10 Things to Do During a Quarantine
As we enter week 2 of Boston’s self quarantine, what might have felt like a staycation or an Introvert’s dream, has turned the corner into reality. Last week many of us adapted to working from home, and others found themselves not working. With blurred days, wide open schedules, and less activity, we’ve rounded up 10 Things to Do During Quarantine, so that you can keep moving forward, not lose site of your goals, and hit the ground running once the doors are opened.
1.) Stay Active
Just because you’re staying away from people and your gym closed doesn’t mean that you should sit on your coach all day. Go for a walk. Check you’re gym’s website or IG - they may be closed, but many have started hosting virtual classes (for free!). BostonYPA Members Move.withmm are posting workouts and immunity tips on their Instagram. Just because your membership at the gym or favorite studio is on hold, it doesn’t mean your health is.
2.) Keep Learning
While can all access Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and even real time TV to help pass the time, don’t settle in for just binge watching. Add something to the mix that engages your mind. Perhaps a documentary on your favorite streaming service. A webinar you found on LinkedIn. Or, a webinar BostonYPA designed for you. We’re working with our members to offer free educational webinars in the coming weeks. Let us know what you want to know by voting in our Facebook Group.
If you’re thinking about grad school, our Graduate Studies Forum is planned for September 8th. This year, The Princeton Review is offering our community a discount on test prep and study resources. Details on our website.
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3.) Calculate how long your Toilet Paper will last.
This simple calculator will tell you how long your supply with last you. Now, the real reason we’re including this is because we want you to stop freaking out and scrolling through social media posts about empty shelves. And of course, when you are done checking on your supply, wash your hands.
4.) Reflect on your career and the company you work for.
Have you been feeling like you’re not where you should be? Is your career not going in the direction that you wanted or not what you thought it would be like? Are you disappointed in how your company responded to COVID-19 or treated employees? Use the time you now have to research other career paths and companies. Speak (on the phone) to friends you know in that career or a company that looks like a great place to work. Reach out to a career coach - if you haven’t met someone impressive at our professional events, we’re happy to make a recommendation.
5.) Check on your neighbor
Send a quick hello text to the person who live next to you or below you. Slide a note under an elderly person’s door. Heading to the grocery store? There’s probably someone nearby who would appreciate an offer to pick up something important. Maybe that elderly neighbor has an Rx waiting, but they are terrified to go outside.
6.) Spring Cleaning!
Sorry, your mom asked us to include this. When you’re done disinfecting all of your surfaces and door knobs, there are plenty of other things to clean around your home. Getting your space to a spick and span level and keeping it tidy will help keep you in the right mindset. Just because no one will be coming over for a while doesn’t mean the dishes should pile in the sink. If you’d like a little light reading, we recommend the book Make Your Bed, which highlights the little things that can change your life.
7.) Find ways to save money.
This is especially true if you are now unemployed or under employed. Take time to look at your reoccurring expenses and determine which can be cut. Do you really need all of the streaming services, or will one be enough after the quarantine is over? Are you using that subscription service, or is half of it being wasted? Log into your bank account and look at a full statement - with all of our mobile options, you may be like others who rarely assess how their actually spending their money. Did you know that your cable company will often lower you bill by finding a special deal if you call them and ask? At BostonYPA, you can head to the community discounts page to save on auto insurance and refinancing student loans.
8.) Attend a virtual concert.
Pour a drink just the way you like it (it’s on the house!) and tune in to a virtual concert. Many venues and bands are hosting these throughout Boston. If you like the band, you can click through to “tip” them or purchase merch and downloads. Our pick: Live at Five, every Friday, hosted by the Boston Calendar.
9.) Support Local
The shutdown has had a staggering impact on the local economy, and it’s quite possible some of our favorite places are struggling to find a way to stay open. There are easy ways that you can do your part to help. Order delivery or takeout. Many restaurants quickly moved to a take out option, and many are offering discounts. Delivery helps twice - the restaurant and the delivery person. Buy a gift card to your favorite spot, and hang on to it for when you can go in for a visit - that might help them pay the rent while you’re home.
BostonYPA is doing our part too. On Instagram we’re running contests to encourage virtual lunches at local business and giving away gift cards. And on our website, we’re donating 50% of membership dues received to the option you choose - a member in need, the venues we cancelled events at, or the Restaurant Strong Fund.
10.) Be proud of yourself.
You’ve gotten through a week of something we’d never imagined, that we didn’t have much time to prepare for. You were asked to drastically change many aspects of your life, from how you went to work or did business, to how you socialized, even how you shopped. You sprang to action and adapted to alter your way of living and you’re still here. We’re a resilient crew, and we’ll have so much to celebrate when we gather again.
