Ten things to do during quarantine

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/05/2020 (1799 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Now that many of us are stuck at home because of the COVID 19 pandemic, it is a great time to try something new. People might find themselves missing the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and are looking for ways to keep busy instead of slowly going out of their minds from boredom.

Here is a list of 10 things to try at home that could fill that space in empty calendars.

 

1. Try a new craft or DIY project

Crafts and DIY projects are a great way to channel your creative side, whether it is making crafts like homemade slime or making decor for your home. Be creative.

 

2. Try new recipes

Cooking is a great way to pass some time whether you are doing it together with someone or solo. You can even come up with your own recipes based on things you find in the pantry if you are feeling a little extra daring. Making bread seems to be a trend at this time. I spoke with my friend Michael this past week, and he has been talking about a new sourdough bread recipe he tried. He originally made this recipe with his sister and has been making more ever since because of how good it is. Trying new things in the kitchen can be great.

 

3. Invent a new game

You can create a game to play with your family on family game night, or even just make one to play with your friends when this pandemic is over. The creative possibilities are endless. My cousin Karlee told me that she and her sister had made up a new way to play Monopoly. “We were playing Monopoly and we were getting kind of bored,” Karlee said. So, they decided to change it up. The new version they created is called Hotel Block. This new version is all about buying hotels and winning Monopoly cash by landing on a special square.

To invent a new game you don’t necessarily have to make one from scratch. Reinventing an old board game can be just as fun.

 

4. Learn To knit or crochet

There are many tutorials out there on how to do basic stitches in knitting and crocheting. Once you learn some different stitches you are on your way to making spectacular masterpieces. My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was young and I find it to be quite relaxing and would definitely recommend trying it out.

 

5. Get some new colouring sheets

I have seen some pretty cool colouring sheets that people have been doing lately. Colouring is a great way to spend an afternoon if you are looking to unwind and have some ”me time” even if “me time” is now a more regular occurrence. If you are looking for some new pictures to colour there are many that you can find online and all you need to do is hit print.

 

6. Train your pet to do new tricks

There are many tricks you can teach your pet. A dog can be taught to sit, lay down, roll over, etc. This is a great way to show your pet a little extra attention and love.

 

7. Learn a new language

Learning a new language can be a ton of fun. One of my favourite languages to learn has been Dutch. The website I have used to learn new languages is Duolingo. It is easy to use and there are many different language options. There are so many other apps and websites that can also help you in your quest for knowledge.

 

8. Take up gardening

What could be better than growing your very own little “plant friends”? I have recently started becoming interested in this particular hobby and I also have many friends who like to garden. I have started planting peas and I have a perennial plant that I got from my youth leader. “I would say my favourite things to plant are strawberries or cucumbers,” my cousin, Paityn, told me when I had asked her about her quarantine gardening.

 

9. Start a blog

For those of you out there who love to write, this is a great way to share your writing with people. The great thing about it is that you could write about anything your beautiful heart desires. “I get excited knowing that people are reading my writing,” my friend Trinity told me while talking about the blog she started during quarantine. She really enjoys telling stories for people to read and she is also very good at it.

 

10. Learn to play an instrument

If you happen to have an instrument lying around, why not try to learn to play. Now is the perfect time to learn!

 

Even if the first hobby you try doesn’t work out, the second, third or fourth might. It never hurts to try. Happy experimenting.

 

Hayley Rempel is a Grade 12 student currently attending Green Valley School in Grunthal. Her hobbies include playing sports such as ringette and basketball, crocheting, and painting. After graduation she plans to go to college to take courses to become an Educational Assistant because of her love of helping children academically.