Growing up under the watch of strict Asian parents, I’ve been used to spending my days at home. Banned from browsing the internet, watching TV, and inviting friends over, I became especially adept at entertaining myself with little means. As a child, books, artwork, and the great outdoors were my primary sources of entertainment, filling my days with sunshine, culture, and strong grandmother vibes.
Thus, with this quarantine in place, life for me has simply reverted back to a time of childhood, with responsibilities being nearly obsolete. While many of my friends have boasted 4 am bedtimes, I have maintained the 11 pm bedtime and 8 am wake up call corresponding to my very grandmother-y schedule with pleasure.
So if you’re looking for new (or archaic) ways to entertain yourself at home…look no further! This expert has been doing it for the past 17 years of her life.
- GO OUTSIDE!! While life cooped up indoors can be restrictive and dismal, the outdoors presents unlimited possibilities for adventure. Embrace your inner transcendentalist by going outside for a walk or run.
I probably sound like your PE teacher now, but running in particular has a way of energizing and motivating you. When you run, your thoughts become very primitive. Suddenly, things like contemplating existentialism and solving Hender Hasselbalch equations in chemistry no longer exist. You’re forced to focus only on the present moment— getting through your run— and whatever bird or tree or nice looking rock that catches your interest. When you’re finished, you will panic realizing that you have wasted time not studying and will be thus motivated to do your homework.
2. Going on walks with people (while social distancing!)
At the beginning of this quarantine, I made a point of dragging my neighbors @Marissa Li and @Zach Xi outside with me everyday. We would walk in a triangle 10 ft apart from each around the neighborhood. One person would be on the street, one person would be on the sidewalk, and the last person would walk 10 ft ahead of everyone else. It was fun, despite Zach complaining about the cold every 5 seconds, which ruined the becoming one with nature thing.
3. Playing tennis
Due to the fact that all sports facilities have all shut down, I have taken up playing tennis. It’s possibly the one sport that abides by the rules of social distancing. Since I can no longer smash birdies as a form of emotional catharsis, tennis balls will have to do for now. Although recently, I’ve realized that touching the gate and the tennis balls probably spreads germs….so RIP my tennis career.
Regardless, thank you to my coaches, Zach Xi and Jeff Cheng. All I can say is, I tried.
4. Trying new recipes
One of the best things that have come out of not going to school for me, is the opportunity to try making new foods. I strongly urge everyone to try a new recipe. You can build your cooking skills and eat something delicious:)
Some easy recipes I’ve made so far and would recommend include:
Chocolate Chip cookies https://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/18476/original-nestle-toll-house-chocolate-chip-cookies/
Nutella Chocolate Chip banana bread
https://www.justataste.com/greek-yogurt-banana-bread-recipe/ (swirl nutella on top for a chocolate-y crust)
Garlic Shrimp Pasta
https://therecipecritic.com/lemon-garlic-parmesan-shrimp-pasta/
5. Photography
Although I am a very amateur photographer, this was a fun way of spending a sunny afternoon. I’ve always been mesmerized by talented photographers and their unique ability to capture a subject at their best— trying my own hand at it was an exciting excuse to go outdoors and boost my sister’s instagram feed.
6. Reading books
Of course, with all this available time on our hands, what else can we do but read as AP Lit students. Jk.
I actually haven’t read as much as I would have liked. I’m halfway through Lolita right now and just finished Becoming by Michelle Obama, both of which are amazing books…although Lolita is basically porn and the narrator is a sex offender who keeps talking about how good looking he is, which makes me uncomfortable to say the least.
7. Art
I had a doodling date with the talented Doris Han over video call one day. It was a lit time. I was able to memorialize her new bangs in a portrait soon to be painting of her.
I haven’t drawn or painted anything for fun in nearly a year, so reconnecting with my artsy/creative side was nice.
