When quarantine started, introverts all around the world quietly rejoiced over what the government had mandated. No offices, schools, malls or anywhere else they would be obligated to go to. Nobody telling them to get up from bed, nobody telling them to leave the house, pure bliss in the eyes of an introvert. Alas my friend, sadly there are some people that actually enjoy the outside world. I know, hard to imagine. So for the people who miss the outside world, or those who are just plain bored, I have compiled a list of the best and quickest ways to make a ladder and climb yourself out of the worst hole known to man, boredom.
- Read
“Oh wow, really, reading dude?” Yes really. Before quarantine the only book you’d catch me dead with was Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and even that was occasional. Yet, as quarantine drew longer and my options shorter I had no choice but to read this financial book by Dave Ramsey (Total Money Makeover) my mom gave me a while back. You’d be very surprised with the amount of pure knowledge I managed to get out of the book and it inspired me to read more into how to become financially stable when (more like if) quarantine pumps its brakes. So, even if you have to dig to find something you like, read, it helps keep your brain kicking.
2. Docuseries
Netflix has an amazing amount of shows, maybe not all amazing quality but the quantity is there. However something I realized to be consistently entertaining and consistently educational is the docuseries genre. I especially enjoyed these because at the end, I felt like I hadn’t wasted my time. Whether it was the scandal filled Wild Wild Country, the personality and artistic outlook on sports in The Last Dance or the sheer craziness of Don’t F**k With Cats, I always found myself entertained and informed. Especially on a streaming service meant to distract the user, I found docuseries more meaningful than almost anything else on Netflix, as these things really happened.
3. Video Games
I’ve been playing video games since I was born practically, so of course my quarantine would include a lot of them. However, what I found was that playing old video games or watching old movies brought back a sense of comfort and nostalgia. Sure, I played my fair share of newer games; Dragon Quest 11, Final Fantasy 7: Remake, Skyrim, 2k20, etc.. However, I found most of my time and fun being invested in old games; Skate 3, Fallout New Vegas, Kingdom Hearts, hell even Sonic Adventure 2 for the real OGs out there. I played some for upwards of 120 hours collectively, and some for only minutes. As I went to each new world trying to challenge myself in new and creative ways, I realized that video games really can be for everybody, you just have to find your fix if you haven’t, which I highly recommend you do.
4. Nature & Photography
We’ve all been there, you’re walking on a trail with a friend when suddenly you both see it; the sky has opened up and it looks like heaven’s gates before you. You take out your phone and take a picture, you’ve captured life in an image. I’m not really sure there is a more consistent natural beauty than the sky, but hey that’s just my opinion. I found this out by taking quarantine to self reflect and go on nature walks with my friends or family, all the while taking pictures to remember the moment or just because I felt like it. You’d be surprised what you’d come up with and ideas that pop up, especially with editing.
5. Meditation
“Dude, books, video games, docuseries, what a nerd”
Okay, if you’re thinking that, then I have something EVERYONE should at least try. The simple act of meditating, I mean closed door, no noise and truly trying to clear your headspace. At first, I used apps like headspace and calm to guide me through, showing me that thoughts aren’t something you can tell to shut up like untruly children, but instead a constant flow that we must accept and learn to direct. I really recommend this to anyone with anxiety, it really helped with mine.
6. Expand Your Music Palette
If you’re like me whenever somebody asks what you listen to you say “anything but country”. Putting this to the test I took five artists that I had never listened to before and tried to either get through their discography or just see what they were about. Doing this alone helped me add over 100 songs on my daily playlist and helped me see how much I liked Tame Impala for example. There is also the discover part of most music apps, that help you find music that fits your taste. So open up your ears and listen to some new tunes, fool.
7. YouTube
I know most of you already go on YouTube and have your own algorithm on there to get great videos to your home page. Yet, there are certain sides of YouTube I have to share, the Maury and Steve Wilkos side if you want to watch drama that may ruin people’s lives. There’s also youtubers like Mr. Ballen that tell scary (most of the time real) stories if you’re into horror. There’s also plenty of video game communities to go around and movie reviews, top ten lists I could go on for a very long time, youtube is a huge rabbit hole, especially if you find your niche.
8. Work Out
This one may be a bit controversial, I mean up until this point I haven’t been very physically demanding of you but you have to stay in shape. Training your body (even just a light run or push ups) can really help your day, mood, and increase chemicals and all that other scientific stuff (I don’t know I’m a Global Media major). Yet, what I do know is that working out and treating your body right is the first step to a better and healthier you.
In conclusion, quarantine sucks. I’m sure many of you guys have started doing new things during quarantine and these are only a few ideas. There really is limitless possibility, unless you want to travel or do much of anything social. I hope you all enjoyed my tips and try some of them out!
