What Not To Do During Quarantine (Tips From a Quarantine Survivor)
Dahlia Olivo, ‘22
Oh no! You’re in the midst of a pandemic! You may be panicking, or maybe you’re just glad that in-person school is cancelled. Either way, it means having to withstand the epic triumphs and defeats of being quarantined in your own home. But what does one do when they’re faced with these circumstances? Well, as a quarantine survivor myself, let me offer some advice. Disclaimer: This is not going to be your average Wikihow article on how to survive the long quarantine that awaits you. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
The following is a list of the top 10 things you definitely should not do during quarantine:
3. Work relentlessly without stopping
Please give yourself a break from schoolwork. Please. Do anything else for 10 minutes. Walk your dog. Or your sibling. Or yourself. Play a game. Call a friend. Anything. Do it, and thank me later.
4. Not go outside
“What? Dahlia, aren’t you forgetting we’re in self ISOLATION?”
Yes, I know that. I’m very aware. Just because you’re quarantined does not mean you’re not allowed to go outside. Something happens to you when you stay in your apartment for too many days (or weeks). You start to feel like a prisoner. You’re not. That’s why I recommend stepping outside (wearing a mask!) every once in a while for a breath of fresh air, or maybe even a stroll around the block.
5. Ruin your sleep schedule
Just because you’re quarantined does not mean it's a good idea to stay up past 3:00am playing video games (especially if you have to wake up for an early class the next day). Before you know it, you’ll be tired all throughout the day, and awake all throughout the night, creating a vicious cycle that many of us are already all too familiar with. So do your body a favor and give it the rest it needs, when it needs it. It might just make online school a little less tedious.
6. Resist the urge to bake
You’ve seen people baking. It’s okay to do it, too. Baking is fun, stress relieving, and it gives you something nice to munch on when you’re done! It’s a win all around.
7. Take your anger out on your family
We’re all bound to get angry sometimes, and families are the easiest target at a time like this. Nonetheless, taking your anger out on the people that care about you does nobody any good. Also, you have to remember that you’re not even sure how long you’re going to be quarantined together for, so really, try to choose your battles. Save the fights for another day.
8. Go outside without a mask
You’ve heard it from me. You’ve heard it from your friend. You’ve heard it countless times on Instagram. Wear a mask. Just do it. Please. Masks are cool, trust me. Don’t believe me? Wear one outside and see. See? You’re cool now.
9. Repress your emotions
This is a hard time. It’s okay to be sad, or angry, or just plain bored. Whatever you’re feeling, you’re not alone. Feel free to call a friend, rant to a family member, or even just take a minute for yourself to process these emotions.
10. Forget about your own needs
Who knew being quarantined with yourself would actually make it harder to do things for yourself? I didn’t. Yes, many people out there definitely have it way harder than you do, but that doesn’t make you any less important. Do not feel selfish for doing things just for yourself, whether that’s painting your nails, watching a movie, or deciding to stop working a little earlier today. Whatever it is, this is a hard time and you deserve it (and if it’s keeping you sane so you might as well).