How to Fight Quarantine Blues

BY KENZIE SPROUSE

STAFF WRITER

I know how it feels. The hours tick by slower and slower, it seems, and you have no idea what day it is. During this time of social distancing, it is easy to develop cabin fever. Fortunately, there are several activities that I have been doing to kick my boredom to the curb. Hopefully these ideas can inspire you as well!

One endeavor that I have been enjoying is going outside. Spring has officially arrived here in East Tennessee and that creates great opportunities to get out of the house. I have been taking lots of walks around my neighborhood and at the park. I have also enjoyed expressing my creative side with chalk art. It definitely feels so freeing to get outdoors and I would encourage you to do the same!

Another thing I have done is take a trip to West High to pick up a free lunch provided by our awesome cafeteria staff. Even during this time, so many members of West High’s and Hamblen county’s staff have remained dedicated to feeding our community. They deserve a million thanks for all they are doing. This program also helps our cafeteria workers stay employed during this hard time. If you get the chance, take the time to drive to our school, or another Hamblen county school location, to show your support and get a free meal! For more information, please check out the school system’s website or Facebook page.

Get creative! Here are some of the brownies I made topped with some peanut butter.

Another activity I have experimented with is baking! I’m no Pioneer Women, but with some basic ingredients and mix, I was able to make delicious brownies in no time! Take this time to cook or bake something new or something you love. There are tons of great places to look up healthy and fun recipes.

Something else I have been doing is playing with my pets. Both of my cats, Pepper and Gizmo, love to be played with and it is always a joy to see them jump and run around. If you have pets, I highly encourage you to spend some quality time with them. If not, maybe you can offer to walk your neighbor’s dog or pick up some pet supplies for them if they are unable to do so themselves.

Gizmo and one of his favorite toys.

With a lot more free time these days, I have had more time to partake in some of my favorite hobbies, like reading. One book that I have been loving is Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen. I have also got to enjoy more time with my family. For example, last week my family and I played an intense game of corn hole. I am happy to report that my dad and I won! However, it was so much more than winning. I knew that on a regular night I would most likely be doing homework or studying, besides spending quality time with those I love. I hope we can all take this time to indulge more into the hobbies we love and seize every opportunity to hang out with those we cherish.

Get Out of Your Head is one good book to read during quarantine.

In the end, I know many of us are tired of being stuck at home, but as the saying goes: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. No one entirely loves the situation they are in, but it is what we make it. We have been given a whole lot of “lemons” during this pandemic. What will you do with them? There is goodness to be found here in the present, and goodness to come in the future. Stay healthy, stay safe, and stay happy!