Quarantine Activities

While streaming services are a go-to for many, what else can we do with our new-found free time? Follow Mariah as she discusses some of her book and show recommendations for all your quarantine needs!

things TO DO WHILE QUARANTINED

By Mariah Lumsden

So the Coronavirus has pretty much consumed the daily lives of almost everyone around the world. Daily life has changed, and no one can seem to find a single sheet of toilet paper on the shelves. What’s with that? Although the Coronavirus has made everything come to a screeching halt, there is still much to do while staying safe and healthy at home, like reading, watching movies, and binge-watching TV shows on Netflix. Quarantine, while there is no denying that it does bring on the boredom blues, can still bring enjoyment if you just put your mind to it.

One short story to be recommended is “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, which is about a woman with a mental illness, who is locked up in the house, which is something with which a lot of people can currently relate. This short story is about a woman with severe depression and anxiety from the recent birth of her child, who spends most of her time in the upstairs of her home, forced to stay up there by her husband, who writes off her illness as her own hysteria. In this room where she spends all of her time, a horrid yellow wallpaper tortures her. She describes the wallpaper as “sprawling flamboyant patterns committing every artistic sin.” It is an important piece of feminist literature, as well as a good read because it explores women’s mental health issues.

Another phenomenal piece of literature to be recommended is Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli. This modern piece of romantic literature showcases the young love of two teenage boys. Although the main character, Simon, does not know the other boy at first because they only communicate through email, the storyline takes the reader on a rollercoaster and leaves you guessing about what is going to happen next and about the identity of the mystery man. Unfortunately, the story features blackmailing and homophobia, but the ending is a happy one and it is greatly suggested that you pick up the book and find out for yourself.

During quarantine, sometimes you may not feel as inclined to read a book because, understandably, it is difficult to get up off your couch or bed and reach for a book; so here is a movie recommendation that can be found on Netflix. This movie is called The Theory of Everything, directed by James Marsh. The Theory of Everything documents the life of the exceptional theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. It takes you on a journey of the physicist's early life in college, as well as his married life, while his condition called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, progresses. This film will definitely provoke tears, and unfortunately there are little tissues, toilet paper, or paper towels left to wipe your tears so just wash your hands after shedding and wiping away those copious amounts of tears.

If crying does not sound appealing for some reason, try binge-watching a light-hearted TV show. This TV show recommendation is called Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee, hosted by the hilarious comedian Jerry Seinfeld. This show features different comedians in different cars each episode, always alongside Jerry Seinfeld, sharing jokes and stories about each other’s experiences with comedy. The show stars hysterical comedians like Tina Fey, Ellen DeGeneres, Lorne Michaels, and many more. Another added plus is the coffee cinematography and calming coffee shop music that goes alongside it. This show is a beautiful piece of art.

Don’t let quarantine get you down. Read a book that a hardworking author created as an opportunity for you to escape. Watch a film that a director beautifully handcrafted to give you an astounding experience. Binge-watch a TV show that a producer created to make you laugh. Wash your hands, practice healthy habits, and stay safe.

Photo Credit:

Official poster for the play rendition of "The Yellow Wallpaper"
Jerry Seinfeld and Steve Harvey on "Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee" on Netflix

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