Quarantine Pro-Tips

tiny-personal-university-thing:

Alright folks. So, if you’re in the same boat that I am - which is out of a job (we got laid off because restaurants in Texas were mandated to close dine-in services), worried about getting your bills paid because you lost your aforementioned job, on extended spring break and not returning to campus at all this semester, deeply concerned about all of your classes moving to an online format, and practicing social distancing - you are most likely feeling unproductive and bored out of your skull. 

Here are some activities that have helped me: 

• Self care. It is amazing how much better you feel when you are clean, smell good, and you are wearing a fresh pair of clothes. 
• Doing something artistic, if you feel so inclined/have the materials to do so. For me, this has been getting back into painting and playing my violin
• Spending time with your pets. 
• Spending time on your balcony/front porch, appreciating nature. This activity pairs very well with a cup of coffee or tea. 
• Taking this time to deep clean your house/apartment. 
• Face-timing/calling friends and family who are probably feeling the same way that you are. 
• If you are someone that wears make-up and enjoys make-up, absolutely feel free to get glammed up, even if it is just to watch Netflix. You aren’t wasting make-up if it makes you feel better about your situation. 
• Listen to music. I have rediscovered my love for Prince this week.
• Learn how you can elevate your quarantine meals via Supercook - which is a free website that tells you what dishes you can make with ingredients you have in your kitchen. Personally, I am coming out of this quarantine a home chef.
• Ask your friends/family what shows they are streaming. I have finished so many shows over the course of the last couple of days, and without recommendations I would be so incredibly bored. Would definitely recommend Tiger King on Netflix, by the way. That documentary was quite the trip. I would also recommend Schitt’s Creek and The Stranger. 
• Give in to Duolingo’s constant notifications and practice learning a new language!
• Read some of those books you may have lying around, or re-read an old favorite. 
• File for unemployment if need be. It wasn’t too difficult for me personally; there should be an option to indicate that you lost your job due to COVID-19. This is the case for Texas.  
• Take this time to get ahead on course material, even if your online course schedule is tentative. 
• Feel free to catch up on sleep. It’s okay to rest and not be doing something 100% productive 24/7. 

That’s all for now folks. Keep your heads up, stay the home for the love of god, and just do your best. We will get through this ordeal. 

How are y’all coping this week? 

-Erin