Don’t worry, this is not another blog post about ‘What to do during Coronavirus social-distancing’. I find myself regularly Googling for ideas to keep myself sane, therefore, I don’t consider myself qualified to be giving out advice. Every ‘What to do when you’re bored- list’, that I have read, is more or less the same, because let’s face it, there is only so much we can do stuck at home. (So instead of copying and pasting what other bloggers have written, I will take the liberty of adding some links below.)

We are all new to this surreal situation and everyone is trying to figure out ways to help themselves cope. I’m sure we’ve all had those days when we would much rather stay at home all day, get up whenever we want, have 24/7 access to our fridge and watch the Netflix series that everyone has been talking about. Now, most of us have received Governmental orders to stay at home and the ‘fun’ of staying home, very quickly disappears. We always want what we can’t have.

But let’s take a step back from the negativity and devastating side of the situation. Be honest without yourself: Isn’t it nice to not have to set an alarm for the next morning? Whether you do your morning Yoga at 8am or 11am…what’s the rush? Whether you open a bottle of wine at 10am or 10pm, who’s gonna judge? When was the last time you really had the time to sit down and read your book, or when was the last time you even picked up a book? Take this time to do what you love, or have always wanted to do and don’t put pressure on yourself to be or behave a certain way. Even if you gain a few extra pounds…it’s not your fault – blame the government.

Some of us have to endure social-distancing alone, others have to endure morning till night with their partner while some have been given the extra challenge in keeping their children entertained. All ‘bitter sweet’ scenarios! So don’t wish for your ‘grass to be greener’. Make the most of your situation and do what you can to keep yourself sane and smiling. It’s so important, now more than ever, to believe that there is ‘light at the end of the tunnel’-but why not light up your own little light to help you through this long-a** tunnel!

If there is one thing I would advise you to do (something that I haven’t yet read on any other blog so I would like copyright on the following): Make a list of everything that you are grateful for during this time. Even if you are just grateful for not having to wear a bra all day, or that you now have a valid excuse for playing video games all day.

We are all in the same boat, but we are all suffering in different ways and therefore, we should show respect towards one another regardless of our own frustrations. Many of us can consider ourselves extremely lucky; being healthy and virus-free an just chilling out at home without fighting anything. (Apart from those who are living with their spouse in a 30m2 apartment).  

Something that could be high up on our ‘thankful-lists’, is the internet and social media. Social media has a tendency to get a bad rep, but my days in quarantine would have been miserable if it wasn’t for the memes, Instagram stories and TikTok videos that people are posting.  The sense of humor, ‘community’ and support has been unbelievable; people singing from their balconies, live-streaming fitness classes and supporting small local businesses. Despite being physically distant, we are still able to be social from a distance and able to reach out to our loved ones.

We are in this now and we can only decide how we deal with it. Use this time productively instead of screaming into your pillow.  Would you want to look back and remember that time you were miserable for 6 weeks? Or “Hey, do you remember that time we got quarantined? I actually read a book, finally watched ‘Game of Thrones’ and had Facetime house parties. And, I haven’t run out of toilet paper since!”

Stay healthy, keep smiling and wash your hands! Xx

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Comprehensive Guide to What to Watch, Read and Listen to During Quarantine. https://time.com/5813446/what-to-do-during-quarantine/

100 Things To Do When You’re Bored. https://www.hercampus.com/school/unh/100-things-do-when-youre-bored

35 People Who Are Beyond Bored While Having To Stay At Home https://www.boredpanda.com/funny-bored-people-quarantine-activities/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic