatever you can to enjoy the space you live in. According to NBC News, plants boost your mood, increases productivity levels, and improves your concentration. Plants also freshen up the air and get rid of toxins. 

10) Stay hopeful

There is a lot of negative dark space during this time. Try to bring light to those spaces by maintaining optimistic, keeping your sense of humor, or practicing small acts of random kindness. It can’t hurt!

To encourage quarantine, you should be able to find enjoyment without leaving your home. Social/Physical distancing should help slow down the virus. Ideally, the shutdown will be over soon, so make the most of this time as best as you can.