• Take up a new hobby like baking, knitting, or painting to stay productive.
• Keep your brain engaged with puzzles, math or word games, and educational videos.
• Stay active by doing bodyweight exercises, dancing, yoga, and hiking outdoors to get your heart rate up.
• Take care of your mental health with meditation, calming music, and staying connected with family and friends.
With the pandemic still causing chaos worldwide, it’s essential to keep your spirits up and stay productive. While the number of severe cases is going down, some people still need to self-quarantine. Self-quarantining can be isolating and even boring, but there are plenty of activities that you can do to make the most of the time.
Here are some activities to keep yourself entertained, active, and healthy during these times.
1. Take Up a New Hobby
Now is a great time to try something new! Why not learn to bake bread, knit a scarf, or start painting? There are so many activities out there that can help you stay productive while also having fun. And if you don’t have any supplies for your new hobby, there are plenty of online stores where you can order them in a safe and contactless way.
Try to choose something you’ve always wanted to learn but never had the time for. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in a short amount of time. Just take regular breaks so you don’t get too overwhelmed.
2. Keep Your Brain Engaged
Staying mentally active is just as important as staying physically active. You can do puzzles or sudoku to keep your brain sharp. There are many fun fill-in word puzzles you can find online to keep your mind stimulated and engaged. Your vocabulary will get a great workout as well!
Reading books or watching educational videos are also great ways to stay engaged. Many libraries have an online catalog for renting e-books, and many streaming services offer educational videos. Look for something interesting to learn and expand your knowledge. This is a great way to stay occupied while learning something new.
3. Stay Active
Exercising is vital when it comes to staying healthy both mentally and physically. Try to stay active or go outside to move around — just follow social distancing guidelines and always wear a mask. You can also search online for simple at-home workouts that don’t require any equipment. Here are some good ideas:
a. Bodyweight exercises
Push-ups, squats, and planks are great bodyweight exercises that help you stay toned and strong. You can find plenty of tutorials online if you’re unsure how to do them properly.
b. Dancing
Put on your favorite tunes and dance around the house! It’s a great way to get your heart rate up and have fun at the same time. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to dance; just let loose and move your body however you want.
c. Yoga
Yoga is an excellent way to relax your body, reduce stress levels, and improve your flexibility. You can do it wherever you are, as long as you have some space. Plenty of online tutorials and classes can help you get started.
d. Hiking
If you’re lucky enough to live near a nature park, take the opportunity to go outside and explore. Just stick to the trails and keep your distance from other hikers. If you can’t access a park, try walking in your neighborhood or find a nearby nature trail.
4. Mental Health Matters Too
It’s essential to recognize that mental health matters as much as physical health does during these times. Make sure to take some time for yourself to relax and unwind. Try meditating, listening to calming music, or doing something creative like writing or drawing. These activities can help reduce stress levels and keep your mental health in check.
You can also contact your friends and family via video chat or text to stay connected. Talk to your loved ones about how you’re feeling, and ask them how they’re doing too. Staying connected is key to keeping your mental health in good shape.
Staying healthy doesn’t have to be tedious or boring — there are plenty of ways to stay productive during quarantine while having fun simultaneously! Take up a new hobby, keep your brain engaged, stay active, and take care of your mental health. Always follow safety guidelines when going outside and try to make the most of your time. With a bit of creativity and dedication, you can make the most of your time in quarantine.
