Things To Do During Quarantine

With events being cancelled, the college's being shut down and the whole of England being put into Quarantine I've been thinking a lot about what I can do to stop myself from going crazy while being coped up in my room all day. And I'm sure I'm not the only student who’s thinking the same thing. It’s really important that we take the quarantine seriously however we can still be productive and make the best of the situation, which is why I've created:

Tilly’s list of things to do during quarantine, when she’s hopefully not ill, to stop herself from being bored and to make sure she isn’t going crazy in her little bubble. I know, it has a nice ring to it!

Please Note: while searching for inspiration of things to include in my list I came across a number of articles which alluded of straight-up suggested: "text all your exes, just in case you have one more thing you wanted to get off your chest". No. Let’s not bring negativity into what's already a difficult time. Think about spreading positivity instead. If you take anything from this blog post let it be that (and the catchy 40-word title I gave my list).

1. Complete and do extra college work

With thanks to technology, my college is technically open. Although it will be challenging to complete my coursework, and face timing my class isn't exactly something I am thrilled about, it does give me a good opportunity to be more independent with my work and see what I can achieve. I am very good at motivating myself to complete work, so I am interested to see how this is going to turn out. I can replace boredom with extra work and try and boost my grade – I would recommend everyone attempts to do the same! What harm can it do?

2. NETFLIX, Netflix and MORE Netflix

I have 100 things I am dying to watch on Netflix and I'm excited to use this as an opportunity to work my way through my list. Netflix Party also allows you to stream a movie at the exact same time with a group of friends so I'm sure movie nights will still be happening. 
Some of my recommendations on what to watch include: Gossip Girl, Love Is Blind, Jane the Virgin, Good Girls, Money Heist and YOU. They are all really good binge-worthy shows!

3. FaceTime and Call Friends

For me, one of my main concerns is that I will get very lonely due to not being able to go out and see people. Luckily, in the 21st century, we all have phones, so you can be sure I will be texting EVERYONE about pointless stuff. But remember to check in with family members and friends regularly. A short call could mean a lot. And sorry in advance friends, think of it as an appreciation message.

4. Make/Watch Tik Toks

I've added this to the list as I swear this app can keep me entertained for hours. I personally will just be watching but if you have the confidence to make some DO ITT!

5. Create playlists/ Broaden your Music taste 

I listen to a range of music and I think it's about time I sort it into a number of playlists. Consider making a playlist for a friend, introduce them to some new music you think they will like or ask for some recommendation. Music can make the smallest task more fun and is a good way to keep yourself happy.
Recommendations: anything Ariana Grande. Obvs.            

6. Bring out the old games

If you have a Wii or Nintendo DS, dig them out immediately! Honestly, this will be the best life decision you will make. Think about connecting with your friend online when playing games, if anyone is interested in playing Minecraft with me, pop me a message!!!

7. Colour in a colouring book

Not only is this a very therapeutic task it can also be a good way to spend some time. It's been scientifically proven to improve focus, sleep, reduce stress and anxiety so why would you not want to take some time of your day to get creative and just do some colouring?  

8. Start a bulleting journal

Personally, I find these journals really inspirational and motivating, however whenever I have tried to create my own in the past, I have soon realized how time-consuming they are. Well, guess what! Now I have all the time in the world! So, I will definitely be looking at starting my journal again. You don't have to write about your feelings or plan your week if you don't want to. There are lots of purposes for one, such as creating a bucket list or tracking habits. 

9. Read a book or listen to an E-Book

Personally, I love reading. However, due to the pace of my course at college I often neglect my love for it and can never manage to make any time for it. Luckily though, Audible exists. This means that even if I know I can't physically sit down with a book, I can still find time to listen to one – nobody can stop me doing that! I can start my mornings with a chapter or read just before I go to bed. This is a great way to spend some time and has numerous benefits. 
My recommendations:
IT - Stephen King
Feminists don't wear pink - Scarlett Curtis
You - Caroline Kepnes
101 essays that will change the way you think - Brianna Wiest

