If you live in the U.S., you have heard about the reopening phase taking effect over the past month. While it’s nice to see, there is a rise in the number of cases. And I’m sure that there are many choosing to stay at home for a while longer. I miss eating inside restaurants, but it’s truly not safe right now. Even though quarantine started over 2 months ago, I still want to share 5 things to do during quarantine. It is summer, but there are still risks to going out in public carelessly.

Thing #1: Study subjects you’re interested in.

Google is just one click away. However, think about it: What interests you? What do you love and what topics are you interested in? For some, it may be art. For some, it may be history. For some, it may be science, math, pop culture, culinary arts, or any other subject. 

For me, I love languages, cultures, and geography. Therefore, I study Spanish or learn facts about different languages. I learn about different cultures from around the world (I especially love learning about food.). I learn about different countries and look at images of them. Although, I have recently studied world flags and world capitals. Knowing all of the world flags and capitals are two of my special talents. I intend to use those special talents to be a Guinness World Record holder within the next few months, but that’s news for another day.

Even though I can’t travel right now, those subjects still make me happy. Especially since I think of doing those things later on and not right now. Though the general advice is to look up topics that make you happy. Stop reading the news all the time or even every day. In fact, take some time away from them if they mess with your mental health.

Thing #2: Pick up a hobby or pursue a new one.

Some people have hobbies but haven’t had the chance to do them due to being busy. If you are in the house with nothing to do, now is the time to pick up old hobbies or pursue new ones. It could be crocheting, painting, gardening, etc. In fact, I have heard of some people baking at home. All of them are good things. It could be as simple as watching a TV series or different movies you have wanted to see. It’s all about what makes you happy. Personally, I do the things I stated in the previous section. Though watching YouTube videos on my own and watching TV with my aunt have relaxed me too.

Thing #3: Socialize.

While nothing beats in-person interaction, communication via the Internet is the best option for now. The world has been connected to the Internet before this, but now is the time to contact your old friends or family members, make new friends, and stay connected until in-person meetings are permitted again. I have connected with a few of my peers I will be going to college with. However, I have also spoken with people from different countries. In fact, I have several good online friends in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Spain, Puerto Rico, Panama, Chile, and Hong Kong. I love diversity, so I am happy to speak with all of them. You can use your social media accounts to personally message friends. Or you can sign up for something like HelloTalk, which is a cultural exchange app. I speak a mix of English and Spanish on there. It’s been an honor to speak with native Spanish-speakers from different countries, and I made most of my online friends on that app. An article about HelloTalk will be published in the future.

Thing #4: Go outside.

Depending on where you live, especially if you live in an urban city, this may not be feasible for you to do. However, if you live in a rural area, this is possible. Since there’s not a lot of people in general, it’s easier to keep your distance. Walk around your house in the yard or walk down the road. Take a ride out in your car if you can’t, but don’t stop anywhere crowded. Even something as simple as absorbing sunshine can make life look brighter, even in a dark time like this.

Thing #5: Shop online.

Since many stores are still closed, indoor shopping still won’t be prominent. And even if there are some shops open, it’s still not truly safe to go in. Do some online shopping and explore some new goods. Buy clothes, jewelry, auto parts, or whatever else you need or want to shop for. Or want an even greater idea? Subscribe to a subscription box dealing with cultural snacks! Those are so fun, and while the next box will be the last one for review (for a little while), you can join in on the fun too. You don’t have to write reviews. Just trying them is a great experience in itself. Though as a blogger, they make great articles! I will definitely be reviewing different subscription boxes from other companies in the future!

The ultimate thing: No matter what you choose to do during this time, it is very important that you protect your mental health. Stop listening to the news and put your mind on happier things. Most likely, you will light up inside. Besides, it is important to keep yourself in check and stay sane during this tumultuous time. This may seem like a long time, but like all things, this will pass.

I have felt a lot of stress since quarantine started, but ignoring the news has relieved some of my stress. Putting my mind on other activities has been helpful too. Plus the fact that I’m going to college in the fall makes me optimistic. Think about it. While our normal routines have been paused, time is still moving, birds are still chirping, flowers are blooming, and the sun is still shining. Those are just the simple things to look at and appreciate. We have paused, but our outside world hasn’t. There is still movement all around, and that alone brings me solace.

What are some things you are doing to pass the time right now? I talked about myself, but I will say that my mom has been cooking some really good Chinese food at home. From the Sweet and Sour Chicken to the Crab Rangoons, I just can’t get them out of my mind. Though because my mother wants me to cover her home cooking on my blog (yes, really), expect to see some articles about that until I head off to college. In fact, one of the dishes she made will be in the next article, so stay tuned! 

(Funny how my sections are reminiscent of the Dr. Seuss characters? Coincidence? Maybe so.)

In the meantime, read my latest cultural snacks review: https://kristasoyyo.com/2020/05/26/trying-filipino-snacks-for-the-first-time-review/