Things to Do During the Quarantine

Now is the time to remain active and accomplish what you might not have had time for.

At this time of great uncertainty, when being quarantined at home during the coronavirus pandemic is the new norm, the hope is for the return to some form of normalcy in the immediate future. Of course, no one knows for sure when this will be. And, while we are doing our best to stay at home and to stay safe, there are certain things we can do to keep occupied.

Here are some suggestions of how to actually put this quarantine to the best possible use.

Television and Digital Consumption

Did you know that in this era of “Peak TV,” there are more than 500 scripted programs — comedy and drama– to consume (not to mention non-scripted)? And do you realize that the typical household has over 100 channel and digital options to consider? That said, find yourself a good program, make yourself a big bowl of popcorn, kick off those clunky shoes, and simply sit back and start to binge.

Some viewing suggestions: Docuseries “Tiger King” and dramas “Stranger Things” and “Ozark” on Netflix; Al Pacino drama “Hunters” on Amazon Prime; dramas “Homeland” and “Shameless” on Showtime; dramas “Game of Thrones,” “Succession” and “Westworld” on HBO; NBC family-themed “This Is Us,” and anything on Disney+. Since we certainly need some programming comforting, streamer Disney+, in particular, is just the ticket.  If you don’t have a smart tv it may be worth investing in streaming devices like the Firestick or Roku. If you do have a smart tv you can use a free app like AirBeam that will allow you to cast your phone to your Samsung or Android tv.

Read a Good Book

Sure, we used to read, both at home and perhaps on the way to work. But the rise of digital and social media means we spend more time than anything else, perhaps, transfixed on our mobile devices. Now is the time to pick your head up, find a good book and dive into it. Some suggestions: “Gingerbread” by Helen Oyeyemi; “The Tenth Muse” by Catherine Chung; “Tick Mirror” by Gia Tolentino; and “Oval” by Elvia Wilk.

Call a Friend or Relative You Have Not Spoken to Recently

Remember that friend or cousin you have not spoken to in years? You know, the one who stopped calling you way back when or the one you, well, just could not stand? Yet, you have thought about that person for years? Now is the time to pick up the phone and get reacquainted or make amends. There is nothing like a situation like this at present, where we are all in the “same boat,” so to speak, that warrants a reconnection. And, let’s face, you know have the time for a long telephone conversation…or two.

Pick a Hobby You Want to Pursue

You know that puzzle or paint by numbers set that has been sitting in your closet for years that you got for Christmas? Or those old board games you liked to play like Monopoly or Clue? With families at home together for an extended time, why not gather together for some family fun? Then again, if you are of a crafty nature, now if your time to create something for the home or perhaps for a loved one.

Spring is in the Air…Time for a Nice Long Walk

In the busy society of today, the norm is to drive anywhere you need to go. The art of walking is becoming more obsolete. But, if your health warrants it, take a nice long brisk walk that can, a) give you the exercise you might be missing without the gym; and b) give you the change to reconnect with neighbors (utilizing social distancing, of course), or actually meet them. You never know who you might see from a distance.

Play the Casinos Online

For years, the rise of online casinos has offered the thrill of the real-life casinos under the safety of your own roof. Then, of course, is the opportunity to win some fast cash in this super gaming and gambling experience that offers a convenient wagering experience. No matter where you are, the immediate availability of an online casino in Canada, the United States, Europe – or anywhere – continues to grow in leaps and bounds.

Online gaming and casinos are your great escape at present. And with live sports at a temporary standstill, there is all the more reason to expect the current surge of gaming and online casinos to continue.

Cook a Grand Meal

I know…you just have not had time to experiment in the kitchen. Well, now you do, and chances are you have some hungry occupants looking to try a new tasty dish. So, why not put your culinary skills to the test?

Time to Fix Up the House

With more time on your hands, why not freshen up your home with some spring cleaning and, perhaps, some redecorating. Then, of course, there is your backyard, which can use some sprucing up just in time for the arrival or some milder weather.

As challenging as this quarantine can be at times, never forget that this is temporary. And there is so much that you can actually do with the additional time you now have.