Photo by João Silas via Unsplash
It is a hope that many, preferably all, of us are doing our part in containing the COVID-19 pandemic by staying inside and practicing social distancing. Obviously, our frontline workers are an exception to this, as they must continue their heroic efforts in caring for our communities. Self-isolating, for many, is extremely difficult, as people find themselves wallowing in boredom. Prior to online classes beginning—and perhaps in the midst of them—below are five activities to take part in!
- Create/Join a Socially Distant Book Club
Have you read The Quad features editor, Maria Marabito’s, recent article on WCU English faculty book recommendations? There, many professors spoke about their picks, with a lingering theme of political and historical perspectives. You could start a “book-a-week,” or time limit of your choice, challenge with friends, then video chat when everyone is finished to discuss!
- Collaborative Writing
Want to brush up on your creative writing skills? Start a Google Doc with friends or family and write a collaborative story! Individuals can take turns writing a few sentences to one paragraph. The amount each person writes is up to the groups’ discretion, but however it is sought out, there is no doubt the outcome would be amusing. Who knows, maybe this could produce a published piece in the future! You may even consider submitting to WCU’s Literati, Daedalus and even The Quad!
- Meditate
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical health. Allot 15 to 30 minutes of your day to find a quiet space, seek an online soothing soundtrack of your choice, close your eyes and attempt to reconvene with your mind. Try to empty your thoughts and listen to sounds that calm you– that may even be the sound of silence! Apps such as Calm and Headspace are designed to assist you as a beginner, or even experienced, meditator during your sessions. Additionally, you will find plenty of accurately guided YouTube videos. If meditation doesn’t suit you, there are many other ways to seek relaxation, according to personal preference and access: DIY projects, cooking, reading, writing, painting, organizing, drawing or solely listening to music.
- Online Exhibit Tours
Since we are staying in, participating in museum tours is not on our to-do lists. Many of you may long for a good educational briefing of your favorite site, or even a long-awaited trip. This is why various world renowned museums are offering free virtual tours! Museums include, but are not limited to: The Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston and the National Gallery of Art: Washington, D.C. Take this opportunity to inquire about Vincent van Gogh’s original, “The Starry Night,” from the comfort of your couch! A full list of museums offering virtual tours can be found at usatoday.com and/or washingtonpost.com.
- Conduct a Household Talent Show
Now more than ever is a wonderful time to enjoy quality time with family. Instead of getting antsy with one another, encourage each other to practice one of their talents or hobbies and work to perform it. If there’s multiple people in your house, you may even consider having a line of judges! Clearly, something of this sort is left to personal creativity, and can truly be an essential way of bonding and learning more about your family. Your mom may have a passion for singing opera, and you never knew!
These times are tough—and quite possibly the most difficult we’ve seen in our lifetime. That’s why it is important that we limit excessive news and social media intake, as well as constant cellphone usage, and put our creative thinking at work. Hopefully everyone is able to find a fulfilling daily routine that eases them. Stay healthy, WCU.
Madison Starinieri is a third year English writings BSEd and special education major. MS882527@wcupa.edu.