11 Ways to Pass the Time… Social Distance Style

As we enter another week of quarantine, many of us are dreading trying to find ways to pass the time cooped up in our homes. And I get it. I mean, I’m one of the lucky ones: introversion combined with severe social anxiety—being told I have to stay home is basically a dream (under different, less terrible circumstances of course). But many of us don’t know what to do with ourselves, and especially as we enter another week, I can sense the perpetual boredom oozing out of the ridiculous Tik-Tok videos. So, I’ve thought up a few ideas for passing the time during quarantine. I hope these can give some inspiration for those of you who feel trapped and frankly, tired of quarantine.

1. Catch Up on Reading

If you love reading but you don’t tend to have much time for it, or if you’ve never given it a real try, this could be the perfect opportunity to curl up with a great book (or 10). Plus, immersing yourself in a story can be a great distraction in times of fear and hardships.

2. Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones

If you live with your boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, parents, siblings, friends, etc., it can be nice to slow down and spend some much-needed quality time with them. Play board games together, talk, have a romantic dinner, read a book together, work out together: whatever you like to do, take advantage of the free time you have and spend time together.

3. Take the Opportunity to Learn Something New

If you have a lot of down time, teaching yourself something new can be a fun, distracting activity! If you’ve always wanted to learn to sew, cook, code, golf, etc, now is a perfect time to teach yourself a new skill (the social distancing way, of course).

4. Relax

Many of us tend to be over-worked, tired, and incredibly busy on a daily basis. It could be nice to take this time to slow down and relax. Find something that eases your mind and body: taking a bath, reading a book, meditating, binge-watching Netflix. It’s up to you! Relaxation is a great way to pass the time and to find the positives in a tough situation.

5. Spend Some Time in Nature

Just because you can’t be around people doesn’t mean you have to remain stuck in your house! Nature can be so peaceful and relaxing in times of stress, and it’s a great way to reflect. Many of us often don’t take too much time out of our lives to be in nature (and if you do, that’s wonderful—don’t stop), and it can be great for our souls and for our mental health to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Go on a hike, sit in the park, take a walk by the river… Nature is a great way to get out of the house while maintaining social distance.

6. Practice Self-Care

Self-care is so important, but I think many people tend to put it on the backburner in their daily lives. With new free time, this is your opportunity to cash in on all of that self-care that you said you’d “get to tomorrow”. This can mean anything you want it to—whatever helps you to de-stress and refresh. Who doesn’t love some good self-love?

7. Catch Up on Work

Maybe you’re like my husband and you HATE not being productive. While I personally can’t relate to this situation, I’m sure some of you can. If this is you, then use that extra time to catch up on work you’re behind on, or to get ahead. Or, if you’re really crazy, do some unnecessary work JUST FOR FUN! I’m personally horrified by this idea, but if you fit into this fantastically motivated group with my husband, well, I’m impressed.

8. Find Ways to Volunteer/ Support the Cause

There are great ways to get involved right now and help people in need! One really important way people are volunteering right now is by making homemade masks. There’s such a shortage and so many people are in desperate need of them. There are tutorials online to guide you through, and what better way to spend your time than making a difference?

9. Clean/Organize Your House

In a difficult and confusing time like this, it can feel really soothing to be in control of something. Cleaning is a great way to re-gain control in your life, and to feel as though there are still elements of your life within your reach!

10. Practice Your Hobbies

I’ll bet you have hobbies that you’ve given up or put aside because they just don’t fit into your busy schedule… and hey, I get it! Now is the perfect time to bust out that dusty guitar or stuffed-in-the-bottom-of-a-drawer knitting needles and have fun!

11. Stay Active!

Go on walks, exercise, do living room yoga—staying active is really important, especially right now. Plus, it’s such a healthy way to pass the time! I’ll admit, this is the hardest one for me. I have very lazy tendencies, and I have to force myself to work out (and honestly, more often than not I blow it off—it’s the effort that counts… right?).

And remember to support others in this difficult, frightening time. Please continue to social distance and STAY HOME. It’s truly very important to the health and safety of all of us.

Stay safe, healthy, and positive!