By: Seo Soo Bin & Chloe Sofia Creag Nacario
Due to the sudden COVID-19 social distancing and self-quarantine measures put into place, some of us may not be able to handle the confined spaces of our home after being cooped up for weeks. With that being said, here is a guide to all the meaningful and productive things you can do while you are stuck in quarantine. Many of these recommendations can be done with your loved ones to keep you busy during this period.
1. Pick up a new hobby
With all this free time on your hands, take this chance to cultivate a new hobby. You could try learning how to cook your favourite dish or bake a tray of pastries. Otherwise, you could also rediscover your creative side by dusting off your old art supplies and creating your very own masterpiece.
2. Learn a new language
Have you ever wanted to watch a K-drama without having to wait for subtitles? This period of quarantine may be the perfect time for you to learn a new language. Learning materials are easily accessible nowadays with numerous videos on Youtube and websites. There are also plenty of applications such as ‘Duolingo’ and ‘Memrise’ that make learning a language fun for any beginner.
3. Watch movies and TV shows
Most of us are busy with studies and work, so, why not try relaxing by watching all the movies and TV shows you wanted to watch. You can spend this time watching a comedy movie with your family or watch a horror movie with your friends via Skype. You could also decide to binge watch an entire Korean drama or a documentary on your own. The choices are endless!
4. Organise your room
If you have been too busy or caught up with life that you could not find the time to clean or organise your room, now is the best time to do so! Get out of bed, tie your hair up (if you’re a girl) and get to work! Align those books you left all over your desk, tidy up the makeup and cosmetic products on your vanity table, or re-organise the furniture in your room to make your room look more visually appealing.
5. Purge items
Sure enough, as you clean and tidy up your room, you will find that there are items or clothing that you no longer need or want. During this quarantine, you have the time to get rid of these things. While you do this, you may also find items from your childhood and you may spend some time going down the memory lane and experience some nostalgia. However, do try to avoid hoarding for “memories” sake!
6. Start an online shop to sell items
While rummaging through your belongings, you may find that there are things that seem almost brand new but do not appeal to you as a want or a need anymore. Use this opportunity to get some money! Download an app, such as ‘Carousell’, as a platform to sell off these items and you will get to earn extra pocket money that you can spend once your quarantine is over.
7.Try at-home workouts
Was your goal to lose weight or keep fit for this year? With all of us being home-bound, it is still possible for you to get a full body workout without a single piece of equipment. With the comfort and privacy of home, the internet is now your gym trainer. Workout and yoga videos are now just a few clicks away. Need suggestions? Here are some links to begin your wellness journey:
→ EXAMPLE: 20 MIN HOME WORKOUT FOLLOW ALONG
→ EXAMPLE: Get Abs in 2 WEEKS | Abs Workout Challenge
→ EXAMPLE: Low Impact FULL BODY HIIT Workout (No Equipment + No Jumping)
8. Pick up a skincare routine
There are a lot of different ways for us to show self-love. Journaling, yoga, meditation, exercising etc. In fact, our rituals are one of the best ways to show self-care, starting with our skincare routine. It is now a golden chance for you to take good care of your skin, especially for those of you who have been stressing out or sleeping late for the past few months. Clean beauty is the way to go and by the time our quarantine days are over, your skin will be nourished from inside out.
→ EXAMPLE: TEENAGE SKINCARE ROUTINE | Nuria Ma
→ EXAMPLE: THE BLOGGER’S GUIDE TO SELF-CARE | Elizabeth Dohkia
→ EXAMPLE: 7 SKINCARE ESSENTIALS TO GET YOU THROUGH SINGAPORE’S SCORCHING HOT WEATHER | Teenage
9. Spend meaningful time with your family and friends
Have you been missing your friends or long distance relatives lately? Now would be a great time for some virtual connecting while practicing social distancing. At this point in time, supporting one another is vital and communication is key. With our high speed internet connection, we are still able to see each other through our digital devices. We can all take this chance to spend some quality time with our loved ones.
You can watch a movie and have a virtual dinner date at the same time via a video call to keep your friends and family connected.
It is completely understandable that sitting at home for days or even weeks is not an easy thing to do for most of us. Take this time to learn something new and have a well deserved rest for your body. Give some of our fun guides above a try and say hello to creating a better and more meaningful lifestyle!
