Adapting to Life in Quarantine
With a new school year well underway, many students have to adapt to changes in their daily lives due to quarantine. From transitioning to virtual school to pushing back sports and school events, almost everyone has questions about what comes next: How will I take my SAT this year? What will happen to my school club? Will I still be able to get into my dream school? It’s important to remember that since we might not know the answers to these questions, there’s no point in worrying and trying to change the things that are out of our control. But what we can do is shift our perspectives and adapt to these changes that have come during quarantine. Here are some tips for adapting to change for quarantine and the school year:
Find ways to keep in touch with your friends
We all know how hard it is to keep in touch with your friends during quarantine, especially if you’re confined to Zoom breakout rooms when you’re talking with your school friends. However, there are still so many other ways that you can hang out with your friends while staying safe in quarantine! Some ideas are hosting a virtual game night over a video call, using Teleparty to watch your favorite movies and shows together, holding a PowerPoint Party (where you and your friends make slideshows about any topic!), or writing physical letters to one another as pen pals. If you’re tired of only seeing your friends through a screen but have the ability to safely social distance, try doing some outdoor activities if it’s not too crowded, such as going to a local park or going hiking — while wearing masks, of course.
Consider alternative extracurricular activities
If you’re a high school or college student, chances are you’ve likely experienced some major changes and cancellations to your extracurricular activities. With the question of sports lingering up in the air, competitive events being canceled, or clubs becoming virtual, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out on your extracurriculars this year. It’s understandable to feel this way, but there are also some alternative options for extracurriculars you can try. Many organizations are posting opportunities and internships for students in Slack communities, ranging from opportunities in technology to healthcare or writing. In fact, Girl Genius actually has a Slack community with thousands of members that post opportunities almost every day. Additionally, you’ll also get to bond with the community, receive advice from other members, and get guidance through your college application process! While it might not be the same as having activities from school, it’s exciting to be able to connect with a community of girls from all over the world.
Remember to practice self-care
Maintaining good mental health has been a struggle for many during quarantine. Whether you’re missing your friends, struggling with online school, or dealing with other unprecedented events, there’s a possibility that you’ve been pushing back self-care to make time for other things. Of course, it’s important to stay on top of your work and priorities, but taking care of yourself and your mental health is extremely important. Self-care looks different for everyone — some prefer reading their favorite books while others like cooking their favorite meal. Make sure to make time for self-care, especially if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
Adapting to all the changes that quarantine has brought has not been easy at all. However, quarantine has taught us that life can still go on despite a global pandemic. Remember that by maintaining social distance, wearing a mask, and staying safe at home, you help contribute to the end of COVID-19. Additionally, don’t hesitate to reach out to others if you’re struggling or need help during these unprecedented times. There’s a huge community of supporters standing right beside you.
