When you are trapped inside, things can get a bit stir-crazy on a day where there is nothing to do. Perhaps you’ve cleaned the house for the millionth time, work doesn’t start for another few hours and it’s the weekend so there are no online classes. What do you do when there is seemingly nothing to do? Here are some fun ideas and stories of people’s quarantine shenanigans.
Mask up and social distance. Sometimes to prevent cabin fever we need to go outside. Take a walk in the local park. Wear a mask and practice social distancing, but stop and smell the flowers, look into ponds and try to see fish, maybe hike the red trail that no man dares to tackle. You can still go outside; take a basketball and play a game with siblings or just shoot hoops. Maybe pick up a new hobby like longboarding or just go out and enjoy the sunshine in your yard.
Movie marathons are another great idea. There are thousands of TV shows and movies on Netflix and playing on cable TV, so if you want to catch up on your favorite TV shows or rewatch a classic movie, this is the time to do it. Some streaming services are even charging less for the month of April. If you find yourself lost, make a list and start binge-watching movies and TV shows.
Video games are a fun way to get lost in your own little world; hunting dragons, catching butterflies and making your own little virtual paradise. Some of the newest games that are all the rage right now are “Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” “Doom” and some classics like “Minecraft” and “Grandtheft Auto.” Sometimes it’s healthy to just escape the crazy world around you and focus on something else for a little while.
Puzzles: beautiful pictures scattered and waiting to be put back together. Puzzles are a great pastime to do with family or friends. It keeps you engaged because a brain teaser or friendly competition on who can put together the most pieces are always fun. There are so many things you can do during quarantine.
Keene State sophomore student Kristen Luba has been cooking to pass the time. Luba stated, “ I have been testing my cooking skills. I’ve made homemade bread, pizza dough, homemade tortillas for tacos, homemade dumplings (even the dough was from scratch). I also made homemade chicken cordon bleu.” Luba plans on making even more recipes including General Tso’s chicken and egg rolls. Luba stated, “I love Chinese food and since I’m at home, the only way to get it is to make it.”
Keene State student Colette Rinker has been building her own little world in “The Sims 4.” Rinker stated, “I’ve been playing ‘The Sims 4,’ especially since Origin just made a majority of the expansion packs on sale.” Rinker also stated that she has been getting really into hiking.
Keene state Sophomore Rihannon Hacking has also been keeping herself occupied. Hacking said that on top of homework and classes, they have been using their spare time to read, draw, work out and spend time with her family.
There are a lot of things we can do to keep ourselves occupied during these bizarre times. Staying safe and practicing social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t do the things you love.
Abigail Lashway can be contacted at:
alashway@kscequinox.com
