No one predicted that most of the nation would be quarantined in their homes for months on end. It is important for the youth to not only refrain from going outside, but to respect that the government is attempting to minimize a crisis. Preventing the spread of the disease through social isolation can potentially avert a multitude of people from crowding and spreading COVID-19 in public spaces. In the meantime, with all of this stir-crazy energy from being stuck inside, here are some activities to keep you busy.

Assist seniors

Consider reaching out to seniors via a Nextdoor post or directly, to see if they are handling the outbreak and if there is anything that you can do to make staying at home possible for them. This could be doing grocery runs, helping with technology, setting up FaceTime or Zoom meetings with their friends, picking up medicine, etc.

Start a project

Do some crafts: Tie-dying old t-shirts and hoodies is a way to get creative and alter your closet. Painting and drawing are great ways to interior decorate spaces previously empty. Try giving your room a makeover by rearranging furniture, repainting the walls, or repurposing furniture.

Explore nature

Go on hikes near your home — it is important to get fresh air and get some exercise.

Make some money

Sell clothes you do not wear anymore and make some extra cash to spend, save, or invest in these times. Sellers on Depop, Poshmark, and Grailed are posting all the time.

Try at-home workouts

YouTube has an endless stream of workout videos that can be done with just a mat at home. There are also many live workout classes offered through Zoom.

Foster or adopt an animal

Shelters around the Bay Area are doing their best to keep a low staff at their facilities, while taking an influx of homeless pets, meaning that hundreds to thousands of animals are in search of homes. Foster homes and adoptions are very much appreciated.

Improve cooking skills

With all this free time, now is perfect to learn or get better at this life skill. Try cooking a different cuisine every night. YouTube is a great source to find recipes with a step-by-step visual process and entertaining personalities at the same time.

Support local businesses

While the dine-in experience is not available, small businesses are really struggling. Most restaurants offer no-contact delivery and are still open for to-go orders. Places like World Wrapps, Juice Girl, and Stefano’s are still operating with their regular hours, and allow customers to pick up or have their services delivered.

Pamper yourself

Use this time to do a hair mask, take a bubble bath, or do whatever form of self-care makes you feel better. It can be fun to make your own face masks with materials that can be found around your kitchen and bathroom. A simple one that I do often is an exfoliating honey and oatmeal mask. All that you have to do is mix one tablespoon of raw honey, one tablespoon of uncooked oatmeal (grind in a blender to a powder rather than use whole oats for a gentler application). Apply to your face and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with a warm cloth.