Quarantine can be stressful. There are so many things on your plate to handle and the thought of having to serve the mandatory quarantine period (for some countries) can drive some crazy. Why? Because for some, the thought of doing nothing can seem unbearable, and you may start to wonder: ‘What are some fun things to do during quarantine?’
As travel borders start to relax and open for global citizens to move around, it is still crucial to follow the protocols set by the government in the respective countries as a form of safety precaution. Depending on which country you are going to, the quarantine period varies, typically from 7 to 21 days. For more details on the quarantine guidelines including the period of quarantine and whether you qualify for the exemptions, refer to the COVID-19 Country Specific Information.
Remember, time is now at your advantage. If you are always busy working day and night trying to hit quotas, close deals or meet endless deadlines, it is time for you to put all that work aside and just relax. Nothing matters more than practicing good mental health management during this tough period as stress, anxiety and frustration can easily get the better of us. And we don’t want that to happen.
Before the situation becomes a hair-pulling experience from being bored to death, here is a list of tips that might spark ideas on the fun things to do during quarantine period.
1. Try what you have always wanted to
When was the last time you actually tried a new activity or pursued a new hobby? A couple of months back? Years? It’s okay, you can now take this opportunity to do what you have always wanted to (within the space limitations and the resources available) – but had to put it off because of time constraints.
It can be as simple as watching a movie marathon or using social media for a day to catch up on all that you have missed. I don’t mean the regular ol’ pleasures of stalking your favourite idols or binge-watching random, funny videos the whole day, but more of exploring the latest features of Instagram, Facebook or even Tik Tok. I know what you’re thinking: there are more features?! (Gasp.) In normal busy times, keeping up with the latest trends can be a challenge, especially when it’s ever-changing and you just don’t have the time to get a hold of all these.
If you are into arts and crafts, embroidery, sewing or knitting, do ensure that you prepare all the required materials that you will need to take with you when you travel abroad.
2. Catch up with people virtually
Of course, meeting in person would have been more sincere, exciting and enjoyable. But that should not be a reason for you to sweep that idea of yours away (especially if it has been on your mind for a while now). Schedule a date and time with your friends and family for a virtual coffee date and ensure that you have properly set up your devices so that your connection does not get interrupted. Who knows? The experience might just have been nearly the same as when you meet them in real life!
3. Exercise to stay active
Exercising does not always mean hitting the gym or going for an exclusive fitness workout with all the fanciful equipment you commonly see. There are tonnes of content and videos available for free on YouTube – like different space-friendly workouts to try at home that won’t leave you knocking over your home furniture. The best thing is: you don’t really need any equipment to do so. Most of them do come in the form of tutorials or instructional videos where a step-by-step guide is provided on how to carry out the workout.
Depending on your preference, Yoga can be a good choice for meditation programmes to calm your mind while High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts are suitable for those looking for a good sweat. Simply search for the kinds of workouts that you are interested in and start doing them daily. With regular exercise, you will be surprised at how refreshed it can make you feel and how much your mental health can improve!
4. Be updated with the latest news around the world
This is a great time for you to catch up with the ongoing happenings around the world, especially on topics that you are interested in but didn’t have the time to really pay proper attention to when reported in the news. Being aware of the latest news, especially on COVID-19 related topics, is necessary as these occurrences may have direct or indirect effects on your surroundings.
5. Keep your mind busy
Keeping yourself busy does not mean watching shows for hours. Instead, try signing yourself up for webinars. Go for online workshops. Take new online courses. Challenge yourself and learn new things, whether it is for work-related purposes or purely just for fun. (Check out these useful learning websites to help upgrade your skills!) You will realise that time passes by so quickly when you only have a few days left of your quarantine period – which is great.
6. Follow your usual routine
While you’re excited to finally try out new activities, hobbies or even lay in bed the whole day for a good rest, do not forget to weave in a little of your usual routine. Having fun and unwinding is important, but adhering to a routine is also equally necessary to ensure your body clock does not get out of sync. To avoid sleeping or waking up later than usual, remember to set an alarm as a reminder. Allocate time for different activities throughout the day so you don’t get bored easily or forget to set time aside if you still have to work!
With this list of tips on the things to do during quarantine, you are halfway there. Implement these and stick to the routine! Have fun, enjoy and you can find meaning in all that you do during your quarantine period. Now, the thought of having to serve your quarantine doesn’t sound so terrifying after all, does it?
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