Things To Do During Shelter-In-Place By: Sayantika Mandal

With shelter-in-place orders throughout California as we deal with coronavirus, here’s what you can do when you are stuck indoors. Instead of binging on Netflix or Prime, use your time to be productive. This is the ideal time to get started on that hobby that you longed to pursue, begin your spring cleaning, unwinding, or taking care of yourself.

Glow and sparkle: That elaborate skincare routine you always wanted to do but did not have time for? Take your time to use those face masks lying in the corner, relax, and watch yourself glow.

Start a garden: Have a balcony or a small space in your backyard? If you don’t, use that window ledge by the sun for a few pots. Plant some herbs or flowers. Watch the seeds sprout into green, giving you hope in these dismal times. Or add that zing to your dinner with a handful of fresh parsley sprigs.

Keep calm and meditate: Fight the building anxiety and panic by keeping calm. Practice meditation and mindfulness with apps such as Headspace and Calm on your phone. Join a virtual yoga class. Keep a gratitude journal.

Create art: Use this time to practice that art form that you longed to but never had the time. Finish an art and craft project. Try knitting or crocheting. If you aren’t the artsy type, try adult coloring books or finish a 3D puzzle for fun.

Redecorate your home: Move things around in your room. Shift the furniture. Create a nook for your books, or jazz up your dressing table. Give your home a fresh look.

Marie Kondo your closet: Time to spring clean and sort out your closet space. Organize the shelves and drawers. Keep the items that ‘spark joy’ and donate the rest.

Take an online course: What was that subject that interested you but you never got the chance to pursue it? Be it art history or personal finance, look into Coursera or EdX for a number of online courses that suit your interests.

Cook an elaborate recipe: Now that dining out is no longer an option, try following an elaborate recipe instead of boxed dinners. Choose a cuisine that you have hardly explored. Watch cooking shows around the world and try something new.

Tour a virtual museum: If you are missing travel, take a tour of virtual museums across the world. Explore the beauties of Frida Kahlo paintings or exhibits at the Louvre, all from the comfort of your jammies and couch.

Catch up with old friends over phone or video chat: Craving company? Use this time to reconnect with old friends from school and college instead of just scrolling through their Instagram pictures. Call an old friend over phone or video chat with whom you have lost touch with. Perhaps you’ll make someone’s day and rekindle joy in times of despair.

Social distancing can be the opportune moment to reconnect, both with others and yourself. Let’s use this time to look deeper into ourselves.