Life in quarantine doesn’t have to be boring! As we have adjusted to the new normal over the past month, we wanted to share some advice, inspiration and creative ways to spend these socially-distant days.
1) Spring Cleaning
Cleaning your room is always a great way to instantly feel more organized and productive — plus, who knows what memories you might dig up in the process!
“I've had the time to go through my childhood room (mainly to clean and get rid of stuff) but it's like taking a walk down memory lane,” said Savannah Meredith. “The old pictures, school essays, and fun projects I've done k-12 reminded me of old teachers and challenges that have molded me into who I am today.”
2) Discover New Music
Music is a powerful tool for conveying emotions and connecting with people.
“Use this time to discover new music from different artists!” said Azita Peters. “There are lots of great songs out there for any and all emotions you are feeling! We are all navigating this changing time together, and we are lucky to have the ability to be connected through technology. And remember: This too shall pass.”
Bonus Tip: Check out this “Quarantunes” playlist made up entirely of songs with quarantine-related titles.
3) Get crafty
It can be hard to sit still inside all day when you’re used to constantly being on the go. Why not channel your energy into a creative project?
Patty Vitsupakorn has been making handmade jewelry for her business Talay Jewelry.
“I've been working a lot on a new website for my business, making TikTok videos, creating new designs and working on orders to ship out!” she said.
Laila Houser has also used TikTok for creative inspiration.
“I tie dyed matching sweatsuits with my sister (idea courtesy of TikTok) and have tried SO many yummy recipes for different sweets and delicious dinners,” she said.
4) Find a new favorite Podcast
These days there’s a podcast out there for everyone’s interests! Searching Spotify or Apple Podcasts for one or two you love is a great idea to stay entertained and continue learning new things.
Andrew Luo is listening to How I Built This, a podcast that tells the fascinating stories of how some of the world’s biggest companies came to be.
Bonus Tip: If you haven’t caught up on our Experience Required podcast, you can check out this season’s episodes on Spotify!
5) Host a virtual Get-together
Video calls aren’t just for school and business! Being away from friends is hard and nothing can replace face-to-face hangouts but video calling platforms are a great way to get the group together and stay connected.
6) put Your Thoughts on Paper
It’s okay to be overwhelmed by all the changes being thrown your way. Journaling is a great way to express anything you might be feeling.
”I found it so important and fulfilling to document my thoughts and travels while I was abroad,” said Laila Houser, who was studying in Lugano earlier this semester. “When we got sent home I put that into practice to document my thoughts during these challenging times so I can look back on this part of my life!”
7) step outside
Make sure to incorporate fresh air into your daily routine, whether you go for a run or a walk around the block or take your laptop with you and set up an outdoor work station.
“I've been outside way more than I ever usually am!” said Savannah Meredith. “I love working out outside now and taking advantage of the gorgeous weather when we get it.”
8) seek “extra credit” opportunities
Now is a great time to take advantage of online training programs, webinars and certifications. When you aren’t completing assignments for online classes, there are plenty of ways to add some additional expertise to your resume.
Bonus Tip: Make sure to tune in when PRISM hosts two virtual agency visits this month. Anyone is welcome to join via the Zoom links that will be shared on our social channels!
April 16th from 1-2:30pm: FCB Health
April 24th from 10-11:30am: AKQA
9) take up a new (or old) hobby
Extra time spent at home could mean a chance to take up a hobby you might have otherwise brushed aside in your busy schedule.
“I’ve been reteaching myself how to play the ukulele!” said Ali Monahan. “I spontaneously bought one a couple years ago and learned the basics by watching YouTube videos, but I kind of forgot about it once I went off to college. Now that I have some free time at home I have been learning to play some of my favorite songs again and even inspired my sister to buy her own and learn with me!”
10) Focus on Positive Messages
With so much negativity in the news, it is so important to look for the positives in every day. Our faculty advisor Donna Wertalik shared this inspirational quote and video she saw on Twitter:
11) Random Acts of Kindness
Even though we can’t physically come together right now, there are so many other ways we can come together and help one another. In the spirit of Virginia Tech’s motto, Ut Prosim — “That I May Serve,” PRISM is encouraging our members and alumni to engage in acts of service the weekend of April 10th-12th and sharing using #UtPRISM.
Here are just a few possible ways to serve:
Work on a community member’s yard
Assist a neighbor in packing or moving items throughout the house (spring cleaning)
Search your community grocery stores for toilet paper for a neighbor/community member in need
Make medical face masks
Bring food to your local food bank
Donate blood
Make/bring a meal to someone you know struggling or someone who is an essential worker
12) Stick to a Schedule
Keeping a consistent schedule is so important in order to stay productive in quarantine. It’s easy to fall into a habit of sleeping in late every day without having to get up and physically go to class but it will be so much easier to stay on top of your work if you have structure in place for each day. This will also give you more free time to enjoy the things you want to do.
“Schedule your homework, assignments, and PRISM work into your calendars so you feel like you have a routine everyday and normalcy!” said Kelsey Stoner.
Quarantine is only boring if we make it boring! There are so many ways to keep it interesting while staying busy, happy, productive and connected. Our day-to-day may look a little different right now, but choosing a few things to include in a weekly routine will help keep you sane. Whatever works for you, take this time to work on yourself while staying safe and healthy.