Quarantine advice!

By Sophie Blumstein '21 and Meredith Griffin '21

Spring 2020

We know this is a strange and confusing time for everyone. It seems as if life has been put on hold. It’s completely normal to be feeling a mix of crazy emotions right now. But it’s important to remember that we’re all in this together and that we need to support each other! We hope this article can give you some tips!

1. I want to be productive during this time but I’ve been feeling unmotivated. What can I do to stay motivated?

A lot of people are feeling pressured to make the most of this time and do something productive. But learning something or taking up new hobbies can also be great options (check out the article on quarantine crafts to get inspired!). However, it’s ok if every day is not productive. It’s ok to feel unmotivated. It’s ok to be sad. Being isolated can take a toll on your mental health. It is important to remember that everyone is feeling this way, and there are still ways to feel connected to the people you love.

A good way to stay motivated is to make a checklist every morning with the things you want to accomplish that day. This will give your day some structure and help you accomplish your tasks without feeling overwhelmed. 

If your phone is a distraction, I recommend checking out the app, Forrest. There are probably similar apps that are free, but many people recommend this particular app. It allows you to set a timer, and if you don’t use your phone for that given time, you are rewarded with a “tree” on the app. I know it sounds a bit silly, but if you like phone games, it can really motivate you to do your work.

Another thing you can do is reward yourself after you’ve finished your work. Having something to look forward to gives you an incentive to be productive!

2. I’m feeling very lonely these days and I feel like I’m growing distant from my friends.

It’s a good idea to check on your friends to see how they’re feeling, both emotionally and physically. Zoom, Houseparty, and FaceTime are great ways to stay in touch with people. Zoom has an option to share your screen and computer sound, which can be used to watch movies and TV with your friends! Another option is Netflix Party, which is a google extension, but it requires all members to have a Netflix account. Checking in on the people you love and finding ways to do fun things together is very beneficial, for yourself and others. I know you can do it! I hope your friends notice and appreciate you reaching out to them, but if they don’t, it’s on them.

3. I’m really scared I’m going to lose my friends because I can’t see them & I miss my boyfriend :( What should I do?

With the inability to meet face to face, relationships are sure to change, but they don’t have to change for the worse. This extra time is a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends you may have not talked to in a while. 

It’s important to make time to talk to your friends and/or significant others. You can really make someone’s day by sending them a simple text to check up on them. Don’t let them forget how much they mean to you!!! 

Connecting digitally is tricky but not impossible! Maybe try to mail your friends a cute postcard or letter to remind them how much you care about them (sanitized first, of course!). Everyone is going through the same things. Don’t forget, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Make an extra effort to be kind to others during this difficult time! Take advantage of Zoom, Houseparty, Skype, and FaceTime! Maybe arrange a movie night with your friends. You can do it, I promise. Everyone is struggling during this time, but if we all work together to maintain relationships, we will all get through this.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need support or advice! We’re here for you! Send us a message letting us know who you are, we would love to help in any way we can!

Instagram- @meredith.griffin @sophieblumstein

Snapchat- mg10203 & xo.sophieb