Mental Health

Bored? Here are 25 things to keep you busy in self-quarantine

By: Tasnim Seif

During times like these, you may be stressed or nervous, but the best thing to do is relax. Take care of yourself at home and do not get overwhelmed because as long as you stay safe, you will be okay. Remember that God will protect and knows what is best for you as well. Don’t forget to have fun and try new things because we are living through history. This time is going to show up in future textbooks. But remember, it is important to stay home for the safety of yourself, your family, and your community. Finally, wash your hands! With all this time, the possibilities are endless, but here are 25 things you can do to keep yourself busy in this self-quarantine.

Baking- Try a new recipe or stick to your favorites. It won’t hurt to treat yourself during this time. It seems like everyone is making bread and banana bread right now so hop on the bandwagon.
Organize and redecorate - This is a perfect time for you to bring out your inner HGTV. Organize the pantry, move your bed, or clean out your closet.
Workout - Now you finally have the time to stay consistent with your workouts. There are tons of videos online that you can follow to help you achieve that quarantine glow up.
Call friends and family - During our busy lives it is sometimes difficult for you to keep in touch with your family, but now you have no excuses. Call your friends and family, it’s very important!
Watch TV - Use this time to catch up on your favorite shows or re-watch old ones. It’s okay to binge!
Tie-Dye - Tie-dye shirts and sweatpants are back in style, so try making them yourself. Grab an old t-shirt, some dyes, and follow your favorite tutorial!
Read - You know all those books on your shelf you told yourself you were going to read but never did, now is the time!
Start a quarantine diary - We are living through history right now, so try recording what is currently going on and how you feel about it. Your future children can read it!
Online shopping - If you got rid of a lot of old clothes, buy some new ones online! A lot of stores are having great sales and are being very generous with shipping and returns.
Food delivery - Check out some food delivery services and order from your local businesses. These restaurants may be struggling during this difficult time so help them out!
Nap - This may seem obvious, but it’s important. During the school year, a lot of us were lacking sleep so get those hours back!
Have a self-care day - Use that bath bomb that’s been sitting at the back of your cabinet or do a face mask. Being stuck at home is not an excuse to not take care of yourself!
Give yourself a haircut - If you are brave enough, try giving yourself a haircut or even color your hair. But follow a tutorial. Please!
Play board games - Now that you’ve got the family together, pull out those old board games from the basement and play!
Go outside! - Go for a walk and get some fresh air. Just because we have to stay home does not mean we can’t actually go outside. But, make sure that you remain six feet away from your neighbors.
Play sports - Throw around that football or use that basketball hoop that’s been sitting in your driveway all year.
Pick up a new skill - Learn a new language or sew. It might be hard, but we have a lot of time to learn now.
Do your homework - You may not like it, but maybe you should write that essay and not wait until the last minute.
Video games - You probably wouldn’t expect to be told to play video games, but why not? It’s a great way to connect with your friends right now. Plus, Club Penguin is back and the nostalgia is hitting hard.
Themed dinner - Lots of people are having themed dinners like Hibachi Night or Taco Tuesday, so try it for yourself!
Send gifts - Pack a few fun things in a box and send it to your friends. They’ll really appreciate it and maybe you’ll get one back!
Make a face mask - There are tons of tutorials online that show you how to make your own face mask in just a few steps. Don’t forget to wear it when you go out.
Virtual Halaqa - Even though our masjids are closed, we can still come together as a community virtually. Many masjids are having halaqas online now that it’s Ramadan.
Art - Paint or make sidewalk art with some chalk.
Have a campfire - You can have a campfire in your backyard with your family and make some delicious s’mores!