Hey loves! Shit, it’s been a minute.
Here in New York City, quarantine is still in effect. As days go on, I constantly find myself having to find more and more ways to keep entertained, especially since most of us are finishing the semester. I mean, classes and homework is always kind of a pain, but at least it gave us something to do.
But now, spring is totally in full effect, and summer is soon approaching. The temptation to go out is probably stronger now than it ever was – trust me I totally feel it. But since life isn’t yet 100% back to how it used to be, it’s important to still find ways to be content with being at home, and social distancing as much as we can when we do go out.
And I know that’s easier said than done. But it’s important! So we can slow the spread and avoid prolonging normalcy.
For today’s blog post, I thought it’d be helpful to maybe give you guys some ideas of things you can do during quarantine to keep entertained when boredom comes to kick your ass. I know we’ve all been doing this for a while by now – but new ideas of things you can try never hurt! Honestly, I’ve been rotating this list quite a lot so that I can keep myself entertained as well.
And also remember — doing completely nothing from time to time, is fine too. These are just suggestions of things to do when you have no idea what to do, but by no means am I telling anyone that you HAVE to always be productive. Because while this is a time of just boredom for some, it’s also a painful, difficult time for others. I hope you and your families are all well! ❤ And with that said, lets get listing.
Read A Book
Take it from me when I tell you that theres not many things in this world better than getting lost in a good book. I picked up an armful of books back when I was in Paris – I basically lived in the Shakespeare and Co. Bookstore. Since I’ve been home, I finished Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan and The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (yeah, the original one).
I picked up this hella cool fashion book, to keep myself brushing up on fashion history. I also picked up The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Michael Manson, and I plan to read the Harry Potter series next! (let me know if you guys want a post showing my “To-Read List” – I’d be happy to share it!)
Learn a New Program
Get on Photoshop and learn how to get rid of those tags sticking out on your underwear in your new Insta pic. Then, practice and learn how to make art and delete backgrounds and make moodboards and collages.
Get on Lightroom and learn how to use presets and edit photos, without adding noise.
Become a pro in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.
Use Kaledo Style and Adobe Illustrator and learn how to make technical flats.
Now’s a perfect time for you to become a pro at using all the programs that could benefit you in the future, or that could be useful in your current career!
Listen to a New Podcast
The first time my boss at my internship last year asked me if I listened to podcasts, I laughed and just said no. Little did I know, that once I actually did start them, I’d fall in love with them.
Theres literally an insane number of podcasts out right now, on every single topic you could probably think of. Feel free to take this time to find some that you like, and get hooked! Honestly, listening to podcasts can be so incredibly relaxing and therapeutic!
And again, if you guys want a list of my recommendations/my favorites, let me know! 🙂
Get a Makeover. Give a Makeover. Experiment with Makeup!
So… me and my sister did a thing. A.K.A: We did each others makeup then had mini home photoshoot. Its a great way to pass the time! Nows a perfect time to practice!!!
Spring Cleaning
Ok so this isn’t one of the ~fun~ suggestions, but it’s one that counts for something in the long run okay! Go through that closet and take out whatever clothes you no longer wear. Then, wash them and toss them in a bag so you can either donate them, try to sell to a thrift shop or consignment store, or even try to sell on a used clothes website! Think, sustainable.
While your at it, go through all the extra things cluttering up your room, and give it a real good cleaning and organizing. Although its not the most fun, you’ll feel so much better and calmer after. Its crazy how much stress clutter can add to your life, but now you have time to go through some of it!
Live Your Best ~*Creative*~ Life
Nows a great time to pick up drawing, painting, music, journaling – literally any creative outlet your heart desires. Art is such an amazing way to vent feelings, think outside the box, or simply just pass the time. Try it all!
Catch Up With Friends
Although we’re all home, it’s definitely still important we all keep in touch with friends at this time. I know for me, it’s extremely hard being away from all my college friends in Rhode Island. And it sucks not knowing when exactly we’ll be able to see each other again. But the connections do not have to stop. Facetime your friends, Zoom/Skype/Oovoo or whatever video chat applications you use, get on them and keep your friendships and relationships alive and well! It helps to take away some of the loneliness we may feel sometimes, and it’s always great to have a good laugh (or even mend some relationships) with those who mean the most to you!
Learn to Cook and Bake
I wont lie – I never had a big interest in learning to cook until quarantine became a thing. On Cinco De Mayo, my brother suggested that we try making our own tacos and pico de gallo. I was excited for the bonding experience, but I was never really confident in my ability to cook anything – honestly, the thought of it is still meh. BUT, after prepping all the ingredients together and cooking together, I realized not only did I find it kind of fun and therapeutic, but theres such a cool sense of accomplishment in making something that you/other can enjoy eating.
Cooking with recipes you find online and in cookbooks, sometimes leads you to have a period of trial and error. You gotta try different recipes out sometimes to see which ones you truly like. But nows a great time for you to try and test out different ones!
Keep Fit!
Self explanatory y’all. The gym might not be open yet but that doesn’t mean the workouts need to stop! Take a walk when you can (6 feet apart from others, of course 🙂 ) and try some at home workouts!
Keep the Home Photoshoots Coming!
Get creative – theres tons of cool photoshoot ideas you can still do at home! And personally, I love seeing people’s photos from their houses. It reminds me that we’re all in this together.
Make a Bucket List For When Outside Opens Back Up
I’m a pisces, meaning I’m a huge daydreamer. But one thing that has kept my excitement and happiness for life alive, despite how abnormal it is right now, are my plans for what I want to do when the world is back to how we knew it. I encourage you to try it!
Some things on my bucket list are going to a drive-in theatre for the first time and visiting a sunflower field. Think about it – what do YOU wanna do when your able to do anything you want, again?
Be Your Best Spiritual Self
Nows a perfect time for reflection. Now is a time where you can sit and learn to properly meditate, and give yourself time to ask yourself deep questions and truly figure yourself out. Its a time where you can see what hasn’t been working in your life, and make the adjustments needed to go back into the world later, better than you we’re when quarantine began. Nows a time where you can make a habit of journaling and becoming fully in tune with yourself. I definitely encourage you to do as much spiritual work during this time as you can!
How have YOU been keeping entertained during this time? Be sure to let me know! Wishing everyone lots of love and good health ❤
xoxo,
GABBY SINN 