With the thought looming over everyone’s head that we might have to reenter quarantine, people are scrambling to participate in their favorite activities and pastimes while they still can. While quarantine may not be ideal, there are many ways to make it a fun and productive time in all of our lives. My friends and I have created a list of some of our favorite quarantine hobbies that you can try if we have to enter lockdown again. 

1. Read a Book

A classic suggestion, but a good book can keep you occupied for hours! From non-fiction to fantasy, there are so many options to choose from! Here is a list of books that my friends and I recommend reading:

• The Book Thief
• Dear Martin
• The Hate U Give
• Radio Silence
• The Sun is Also a Star
• The Hunger Games
• Tuck Everlasting
• The Search for Delicious
• When Dimple Met Rishi
• Pride and Prejudice
• Franny and Zooey

2. Play/Learn an Instrument

Taking up a new hobby, like playing an instrument can be hard, but in the end, it always pays off! I am starting to learn how to play the guitar. It definitely is a lot of work, but super fun, and a really enjoyable activity to do when I’m bored. There are plenty of Youtube tutorials for every instrument to help you learn and improve!

If you don’t have access to any instruments, you can try singing! Your voice is still an instrument, and can also be trained to sound really good! There are many singing tutorials on Youtube that you can follow as well.

3. Listen to a Podcast

Podcasts are gaining popularity with each day and for good reason! Podcasts can keep people entertained for hours on end. Depending on whatever you like, there is a podcast for you. Here are some podcast recommendations:

• Office Ladies (A podcast by Jenna Fisher and Angela Kinsey, who dish on all the scoop of the behind the scenes of the popular show, The Office)
• True Crime Chronicles (Just like the title says… this podcast is all about true crime, serial killers, and cold cases)
• Anything Goes (A podcast by the Youtube sensation herself, Emma Chamberlain, that talks about anything and everything, giving you a guaranteed laugh)

4. Start a Blog

This one may sound a bit out there, but blogs are a great way to express yourself! You can write about anything you want, and even gain a following of readers, that will be eager to hear what you have to say. No due dates, no deadlines, a blog is all yours, and a low-stress way to fill time during quarantine. 

Here is a link to a website that can guide you to create your own blog: https://wordpress.com/create-blog/ 

My friend Lucy Tyler created a blog of her own recently, and it’s amazing! Here’s the link if you want to take a look: https://latyler20.wixsite.com/myhonestblog 

5. Establish Fun Workout Habits

Last quarantine, there was a workout trend going around that got teens all across America up, out of their beds, being active! Unfortunately, now that the trend is over, it is becoming harder for people to get motivated and workout, especially when gyms are closed. But, there is some good news, working out never goes out of style! Despite the fun workout trends available, there are many ways you can be active and healthy at home, in quarantine. 

There are many workout videos that go along with the most popular songs, that will inspire you to get moving! Here is a link to a Youtube channel that provides these great videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/MadFit/videos 

I know that trying new styles of workout routines works best for me! Some days I’ll try yoga, then maybe the next I’ll ride my bike; try switching it up to maintain that motivation! 

6. Write Letters to Friends and Family

Quarantine is called quarantine for a reason, you have to stay home, away from your loved ones. This can make the lockdown extra hard, but keeping in touch with your friends and family will help you maintain a positive attitude. Writing letters puts a personal touch on communication with people, rather than a text message or call. Letters can also be fun to make! This is a great way to stay in touch with the people you love during quarantine, but also gives people a fun activity to take part in! 

No matter what you do in quarantine, it is a time to reflect and focus on yourself. Make each day a productive one, but also have fun. Hopefully, we will never have to go through this again, but this alone time is also precious, so don’t take it for granted. These activities can help you maintain a happy and healthy quarantine. Make sure to be safe, and try out one of these activities!