How to survive quarantine

So, you’re stuck inside all day and are slowly running out of Netflix shows to finish, what now?

Being indoors all day may have initially seemed like a dream come true, but slowly you’ve grown bored of what you’re doing: nothing. Social media will tell you that everyone is doing running 5 K’s, making cloud coffee, and being more productive than ever. You may feel that this time must be used effectively, as it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to have this much time to yourself. And it is!

Now, you may have fallen into the ‘Do it tomorrow’ mindset – whether it be exercise or the revision you should really be doing. It’s easy to get into a habit, so get into a new one!

Try and set yourself weekly goals. Daily goals may end up making you feel worse as you’re almost being stricter on yourself. By limiting these goals to a weekly basis, you allow yourself days where things don’t go to plan and you don’t meet any goals. With Instagram constantly spinning this idea that everyone else is the apex productivity machine, it is easy to feel like you’re not as good as them! Allow yourself some time to yourself and know that wanting a relaxed day isn’t a bad thing, especially when the sun is actually out!

However, with the amount of time you’re going to have by yourself, it’s important not to just waste it away! If you have an instrument gathering dust try and get back into it, even just 10 minutes a day can make a huge difference. Or maybe you’ve never played anything in your life but have a spare pot of money saved for rainy days such as these. Learning an instrument is a great creative outlet and there’s a million to choose from!

There’s an app for everything, from boxing to ballet, a 2-minute search on your phone can lead to a new hobby or just a new way to keep fit. Personally, I’ve taken up learning another language, trying to learn a bit everyday on top of my studies for the upcoming summer exam season.

It’s a hard time for everyone, and it’s the most time you’ll ever be given to improving yourself, whether that be through having relaxed days to improve your mental wellbeing or exercising to improve your physical. It’s more important now than ever to look after both, as not looking after one tends to mean you’re not looking after the other – and if you’re struggling reach out and speak to your friends or family. They’re likely just as bored as you are.