Quarantined Joy

As we spend more time “social distancing” ourselves or self quarantining, it can be difficult to find the joy (especially if you’re sick, alone, or an extrovert with an extreme case of cabin fever). But lucky for you, as a homebody, an introvert, and a griever, I’ve spent years practicing social distancing and am here to help!

Need some #forcedjoy ideas while stuck in your house? Here are some of my favorite ways to spend my time at home:

  • Read a book (hell, read an entire series)

  • Create a personal spa day in your bathroom - light some candles, play relaxing music, make a face mask from items in your fridge, take a bath and relax!

  • Experiment with new recipes (see how creative you can get with whatever is in your pantry)

  • #PJsAllDay (a favorite activity of mine and my nieces and nephews)

  • Movie marathon

  • Handwrite letters to loved ones

  • Nap (seriously, when was the last time you took a good nap?)

  • Try a new hobby! (Need ideas? Jewelry making, knitting, crocheting, ukulele playing, pottery, rock polishing - youtube is a magical rabbit hole of tutorials)

  • Try a new exercise program (again, youtube will show you the way)

  • Daydream about your next vacation (for when it’s safe to travel)

  • Plan a garden or start your seeds

  • Make a “Social Distancing” playlist and share it with your friends

  • Write - journal, draft your memoir, try your hand a poetry - let your creative juices flow!

  • Organize your house (If you’re stuck in it, you might as well make it more livable!)

  • Learn a new skill (Skillshare is FULL of fun ideas)

  • Order from your fav small businesses to support them during this time (and then share about them over social media to give them some extra exposure!)

  • Call or FaceTime your friends

  • Meditate (try the Headspace or Calm app)

  • Do a puzzle

  • Deep clean the house. All of it.

  • Dance party!

  • Do your taxes. It’s not fun, but it has to get done. Might as well check it off your list while you’re stuck at home..

  • Sign up for a free online course or class

  • Get some fresh air - whether that’s a hike, sitting on your stoop, or just opening your windows for an hour (we’re social distancing, not nature distancing)

And remember: share the toilet paper and wash your damn hands!

Dana FrostJoy, quarantine, covid-19, coronavirus, isolationComment