5 Positive Ways to Pass the Time in Isolation

So, you’re stuck in quarantine and suddenly you seem to have a lot more free time on your hands. It’s easy in this situation to proclaim yourself bored and turn to Netflix or napping, but there are more positive ways to pass the time that are actually fun. Check out our recommendations below.

1. Learn a language.

Now is a great opportunity to learn that language you’ve been wanting to for years. The intense time at home will give you the chance to prepare and look forward to a time in future when you can visit this country (because this will be over one day!). There are plenty of free online sources and apps which teach language skills. We love Babbel and Duolingo, which can both be worked into your daily routine in small and regular doses.

2. Broaden your mind.

There are a whole host of online platforms offering free courses to educate yourself during this period of isolation. We love Coursera, a digital platform offering classes and qualifications at all levels, including Yale’s most popular class, for free. Or why not take classes from leading figures in your chosen area with Masterclass? New York’s Gotham Writers has also switched to online classes, teaching everything from novel writing to business writing.

3. Take up or develop a hobby.

Again, this time can be used to develop or pick up a new skill. Don’t have any hobbies? No problem, it’s not too late to start.  Ever wanted to play an instrument? Now’s the perfect time, with online guitar lessons and many more available across the web.

4. Get some culture from home.

Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you can’t get some culture in your spare time. In fact, the global lockdown is seeing many cultural institutions offering more services for free than ever before. The Metropolitan Opera is streaming live performances every day at 7:30 p.m. ET and local NYC institutions such as Bowery Poetry are holding regular live readings over social media platforms.

5. Catch up with friends (virtually).

For the first time in probably a long time, all your friends in many different countries are going to be at home with (probably) flexible schedules. Take this opportunity to reconnect (virtually) with your friends. This will both lift your mood and strengthen your friendships, making something positive out of this bad situation! Remember that you’re not alone and everyone is struggling in their own way, so anything you can do to list the mood of others will be positive for all.

At first look, it may appear difficult to find intriguing things to do at home, but there are so many interesting things in the world that all you need is a desire. Now is the perfect time to rent a room at Outpost Club, so seize the opportunity!