Things you can do at home during a lockdown or any period of isolation

[TeenHelp]

Things you can do at home during a lockdown or any period of isolation
By Emma (Golfing girl)

It can be difficult to figure out what to do during a lockdown or any period of isolation. No matter how long you need to isolate, it can be very upsetting and we can become depressed because we are not out doing what we usually do. So how can we spend the time at home?

• Play a game. If you have any siblings or family members that you are living with, see if all of you can play a board game. When we are sitting around playing board games with our family members we are thinking about the game and having fun and not thinking about being stuck indoors. Play any game that you have, such as Clue, Monopoly, Sorry, Jumanji or Scrabble. You can also buy these games from your grocery store and if you are not able to go out to buy them, then have them delivered and start playing together. If you have a deck of cards, you can try playing Uno Crazy Eights, War or you can just Google card games; if you are not sure how to play it then you can read how to and try it out.

• Video games/virtual games. They are also a great distraction to play for a while. You can play by yourself, friends and family members. Playing video games is a great way to connect with friends and family because even though you can't see them or be in the same room, you are still spending time with them.

• If you have Disney+, Netflix or Hulu you can start a new show. They have so many shows and movies that you can watch; try watching something that is not going to bring you down because if you are already feeling down it might make you feel worse. Find something that is funny or that can pick you up for a while. Ask your family and friends if they would like to join you for a movie. When watching with your friends, you can start the movie together and then when it's over you can talk about it or you can text during it. Watching movies together is a great idea because you are spending time together and when watching the movie you are not thinking about why you are staying home.

• Another thing that you can do is work out. You do not have to have a lot of equipment like when you are go to the gym. If you want a yoga mat, you can buy this from Meijers, Walmart, Target, Five Below, or any sporting store and have it delivered. They start around 5.00 dollars and go up to a few hundred dollars depending on the style that you want. You can buy some hand weights as well. Then go onto YouTube and type in workouts and a lot will come up. You can find all kinds of workouts, if you would like to try yoga or a full body workout or any kind of exercise, you will be able to find it. Also some gyms are doing online workouts starting around 10.00 dollars and going up. You can take a class right at home, having someone motivate you. It is always fun working out with a buddy. Also, if you enjoy dancing you can dance for a while. Go onto YouTube and type in dance routines and learn different dances. Dancing around in your house is always fun to do.

• Spend time with your pets. If you have a pet for example a dog or cat, play with them and teach your dog new tricks. How to rollover or crawling on his belly or high five or any kind of trick you would like to try. Playing with animals are fun because they help us when we are having a hard time. If you are able to walk around your house do this with your dogs. Dogs love going for walks and playing. Try playing in your backyard with them by throwing a ball or frisbee.

• Try a new hobby. You can learn how to knit and sew if you do not know how or you enjoy this. They have kits from the craft stores that have step by step instructions for you to follow and you can make a pillow or stuffed animal or anything else that you like. It can be fun learning how to do something that you have never done before. You can bake cookies, brownies, pies, cupcakes or anything that you can think of. When we are baking we can get the whole family involved because everyone is helping with something that you would like to make and then you can enjoy it later. If you enjoy reading, see about starting a book club. Ask your friends and family if they have the same books as you and then you can read the book together and talk about it. Or you can read by yourself if you enjoy that better. You can also try writing, drawing, painting, taking a bath to help you pass the time.

No matter what you do, try to find something or many things that will help pick you up so that you are not thinking about the difficult times so much. I hope that you are able to find something to help you out with this.