8 Things Students Must Do While They're Stuck at Home
Cabin fever is a feeling of irritability and listlessness resulting from a long period of confinement, if not isolation, during winter. It is also the title of Eli Roth's debut movie, a comedy about a flesh-eating virus that would consume a small group of college students. The coronavirus outbreak gave new meaning to the term, as the uncertainty could cause anxiety over the possible loss of job and weight gain. Most of the populace will be stuck at home, but it's not something to cry about. The situation should prompt most to bring out their creative side while planning what things to keep them hopeful, amused, and productive during this challenging time. College students could do more.
Many doctors are studying the Spanish flu that ravaged the planet in 1918, but keep in mind that technology is in its infant stage back then. It should give hope to everyone, such that they could emulate what the inhabitants of Edinburgh do (to keep their chins up). Doesn't the sight of (illustrations of) rainbows and teddy bears warm your heart? College students might be obsessed about their grades, wishing that there won't be any low marks in their transcripts. The lockdown should prompt them to think of the moment. Plan a list of activities that could motivate them to do better. The new set-up should pose lots of challenges, but ain't no mountain high enough.
You're preparing for your Easter holiday during this time, wishing that the clock's hands move faster. Coronavirus doesn't take a vacation, and you don't want to get stuck in the airport for hours. You're still looking forward to a holiday, albeit longer. You're about to spend it with the people you know most. It's more than good enough. However, the symptoms of cabin fever can affect you while you notice the weather getting a bit warmer. Bring out a pen and paper, if not turn on your laptop (or iPad), and make a list.
Making a List: How to Reframe an Opportunity
Watch those season-long TV series. You're afraid of commitment, but it has nothing to do with the social distancing of a different kind. You don't have the patience to watch TV series that run for several seasons. You're neither interested in the accolades nor the superlative adjective that critics heap on it. Your coursework is your priority, so you don't want to get too engrossed in it. There are lots of season-long TV series, and it won't hurt if you watch the first few episodes. You can prove those critics wrong, but don't post your comments on social media. You have other things to do.
Soap opera offers an alternative universe. You cringe at the remake of "Dynasty", which your sibling secretly watches in her room. It's not terrible as you think, as its cheesiness can amuse you. We need to lighten up now and then.
Get out and get fit. You can bring along your family and neighbors. The inhabitants of a small town in England know that isolation could be fatal, so they decided to go to the main road every other morning and engage in a series of calisthenics. Social distancing was observed, which was why they covered the entire street. It should be one way of keeping in touch with your tribe.
Attend those online dancing lessons. If you don't want your parents and/or sibling(s) to find out, you can close the door and keep the volume at a low level. You can tell your coursemates, but don't expect them to do the same thing. They might be addicted to Netflix (and they have no intention of breaking that habit).
Make illustrations about the coronavirus outbreak. Alex Scheffler and Julia Donaldson, the creators of Grufallo, came up with the coronavirus cartoons. Kids would love it while becoming aware of the basic precautions. ("You go ahead and I'll follow two meters ahead.") You could try to be original, but it might be a time-consuming affair. Plan your schedule accordingly.
Deep clean a closet. You don't like the smell of your clothes that you haven't worn for some time. You also keep telling yourself to remove some clutter, but you keep on breaking your promise. You have lots of time, so you have no excuse for not doing it. You can find some items that are still in good condition, but it no longer interests you. Donate it to your local community. And you must put a bar of soap, enclosed in a (small) box, before closing your closet. It should keep that smell away.
Visit your local park. You don't want to miss spring especially the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Social distancing is observed, so you have nothing to worry about. If you're not assured of it, cover your nose and mouth with a scarf. Don't forget a hand sanitizer. And avoid touching your face while enjoying the outdoors. Take a bath after coming home.
Invite your course mates to a game of cards. This is another way to use Zoom, but keep in mind that this could be addictive. You may want to do it every Friday, as this is an opportunity to engage in banter (that should keep everyone in good spirits).
Getting Ready for your Next Trip
It may be too early to plan your next trip especially if you're disheartened at those missed opportunities in the past. Traveling is a thing of the past whenever you think of the current situation and what lies ahead, but it should help you look forward. It's probably the best thing to do, as paper writing requires imagination and creativity. It's up to you to tell your parents about it. Talk about what's happening in your state while you figure out if it's better to say it later. You can tell it to your dorm mates and course mates, but think about proximity.
