In an effort to flatten the curve as the coronavirus takes hold in the US, social distancing is in full effect. And although staying inside is the best thing you can do right now, isolating yourself can be lonely, anxiety-inducing, and downright boring. Am I right?? If you’re already beginning to feel stir-crazy after finishing your school work, it may be time to try your hand at a new hobby or another time-consuming activity—so let’s talk about some of the best ways to pass the time. Here are 5 to get you started:

1.) Get Cooking!
Try one of those subscription delivery kits like Hello Fresh, Green Chef, Dinnerly, or Plated, to name a few (and YES, I have tried ALL of them). I literally feel like I’ve accomplished something major after plating such a delicious “professional” looking meal. And it’s so easy with all of the directions (and usually pictures too), that anyone could do it! Trust me, if I can, YOU can! Bonus: You’ll totally surprise your family (a good surprise, for once haha) and if a subscription’s not in the budget or you don’t feel like waiting a week for your delivery, just look up any recipe on line with ingredients that you already have in the fridge or pantry!

2.) Learn to Play a New Musical Instrument
So my 9 year old niece introduced me to this really cool app that taught her how to play the piano, it’s called Simply Piano and even better, it’s free! It’s pretty simple (hence the name) and I’m amazed at how quickly she seemed to pick it up. You’re still going to have to practice though! Some other great music apps that are also free are Yousician, Uberchord, SingTrue and Tiny Piano. Your best buds will be singing along with you in no time and impressed by your new skilllzzzz.

3.) Read a Book!
Not one that you have to read for school, but one that you want to read and have been meaning to for the past year or so! So brush off that dust and get lost in a good drama, mystery, love story, or whatever your genre of choice is (or ask a friend to borrow one and leave it on the front porch for easy peasy social distancing approved pick-up).

4.) Organize Your Closet
I know, I know… this one just doesn’t sound as much fun, but it really can be with the right tunes in the background! Besides that, Spring is right around the corner, which means warmer weather and a wardrobe boost is in order! Try some stuff on and see what still fits you. If it doesn’t fit or you don’t love it, you can donate it or sell for some quick extra cash on Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, Letgo or Mercari. Another option is to make a pile to trade later with friends or pass down to your younger sibs who would probably love your hand-me-downs, well, mostly!

5.) Get Movin’!
And by moving, I mean workout! Physical activity is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety, put you in a better mood (because of the feel-good chemicals called endorphins that the brain releases), and enhance your self-esteem! There are so many great videos on YouTube that use just your body weight or other household items, such as a can of food or water bottles for weights. You can also use resistance bands or small free weights if you have them around or just go outside for a brisk walk or jog! Either way, it’ll definitely make you feel better to get outdoors for a little bit each day, just remember the 6 foot rule for any passers by.

Lauren C.