Throughout the spread of COVID-19, the regulations on what we can and cannot do only become stronger. Along with the social distancing and self-isolation, many people begin to find themselves bored at home. Students typically spend their weekdays at school and head home to do homework and relax, but who knew weeks of being at home and relaxing could get tiring. Here are some tips to try and stay on top of things while at home and not become too stir crazy:

1. School’s Out!     I understand that it may not be popular, but one of the best things to do during this time off is to continue schooling. Even though our teachers, here in Lenoir City, cannot assign us school work, we are still expected to do something. Even if you log onto Khan Academy or Quizlet for 15 minutes during the day, you are using your brain and won’t fall behind when the next school year hits. (A thing I started doing was making a schedule for myself to make sure I get some school work done and still have lots of time for video games.)
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2. The Most Exhausted     A major problem I have faced during this time off is exhaustion. I will wake up in the morning with about ten hours of sleep, and all I want to do is go back to bed. I think we’ve all been there at some point in these past couple of weeks, so you get the point. While exercise starts to get a bad rep for making people sore and not being very fun, there are other forms of just moving around that are great for waking you up and making the day not feel as boring. Trust me; I don’t like to run and do sweaty exercise routines. However, I also really dislike waking up in the morning tired. A great solution can be just taking the dogs for a quick walk around the yard, doing some light yoga, or a couple songs of Just Dance. Just because we’re stuck at home doesn’t mean we’re stuck having to sit the entire time. We have the freedom to move around a little and make the most of this time at home.
3. Express Yourself     A quick way to get your mind off of everything happening in the world and the fact that you’re trapped inside your house is finding a way to be creative. No, this does not just mean sewing or painting. This can be a variety of things. Including making a world in Minecraft, writing a poem, planning the way you’d like to set up a new garden. There are endless possibilities on how you could be creative. For example, I have been taking notes with colorful pens and markers to try and help keep me on track and engaged; I have also been knitting and playing Dungeons and Dragons.
4. Escaping to Another World     There are many reasons you may want a quick little break from everything going on around you whether that be the news, your family, or your annoying puppy who won’t stop barking. There is, of course, the old classic book that is easy to take with you anywhere inside or outside to enjoy. This is a good way to lose yourself in another world for a moment without having to look at a screen which we do most of the day now. This can also be a good way to go to sleep if you are having a difficult time sleeping. If you want to be more involved with others, a board game, online video game, or a roleplaying game are all good options. With a board game you can grow closer to your family that is also stuck with you, and video games and role playing games can allow you to actually be a different person for a while.

There are even more ways to be able to spend your time while on this extended break, but just remember to stay at your own home and stay healthy by washing your hands. Social distancing right now is how we get back to normal sooner, but for now, let’s make the most of our time inside.

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You can always do light exercise while you're trapped inside.