10. Listen to a podcast 

Ok, so, confession time. Maybe I did put this down to promote the Mid-Teen Crisis podcast I co-make with some friends. However, they are a great way to learn, laugh and try something new. I personally love listening to podcasts as there is always something new to gain from them, and there is one for every type of person. GIVE THEM A GO! You could listen to them while you colour, or shower or eat, or all of those things at once. 
Recommendations:
Views - David Dobrik and Jason Nash 
Pretty Basic - Alisha Marie and Remi Cruz
Mid-Teen Crisis - Tilly, Alfie, and Emily (duh)

11. Create a wish list 

I LOVE online shopping and I never take the time to fully look through some of my favourite brands. So, I am personally going to add a tonne of new summer clothes into my Wishlist so that, when the hot weather hits (sooner rather than later, please!) I will be ready with a tonne of new cute outfits. Take inspiration from Pinterest boards and find all the outfits your wardrobe is missing.

12. Rearrange your wardrobe/create a style book

Not actually leaving the house is the perfect opportunity to wear joggers every day and not have to put on any makeup or do my hair. However, take this as an opportunity to reorganize the clothes you do have and think about what you are missing or lacking. My favourite way to do this is to take an item of clothing and see how many outfits you can create from it. It's a fun way to create some new looks, and also work out which clothes you don't wear anymore so you can donate them to a charity shop or sell them on. 

13. Take a break from social media

Hearing on the news every day the effects the virus is having across the world puts me in an anxious position. Something I want to do is take a little detox from some of the negativity on social media. So whether that is limiting the hours I spend on it, or reducing it to none at all, I want to focus on being the positive me and not worrying myself into a panic. If something important is happening, I'm sure someone else could notify me, not Donald Trump's Twitter.

14. Get yourself into a routine

Having a routine can increase the feeling of safety and security. It also helps you to build a more natural sleep routine, which your health will benefit a lot from. Whether you’re ill or not, it’s a good idea to help your body out for the future and take some of this time to get into a routine. For example, rather than waking up at 11am every day (like I’d like too), if I wake up at 9am, I can be way more productive and, in the future,  will not struggle with early starts, like I do currently. 

15. Just get more sleep

I love to sleep. Enough said. 

16. Make sure you're still getting some fresh air

It's important that you still get outside while you’re in quarantine. Whether that's in your garden or taking your dog for a walk, stretch your legs and get some exercise - just making sure you keep your distance from neighbours and others. Although Britain hasn't currently blessed us with the sunny weather it has its sunny days.

17. Complete that to-do list you've had growing

We all have one. Whether it’s to clean your room or do the laundry, tackle them before they all build-up

18. Track your spending

Something that I have been meaning to do for a while is to look at what I am spending my money on most and cut down. I really struggle with saving and I think this will highlight what it is I am wasting my money on, meaning that I can hopefully then cut out the problem. It's just something I have been meaning to do and now is the perfect opportunity to do it. Spoiler alert: I mostly waste all my money on food (no shame). The budgeting skill is something I need to work on now so that when I go off to University, I will hopefully be much better at it.

19. Organize

It goes without saying I need to clean my room; college makes it get very messy. A creative mind = a messy environment. However, I need to organize which handouts and work I need to keep and which I don't. I have a lot of crafty resources I could sort through too, and hopefully this will reduce some of the clutter I face. 

20. Organize your computer files and back up your phone

This is something you should probably do regularly however I do not do this enough! Let this be your reminder to back up your phone, computer, organize your files, sort through your emails, just have a general tidy! Play a podcast and get on with it ;)

21. Beauty Therapy

This meme below is what inspired me for this point. Have a day where you pamper yourself and use those face masks and bath bombs you still have from Christmas. If you have siblings, let them join you and make it a girly day. Either way, note to self: Tilly do not wear joggers and a hoodie every day...

Image result for meme coming out of quarantine

22. Make a list of all the things you want to do once this is all over

Because this will end. Remember all the things, no matter how big or small, that you want to do with your friends and look forward to eventually doing them. And worst-case scenario, Easter’s soon so we can just eat a lot of chocolate.

I hope someone found this helpful or at least gave you some ideas on what to do over this strange and scary period. Remember: stay safe and sing happy birthday.





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