Photo by Alex Pang via Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
There is no denying it; quarantine sucks. Every plan you’ve had for the next five months has been thrown away, all of your friends seem to live on a different planet and all of life’s little routines have been obstructed in the name of social distancing. Life as we know it has come to a grating halt. So, how do we keep moving even when the earth is not?
Though it may seem impossible, there are many ways to prepare for your return to the great wide world. Here are five ways to put the “self” into self-isolation:
- Treat your space how you would like to be treated
For many of us, WCU’s decision to continue the semester remotely meant moving back into our parent’s house a little earlier than expected. It’s important to have a space that feels uniquely you, so maybe it’s time to reactivate your Pinterest account and get inspired. Even if you don’t redecorate, it could be time to get rid of those papers you’ve been stockpiling since highschool or replace your middle school baseball trophy with newer accomplishments.
Having extra time in the day also allows you to practice good habits. Quarantine can rebirth you as someone who folds their shirts and doesn’t let that Ben & Jerry’s container turn into a science project.
2. Hiking: Nature’s own social distancing
If you aren’t feeling inspired by indoor workouts or just need to escape the confines of your home, hiking is a great solution. A great go-at-your-own pace activity allows you to stop studying your phone screen and start studying what surrounds you. You won’t be the only one on the trail either; quarantine has caused many people to take to the trails and reminds us that we are all in this together.
3. The future exists, so act like it does
Though apocalypse junkies and toilet paper hoarders may disagree, the coronavirus will become a distant memory. This is why it is important to plan for your future. Brainstorming post-quarantine adventures with your friends serves as a way to a) connect with the outside world and b) connect with people who care about you. It is important that even though we are physically isolating, we are not mentally isolating; Everyone is entitled to a little escapism, and daydreaming up a future with friends is not a bad way to spend it.
4. Do “the thing” (you know which one)
What is the niche interest that you never gave the time to? What do you want to perfect but haven’t even started? Whether you crave artistry, athleticism, or anything else now is a great time to dedicate yourself to a craft. Amazon and your local Walmart are here for you in these trying times and will assist your journey. Working on “the thing” in the confines of your own home may present challenges, but at the very least, you’ll get creative.
5. Finish this semester strong
WCU? I only know Zoom University, home of the quarantined youth. It’s important to stay motivated and finish this semester strong, even if it hasn’t gone to plan. With the coursework minimized, compared to what most of us are privy to, bringing that GPA up is less of a dream and more of a reality. Though it is tempting to let assignments slide, you will ultimately feel better if you can look back and know that you did your best.
It is also important to note that “finishing strong” can mean different things for everyone. Maybe you don’t get that 4.0, but instead, gain valuable practice with time management. If you have asynchronous classes, this could offer insight into how you work with cumulative deadlines.
Though we may not be running in and out of our favorite campus buildings, this does not mean that we have to forfeit the semester. Education continues outside of the confines of a classroom, and it could be time for you to learn more about yourself rather than molecular biology. It is important to remember that quarantine is not forever, but your life does not have to stay on hold just because the world is.
Caroline Helms is a first-year student majoring in English and minoring in political science. CH923631@wcupa.edu