10 Ways to Remain (semi) Sane During Quarantine

Since we’re all stuck at home till who knows when, I wanted to share a few ways to pass the time and remain sane until we can all go out to eat, go shopping, go to concerts, gather in crowds, or get within six feet of each other again. You can’t sit on TikTok 24/7, so here are a few other options to remain semi-sane during quarantine. 

1. Go for a hike

The one thing we have going for us during this is that we can still go outside. For me, I’ve gone on a lot of hikes since quarantine started. Getting outside for a few hours a day really helps to clear your head and make you feel better. It’s good exercise too. There’s a lot of beautiful places to hike around here. A few I would recommend are:

-Rails for Trails: There’s a lot of different spots to hike or bike ride on the trail. It’s good for an easier, relaxing hike. You can bring your dog too.

– Todd’s Nature Reserve: This is a close spot in Sarver with a pond and a creek that run along the trails. The woods here are beautiful.

– Moraine: There’s a ton of trails here, some short easy ones and some longer more difficult ones. You can also fish here.

2. Watch Netflix/Hulu/Disney+

No explanation needed for this one. Here are a few recommendations:

• America’s Book of Secrets: Netflix, If you are into history or documentaries this is an interesting one. I would recommend the episode on the White House. 
• Longmire: Netflix, If your into police shows, this is a good less common one that you probably haven’t seen yet. Plus there are six seasons – perfect for binging.
• Tiger King: Netflix, If you haven’t heard of this yet, you’ve probably been living under a rock. It’s crazy, give it a watch. 
• Schitt’s Creek: Netflix, A great option if you are looking for something to make you laugh.
• Parks and Recreation: Netflix, Another funny option, great if you like The Office
• Law and Order: Special Victims Unit: Hulu, A great classic cop show. Ms. T knows this was my favorite thing to watch during study hall when we were in school. 
• Scrubs: Hulu, A good combination of funny and serious. It’s an older show, but it’s a good classic. 
• Basically anything on Disney+, all the old classic Disney shows are there along with some new ones as well as basically every Disney movie ever made. For me, I’ve been watching all the live remakes of the classic Disney movies (the Lion King, Aladdin, Dumbo, Lady and the Tramp, etc.).
• Feel free to leave more recommendations in the comments!

3. Pick up an old hobby

For me, I have been coloring a lot. I have a lot of adult coloring books laying around that I don’t usually have time to do, but since quarantine I have picked them back up. For me, it’s very relaxing and helps to take my mind off of things. I like to put on a movie or music in the background and color for a few hours. If coloring isn’t your thing, you could try journaling, making bracelets, reading, really any hobby you can do at home that is relaxing for you.

4. Game nights

Break out an old favorite game, or try a new one you got for Christmas and never touched. I’ve played a lot of games of Uno, Trivia Pursuit, and Incohearent (similar to Cards Against Humanity, a lot of fun).

5. FaceTime dates with friends

This is a great way to stay connected with friends you may be missing during quarantine. A good time to catch up, commiserate, and make plans for when this is all over. 

6. Make plans for after quarantine

This has to end eventually, so making plans for after quarantine will give you something to look forward to, and maybe a little hope for the future. For me, I have a lot of camping trips planned. 

7. Treat yourself to a coffee or pick up food from a restaurant

I know for me I have really been missing being able to go out to eat. My family and I picked up Olive Garden one day, and Luciano’s. Picking up food is a good way to get out of the house for a little while. Or, if you are content at home you could always order a pizza. The Saxonburg Coffee Shop is open too! I know coffee is always a good pick-me-up for me, and theirs is some of my favorite. This is also a way to support small businesses that may be struggling during this. 

8. Take an online workout class

I’m usually dancing for a lot of my free time, but with the studio shut down as well as all gyms, it’s not easy to find a way to exercise, and I’m the kind of person who will go crazy sitting still in the house for hours, days, and now months on end. My dance studio has held online classes, and I have found a ton of workout videos on YouTube, as well as through Fitbit and Planet Fitness. 

9. Have a spa night

Put on a face mask, take a long bath and light some candles, watch a movie, do your hair and makeup, whatever floats your boat. It will make you feel at least a little better, I promise. It’s a great way to relax. 

10. Bake or cook something

There’s no better time to try out a new recipe, or make an old favorite. For Easter I baked a cake and spent hours decorating it. You might find something you like, and it’s a good way to use up some of your time while we’re all at home.