Alyssa Bump
Staff Writer
It may seem like the end of the world, and the truth is it really does feel like it. Schools and campuses across the world have shut down, many people have lost their jobs and many are forced to self-isolate.
Overall, this isn’t an ideal situation, but it is completely out of our hands.
Unfortunately, we just have to roll with the punches and try to maintain as much normalcy as possible.
But when boredom strikes, eventually it will, what should you do?
Educational:
- Teach yourself a new language. There are several great apps that can help you learn and eventually master a language. Duolingo is a great app to use and master grammar mechanics of a language. Maddie Pelkey, a Fredonia student who is fluent in three languages and intermediate in another three, uses this app and she also looks up Quizlets for specific vocabulary terms. Pelkey also said, “Spotify has great podcasts for beginning and intermediate learners.” She also switches the language of Netflix shows to her target language and then turns on English subtitles.
- Read a book. Although many people struggle to sit down with a book and read it, most of the time it is worthwhile. Also, audiobooks are a great alternative. You can use Amazon, Audible or even an app called Libby. You can download Libby for free and gain access if you have a library card through the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System. Reading magazines and newspapers, whether it is online or a hard copy, will also be a great way to keep up with the chaos that is ensuing globally.
- Learn a new skill. Youtube is a great resource that has many tutorials that are easy to follow. You could learn how to knit, draw, cook or anything else that intrigues you. If you wanted to, you could even refresh your brain with Crash Course videos to relearn old material that is still important, such as history and science.
- Watch a documentary. There are several documentaries available on Netflix, Hulu, Youtube and Amazon Prime Video. Instead of binge watching a random show on Netflix, you could learn something new and bring your attention towards an issue through watching a documentary. Educational podcasts are also a great resource that are free if you are not subscribed to any streaming service.
- Exercise your brain. Do a puzzle, Sudoku, crosswords, word searches or solitaire. There are several apps that also exercise your brain. A few apps that are worth trying out are Lumosity, Elevate and Left vs Right. You could also try to widen your vocabulary with apps such as Vocabulary Builder and Word of the Day. All the apps listed above are free.
Active:
- Do at-home workouts. Unfortunately, most gyms are closed or in the process of temporarily shutting down. However, there are many Youtube videos that will help to guide you in new workouts at home. You can even search for specific areas of the body you would like to work on, such as core or glutes. There are also several apps that are beneficial, including Home Workout and 30 Day Fitness.
- Do yoga. Just like at home workouts, there are many tutorials available on Youtube. In fact, Yoga With Adriene is a great channel to use. There are also some apps, such as Daily Yoga and Yoga for Beginners, that are beneficial.
- Go for a walk if possible. This is a great way to embrace the outdoors if you are allowed outside. If you have a dog, this would be a great way to give them some exercise as well. If it is not safe for you to leave your home, try to walk around your house or even up and down your stairs to get your blood flowing. Although it sometimes feels hard to get out of bed, it is important to move around.
Creative:
- Draw or paint. Being creative is a great way to relieve stress, even if you don’t consider yourself an expert. Tik Tok shows a lot of artists that create amazing artwork that could be used as an inspiration.
- Write in a journal. Bullet journaling has become extremely popular, but journaling doesn’t always have to be pretty. We are living in a unique time right now, so it would be a good idea to document your thoughts, feelings and surroundings during this time. Even testing out poetry would be a great way to spend your time.
- Create DIYs. there are many DIYs on Youtube and Tik Tok. Try to use old objects and revamp them into something new. Pinterest is another great resource to check out.
- Redecorate your room. Most of us have moved back home which may not be the best situation, but it is important to feel at home. Try to make your space as relaxing and comfortable as possible.
- Cook or bake. Learning how to make dishes is a skill that could last a lifetime. Maybe choose to make dinner for your family; they would definitely appreciate it.
Self-care:
- Do a face mask or take a bubble bath. It may sound silly, but it is important to stay hygienic and clean right now. Try to shower everyday and keep your body and mind healthy.
- Meditate. Meditation is a great way to cope with stress. Headspace is a great app that I personally recommend. If you are religious, you could also pray.
- Practice acts of kindness. During this time, we should all learn to be a little bit more empathetic. Try to help others in need if possible. For example, I am volunteering in my hometown to hand out school lunches to kids that would not be fed properly otherwise. If you are given the opportunity, try to help others that need it.
Although this is not an ideal situation for anyone and we are all struggling in our own ways, just know there are ways to cope.