Even though this is an extremely eventful time in the world, it might seem pretty uneventful for those of us locked in our houses with nothing to do. For most of us, being in quarantine is a new experience and we just don’t know how to keep ourselves busy. Binge-watching TV shows or scrolling through social media can keep us entertained, but that’s not always a very healthy option, so here are a few ideas to keep you busy and happy during this uncertain time! This is the time to do all those things you said you can’t do because you don’t have enough time. You should make use of this time to explore your interests, past hobbies, or new activities.

• • Redecorate/clean your room. Whether it’s rearranging furniture and things around your room, making your own decorations, or buying some new ones (online, of course), redecorating your space is something really worthwhile. Your room can be a way to express yourself and your personality. If your room is extremely messy, maybe start cleaning so you can see your floor again. Click here for some living room decorating ideas. 
  • Paint. Painting is actually really good for your health. It cultivates creative growth, provides stress-relief, increases focus, creates positive emotions, boosts self-esteem, inspires people to reach higher levels of skills, and improves your overall mental health. It’s also a very good way to spend a lot of time and express your creativity/emotions. 
  • Write. It’s hard to believe, but we’re actually living in a crucial historical event, that people are probably going to talk about for years to come. Writing in a journal is a great way to preserve memories, feelings, and pass time. You can also try writing in a bullet journal, blog, or write stories. Who knows? Maybe quarantine can bring out your inner William Shakesphere.
  •  Cook. Now’s the time to try making chicken parmesan, new coffee recipes, or those chocolate-chip cookies you have always wanted to try. Cooking is a great activity to focus your time and energy on because in the end, you’ll (hopefully) end up with a tasty treat. Click here to see a ton of different recipes you can make that are easy, fast, and delicious. 
  • Talk to friends/family. Many of us miss our friends and family during this time. For extroverts, social interaction is key, and not talking can make you go crazy! Now is a very good time to talk to friends you would normally see in school or long-distance friends and family you haven’t talked to in a long time. You can use FaceTime, Houseparty, Skype, Google Duo or any other app to help communicate with your friends and stay in touch easily. 
  • Work out. Stretch out those muscles and workout in one of many different ways. You can play basketball, try yoga, listen to music, and go on a run/walk/hike outside, use YouTube workout videos, or just dance. There are so many different ways you can get healthy and active, and the best thing about working out is you will be thankful for doing it after you’re done. 

If you’re still bored after these ideas, you can read different articles on The Gators Eye! By staying home, you’re helping to contain the spread of the coronavirus, and you can use your time to do things you never thought you could do with the stress of school and activities you would normally be doing. Stay safe!