How Students Can Stay Busy During a Pandemic

By Jillian Haguisan

Due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, New York State has announced a period of mandated social distancing, requiring millions of New Yorkers to stay inside their homes. Although this helps reduce the spread of the virus, people across the state currently face the following question: What do we do now? Now that students are no longer allowed to go into school, they are free to schedule their days in quarantine however they choose. However, this freedom can result in inconsistency and boredom. Here are some ideas about how to stay busy during this unprecedented time:

1. FaceTime: 
Even though some people may be more introverted than others, social interaction is vital for all human beings. Hanging out with friends virtually is not exactly the same as seeing them physically, but it is still important to check up on each other regularly. Your friends are likely just as lonely as you are, so make sure to say hello often. You can also play virtual games together or help each other with school work.

2. Exercise: 
If you have never exercised before, now is the perfect time to start! Plan your workouts ahead of time, and stick to a timeframe during the day that works best for you. The more consistent your plan, the easier it will be to maintain. It is also helpful to find exercises that interest you. Do you prefer running? Weight lifting? Dancing? Discover what you like and then find workouts that motivate you. Many trainers and gyms are providing free workouts through various apps and social media. You can even rely on YouTube. If you struggle to stay motivated, just remember that a little exercise each day is better than none at all! 

3. Study:
Start studying for big assessments like AP exams. Look at the official College Board website to establish what topics you need to know and what topics are no longer on exams. Your teachers are probably already providing resources and review materials, so make sure you keep up with assignments. Although it’s beneficial to use this time to study, do not dedicate too many hours a day to extra school work or you’ll burn out. 


4. Binge Watch:
While productivity is great, every human needs a break. If there are any shows or movies that you’ve been wanting to watch but never seemed to have the time, now you do. “Schitt’s Creek,” “Friends,” “The Crown,” and “The Office” are just a few popular shows on multiple recommendation lists. Of course, do not go too far down the binge watching hole. Be mindful of your health and take breaks from screen time.

5. Play Video Games: 
If you own multiple gaming consoles, you can spend time playing new games and replaying old ones. However, video games are not only on consoles. There are plenty of games available online and on apps. You can also play nostalgic games like Club Penguin, and you can even socialize with others if you choose to play virtual games with friends.