Being stuck at home can easily get frustrating. Your days start to bleed together, you raid your pantry every hour, you alternate between your social media apps, and you can’t wait until you can hang out with your friends again. The cons of quarantine can be quite clear, but we must not forget that this time is a blessing in disguise. We can finally start to do the things we have always wanted to do, but never seemed to have the time for. Well, now is the time! Here are 10 things you can do while in quarantine to avoid boredom.
1. Get Closer to Allah
Ramadan is seen as the month when Muslims dedicate more time towards getting closer to Allah, but this does not have to be the only time. With these countless hours at home and technology by our side, many sheikhs and masjid are offering virtual khutbahs, Quran readings, and Islamic reminders online. Attempt to memorize that surah you have always wanted, learn the meaning behind an ayah that you may not know, or study hadiths that may inspire you. This time can be an opportunity to build habits and a stronger connection with Allah before Ramadan even starts.
2. Write
Time seemed to run out too quickly at school or work before the quarantine. This means that many individuals never get the chance to express themselves creatively. Writing can be a great way to record your thoughts, let go of built up emotions, and create art that others can enjoy. Whether it is a poem, rap, or even a journal entry, these all can be ways for you to learn more about yourself and exercise the creativity you have been burying all this time.
3. Look into the Past
Along with time running out, the years seem to pass by so quickly. It can be easy to forget about the memories you have made and the happy moments you treasure. Take this time to sit down with your loved ones and look back at old pictures, home videos, and scrapbooks to remember the simpler times. Prepare to laugh about funny pictures, cringe at old fashion trends, and wish you kept that Nintendo Wii or DS.
4. Cook
With many restaurants closed, see if you can make your favorite dishes yourself. Experiment with new ingredients, bake that dessert you never thought you could, and learn about the dishes your family has cooked for generations. Let the Gordon Ramsey in you flourish. Websites you can use to find new recipes include Tasty, My Fridge Food, and even BuzzFeed. However, if you think your experimental dishes would be completely roasted by Chef Ramsey, order pickup or delivery from open restaurants that are struggling financially during this time.
5. Tap into your Childhood
Sometimes we need to take all of the stress out of our lives and have fun again like we did as kids. See if you can remember any of the games you used to play as a kid. Check to see if those games are still alive and play your heart away. You may be surprised what games still exist. Personally, I have been playing Club Penguin and Candy Crush pretty often (a little too often).
6. Clean
Spring is here and with that comes spring cleaning. Take this extra time to organize your room and get rid of all of the clutter. You may find extra clothes or books you no longer need. Hold on to these items and see if you can donate them to individuals in need because COVID-19 has put major financial strains on families all over the country. Essentially, you can sleep better knowing your room is decluttered and that you are doing something to help your local community.
7. Read
During school we are forced to read many things that may not peak our interests. It can be hard to find time to read books by your favorite author or finally pick up the book that’s been collecting dust on your nightstand. Now is the time to start flipping the pages on books you actually enjoy. Apple EBooks has also offered many free books that you can download if you run out of books to read.
8. Pamper Yourself
Selfcare can seem taboo and a waste of time if you have lots of tasks waiting on your desk. The extra time at home gives you the greenlight to take care of yourself and moisturize those dry hands you use to type away with. Give yourself a spa day by running a bath, put on a facemask, do your skincare routine, and clear your mind from all of the stress and distractions. You finally have the time to focus on you and relaxation.
9. Shop
Many businesses are having major sales during this time. Look up if any websites have the product you have been eyeing for months and most likely there is a sale on it. Besides big businesses, consider shopping small businesses online as well. Small businesses are really hurting financially during this time and your purchase could help small shop owners pay their bills and support their families. Just remember to disinfect your packages really well when they arrive.
10. Make a Difference
If you feel like you can’t do anything to combat the consequences of COVID-19, think again. Many organizations are seeking donations from the community to be able to provide food and emergency supplies to individuals that have lost their jobs. If you can’t make monetary donations, you may also find organizations that are accepting N95 masks for healthcare workers and hand-sewn masks for vulnerable individuals. If you have these masks around your home or are a wizard with some thread and a needle, consider donating these masks to your local hospital or vulnerable community members. The UMMA Volunteer Project is currently running a launchgood fundraiser to raise funds to provide food and essentials to members of the South LA community. You can help UVP make a change during this time by donating using this link: shorturl.at/aetzW
