6 Things to Do While Social Distancing

We are in uncertain times right now. If you had told me a year ago, hell, a month ago I’d be cancelling my plans to visit my sister in Arizona to be quarantined in my home because of a mandate set forth by the government due to a pandemic I would have laughed so hard in your face. But this is very real, and not a joking matter. It’s not a hoax, it is not some sort of government conspiracy. As a society COVID-19 can show both how united and divisive we can be. I urge you to do your part, stay at home if you can. Most importantly, be kind, courteous and compassionate to others.

With all the negative things going on in the world, there is some positive from this quarantine. It has allowed us as a society to slow down and really take stock of our blessings. This quarantine has allowed people to spend more quality time with their families, take time to self-reflect and maybe even redirect their whole life direction once they get the opportunity to after things have calmed down. On social media there’s a HUGE push to use this extra time quarantine has given us to be utilized as a fat camp. So we can emerged from the ashes snatched and ready. I’m sorry, but the last thing on my mind right now is staying on the keto diet I started in January. You best believe if I want that boxed Velveeta mac’n’cheese I found in the back of my pantry, a bish is gonna eat it! You by no means have to use this time to lose weight. You can if you want to, but I just want to stress that it isn’t a requirement!

Since we are stuck at home, I’m sure the majority of you have already Marie Kondo’d your closets, and spring and fall cleaned your houses/apartments. Use this time to take care of yourself, holistically. If you want to workout more, do it! Have you been wanting to meditate more? You can do that too! Whatever self-care means to you, this is the time to take a moment and do something for yourself. With that being said, I’ve put together a list of things that you can do while cooped up and social distancing.

1. Learn a New Language (or Brush up on one you already know!)

There are apps, websites, and even books to help you with this one. I recently purchased a couple of Spanish grammar books to brush up on and become more fluent in the language. There are plenty of books for language learning on Amazon available for purchase. Not to mention apps like Babbel and Duolingo — the latter of which is free — if you just want to get your feet wet on your language learning journey.

2. Write a Book

Think you have the next great American novel on your hands? Get typing! There are so many people with amazing book ideas that say for years that they want to write it but never get around to it. Or have started one, but hasn’t finished it (*looks in mirror*). I myself have struggled with this, trying to get the manuscript perfect before I do anything with it. Writers…let’s get out of our own heads and get it done. We no longer have the excuse with this quarantine.

3. Take Online Dance Classes

Personally, I LOVE to dance. When I was younger I danced hip-hop competitively. I genuinely miss being able to take classes and look forward to doing so in the future. In the interim though I scratch that dancing itch by doing dance workouts on YouTube. Recently I have discovered this dance website called Steezy, tailored to the novice dancer, but that also has classes for more advanced dancers as well. The website is a paid subscription but as a dancer, it seems like a great site for those wanting to learn how to bust a move or two. Like always, there are free options on YouTube as well. There more tutorials than I could even possibly list here.

4. Read

If you are an avid reader, I know you have a lengthy list on Goodreads of books you want to read. With the little extra time we have, now is your opportunity to dig into that list if you don’t feel like filling your free time with Netflix binges (which I definitely do not oppose by the way!).

5. Learn an Instrument

Dust off that old guitar you bought years ago and start learning. You are only a couple of chords away from learning an actual song you can play for friends and family (or just yourself :)). There are so many videos on learning guitar or piano, or really any other instrument you are hoping to learn, on YouTube. There are apps like Yousician (guitar, piano, bass, ukelele and singing) and Simply Piano by JoyTunes as well.

6. Take an Online Course

There are several platforms to take online courses, paid and free. Probably one of the most popular is Coursera. In college I took an accounting class on that website the summer before I took the class. It was helpful for learning basic concepts. Coursera offers classes on many, many different topics. Take a minute and learn something new!

I hope this list has given you some ideas and sparked your own inspiration on what you can do during this time.

Stay safe everyone! <3