Friday, June 12, 2020 by Madison Louise Nichols
As quarantine measures extend, it is not uncommon to find yourself at a loss for what to do while spending most of your time at home. As we enter our fourth month of physical distancing, you may feel as though you have exhausted all activities and are starting to feel yourself losing motivation and productivity. This is why we wanted to provide you with a list of ideas for how to keep busy during quarantine.
Try Following Along to Workout Videos
While you’re at home, why not try out some new workouts that will help you take care of your mental and physical health? Physical activity is important, and with gyms being closed and sports temporarily not running, it can be difficult to find alternative ways to stay physically active. Online workout videos have been becoming more popular, and we recommend trying the online Warrior Workouts.
Pick Up Something New to Read
You know that book you bought pre-quarantine that went right onto your bookshelf and hasn’t moved since? Or that series you’ve been meaning to start because you keep hearing how good it is? Well now is the perfect time to pick up that book and start reading. Taking time to read daily has a number of health benefits, such as reducing stress levels, boosting happiness, and improving memory. If you need help looking for book recommendations, head over to the W Store website for a list of bestsellers, fiction, non-fiction, and books written by UWaterloo alumni and faculty.
Awaken Your Inner Artist
It’s never too late to try your hand at something new. There are lots of creative art techniques currently circulating online. From embroidery to paint-by-numbers, there are dozens of ideas to help you connect with your artistic abilities. Creating art can help reduce stress and keep you feeling positive and happy. Remember, you don’t have to be the best artist out there in order to enjoy making art! The beneficial health effects associated with art are not dependent on skill or talent, so pick up your pencil or paint brush and get creating!
Spend Time Exploring Nature
Spending time outdoors is a great way to connect with nature and get some exercise, and it is also a great way to take a break from being stuck inside. The best part is that there’s something for everyone to try. You can go for a hike, take some photos of nature, go for a bike ride, go kayaking or canoeing, and so much more! There is always lots to do outdoors to help you destress and stay positive.
Reach Out to Family and Friends
While you can’t see your family or friends in person right now, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun together. There are a number of platforms in which you can video call or play games with others, such as Zoom, Houseparty, and Facebook. Why not plan some time each week to go on a group call with family or friends? It’s a great way to stay connected.
Practice Cooking Healthy Meals
As a university student, it’s not uncommon for staple meals to consist of foods that are quick, easy, and budget-friendly, such as Kraft Dinner, microwaveable ramen, and the like. However, there are also lots of healthy meals you can make that fit the student meal criteria of quick, easy, and budget-friendly. Now is a great time to start exploring healthy food options, and maybe even trying your hand at a few new recipes. This is a productive way to spend time that will also have huge positive impacts on your lifestyle for years to come.
