I was hoping everything would be back to normal by now and that I could safely return to New York for school this fall. But it seems that won’t happen anytime soon. And social distancing is the new normal, even if it can get boring AF. So, here are some things to do while social distancing to keep boredom at bay.
Go Outside
Yea I know, this is very obvious and self explanatory. But, go outside more often and by outside I mean parks or open spaces where there aren’t many people. Just spend some time with nature.
Go on a trip
A change of scenery and a mini vacation, can do wonders for your mental health! You definitely don’t have to go to another state, you could just rent an Airbnb for a couple days in your city and have a mini staycation.
My family and I rented a cabin in Georgia and we’re going on a 4 day trip. We don’t want to risk it by traveling by plane, so we’ll drive 10 hours. Traveling abroad isn’t an option at the moment, so Georgia will have to do for now – I’m grateful we even have the opportunity to do this amidst a global pandemic.
Go on a picnic
It is so relaxing.
Learn something new
Since we have to social distance and stay at home more often this summer, we have more time in our hands. Take advantage of this and learn something new. Maybe learn about something you’ve been wanting to learn for a long time. For me that is finance and psychology. I’m currently taking 2 free classes on coursera and reading a couple books about these topics.
Remember, time is money and it is the only thing you can never get more of! So, do not waste your time. There are so many free online classes on coursera and other platforms!
Click here for a list of over 100 free classes on coursera.
Read… a lot
I personally don’t like reading literature, it is very hard for me to focus and I lose interest very fast. I’m more of a visual person. BUT, I do love some finance and self-development books. And that is what I’m reading during this time.
Also, I just want to mention you don’t have to spend a lot of money on books. Just browse around your house and check what books your family members might have laying around. And if you don’t find anything you like, there are multiple places where you can rent a book or buy it at an affordable price. Maybe, consider buying/renting an e-book, most of the times they are cheaper than paperback books.
Soon, I will be posting a list of finance + self-development books I’m planning to read. Get this list straight to your inbox, by leaving your email below!
Try a new at home workout
By the looks of it, I don’t think gyms will reopen anytime soon. And if they reopen, I still wouldn’t feel safe going to the gym, because it is a closed space and, well, people touch everything – from the treadmill to the weights and machines.
It might be time you get adjusted to working out at home instead of waiting until the gyms reopen. There are SO many apps you can use and Youtube videos you can watch.
Try a different type of exercise
If you’re already working out at home, try different exercises, maybe go hiking, start running, try new workout routines, go swimming, try yoga? The options are endless.
Have a virtual Happy Hour with your friends
Another thing to do while social distancing is having virtual happy hours with your friends! I’m currently in Florida and will be staying here until probably next year… And here, my social life is pretty much non-existent. I do not have any friends our here and that makes me miss my friends so much! So, I love doing happy hour through FaceTime or Zoom with them!
Learn how to cook
I don’t know about you, but my cooking skills aren;t the best. I am a sucker for simple & fast meals and when I was in New York living by myself I would pretty much live off sushi, quinoa bowls, pasta and salad. But, I’ve decided that now that I have more time on my hands, I’ll make an effort to learn how to cook more elaborate meals. Besides, I’m peruian and every time I say that to someone I just met they go ” Oh, you must cook great!”. I’m tired of that so yea I’ll cook great, not chef level but also not salad and pasta college freshmen level.
Visit museums virtually
You might not be able to visit museums in person, but you can definitely visit them virtually whenever you want. It’s a great way to entertain yourself while learning something new.
Have a karaoke night
The fact that bars & clubs are closed, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have fun. Just have a karaoke night with your close friends or family.
Have a game night
You and your family could get together once a week to have a game night. It is a fun way to spend time together and to bond as a family.
Start a DIY project
I love DIY projects, especially fashion ones! It’s a good way of up-cycling your wardrobe and to get creative!
Go thrift shopping
One of my favorite things to do while social distancing is going thrift shopping is so much fun! I’m going this weekend and can’t wait to see what I find.
Related: 40+ Things To Do While In Quarantine
Declutter your closet
Go through your entire closet and donate/sell items you don’t wear anymore. I try to sell/donate items I haven’t worn in over 6 months, unless they have a sentimental value. I always run out of space in my closet, because I buy very often, but also collaborate with brands on this blog or social media and therefore get a lot of items gifted.
PS. I’m selling a BUNCH of clothes on my Poshmark – most of them have never been worn or only worn once or twice.
Go on virtual dates
Going on virtual dates it’s a fun way to meet people, even if you don’t end up actually dating them. I personally, wouldn’t risk it going on an actual date right now, because I don’t want to get sick and put my loved ones at risk. Beside, going on a virtual date takes away a lot of pressure. For example, if you feel uncomfortable you can just hang up. And you don’t really have to dress up for the date, you can wear a cute top and sweatpants!
It feels like forever since I went on a date. And while I know I don’t need or want a boyfriend, sometimes I feel so single! I don’t want to actually date anyone, but it is a fun thing to do and a way to meet people even if you don’t end up dating them.
Get politically involved
There are SO many things going on right now – Black Lives Matter movement, Lebanon, presidential re-elections are around the corner. SO many things. Get politically involved in your city, you could sign petitions, donate money, join a peaceful protest, or find out ways to volunteer online.
Mentor someone virtually
A lot of organizations have virtual mentoring programs, including the non-profit organization I work for. You can sign up, respond a couple questions as part of the application process and you’ll be matched with a girl to mentor!
You can also look for other ways to mentor virtually. Or be a mentee! Having a mentor or mentoring someone has so many benefits and it is definitely an experience to have.
Start journaling or meditating
Before quarantine I wanted to start journaling and meditating so bad, but could never find the time, patience or energy to start. But now that I will be spending so much more time at home, it seems like the perfect time to start doing it.
Sleep and relax!
After all, it’s a global pandemic, take advantage of this time to sleep and relax as much as you can. Hopefully soon enough everything would go back to normal.
Be safe!
I shouldn’t even have to say this, but if you have the virus or think you might have it, just stay home and quarantine yourself for 14 days, at least. It’s not that hard. Don’t put anyone at risk, this is a highly contagious virus, there isn’t a vaccine yet and people are dying.
Is there anything you’d like me to add to this “Things To Do While Social Distancing” list? Leave comment below!
PS. You can download this list! Just click below.
