26 Mar 2020

Times are weird right now, I’m sure we’re all across that at this point.

But as recommended, self-isolation is our best bet at containing the coronavirus. What this means is that we’re all going to be spending a lot more time at home, especially on the weekend. Unfortunately, parties, gatherings and random escapades with mates may slow down for the time being, which is a bummer.

But never fear! I've been in self-isolation for two days now and being a homebody has its benefits. Here's some of the best ways to make your free time as enjoyable as possible.

 

1. Clean out your phone

Okay, this mightn’t sound exactly fun but when else are you going to be able to go through your 15,143 photos and videos?

The amount of twitter screenshots and TikTok screen recordings I've collected is insane and going through them can be a therapeutic cleanse. 

2. Get into cooking

Not everyone is a natural cook, but being stuck at home can bring about a cooking inspiration that had never been discovered before. Look at a bunch of TASTY videos on youtube, find what your quarantine craving is, and run with the bulls!

A cookie dough oreo cheesecake has never sounded better.

3. Do whatever you do on TikTok

I’ve been avoiding TikTok since it burst on the scene, telling myself I didn’t need another social media vice. However, now I’m going to be holed up for a bit of time, maybe it’s the absolute perfect time to do that renegade dance.

You have the potential to go to be viral in no time.

4. Binge that show you’ve been meaning to

Never in our young lives have we been given a greater excuse to get our binge on. Netflix can be our saving grace during a time like this, giving us the potential to watch the entirety of Gossip Girl or watch all of The Hunger Games.

Snuggle up and let your binge engulf you! I support you!

5. Start a quarantine diary

Diaries in general are a good way to help articulate the way you’re feeling in a concrete way, and because this period in time is just so strange, it would be nice to look back on how you're feeling.

6. Become a Chess god

I only learnt how to play Chess not even a week ago, and I think someone upstairs made that decision knowing that I was about to have a whole bunch of spare time. I know this sounds like the sort of time-killer your grandpa would recommend, but the rush I get when I put a friend into check is unparalleled.

If you’ve got no one in your house willing to play against you, find an online chess site like I’ve been doing. I promise I had friends before self-isolation, I really promise!

7. Game to your heart's content

There's no time like the present to whip out your Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Wii or even your old Nintendo DS. Relive some of your childhood memories with games like Crash Bandicoot, Cooking Mama, Sims and even Singstar. Alternatively, you can finally catch up on some recent games you pushed to the side because of work or exams.

P.S. Animal Crossing is out, so get tf on it. Live vicariously through your games, friends!

These are crazy times, and if you feel a bit stressed about what you’re going to do whilst isolating, take a deep breath, know that you’re okay and delete those embarrassing TikTok’s from your drafts.