Stuck at home? Fight boredom with these five activities

Like so many other college students, I found out that I wasn't going back to school while already home. I had packed for spring break in Miami, only to have my plans put on pause as a pandemic swept America. Faced with the unusually cold Saint Louis weather and armed with far to many bikinis, I had no idea what to do. Back in my hometown but unable to see my friends from high school or college was terrifying, and a sure recipe for boredom. I have done my best to keep myself occupied, so in the five weeks since being back at home I've come up with a list of the five best things to do when quarantined.

1. Clean your room

Your room is your sanctuary at home. It is the only place in your parents house that you can truly make your own, and if it looked anything like mine did when I came home, its in dire need of tidying up. Pick up the clothes that were strewn about when packing to go back to school after winter break, and dust off the dresser that hasn't been cleaned in months. Wipe down every surface, and make sure to sanitize door knobs and light switches. It feels so much better living in a clean space!

2. Cook and bake food

With all the time at home, I know that it is easy to get bored. Cooking and baking is a delicious way to pass the time. Try out a few recipes that I've tried and loved!

If you're craving something sweet - try Life, Love, and Sugar's hot chocolate cake!

If you're craving something salty - try Sally's Baking Addiction's soft pretzels!

If you need to make dinner - try Chowhound's tofu pad see ew!

If you want a tasty but challenging snack - try Feel Good Foodie's buffalo cauliflower bites!

3. Try a home workout

It is so easy to sit on the couch all day and binging TV. (My go to's have been Scandal and Euphoria!) While it is completely possible to spend a full 24 hours horizontal, it is much better to get up and get moving. The #ChloeTingChallenge has taken Tik Tok by storm, as YouTuber Chloe Ting's videos are short but pack a big punch. In addition to online challenges, POPSUGAR Fitness has multiple free workout videos both on their site and YouTube channel. With guest trainers and all types of workouts, there is something for everyone on their page. My personal favorite? This 30-Minute No-Equipment Abs and Butt-Toning Workout with "Queen of Home Workouts" Brittne Babe for POPSUGAR Fitness.

4. Make or browse Spotify playlists

Listening to music is a great way to boost your mood. Whether you use Spotify, Apple Music, or a different streaming service, users are able to create and share different playlists. Try making a playlist of throwback songs you loved in the seventh grade, or of songs that remind you of being at school. Trade and share with your friends, or use the collaborative function to make a group playlist that multiple users can add songs to.

5. Call your friends

Though separated by distance, there are many ways to keep in touch with your friends. My friends and I started Zoom calling each other almost every other day to update each other about our days, and reminisce about being at college. We also play games on zoom, guessing whose baby picture is whose on Kahoot, or playing a round of Quiplash on Jackbox Games. I FaceTime friends every day, while sitting in bed or walking around my neighborhood.

I hope that while staying at home you find these activities helpful to pass the time. What are some of the things that you have done while staying at home?