7 Ways Teens Can Keep Busy During Quarantine!

During quarantine, it can be difficult to find ways to be productive as we are unable to go outside. Don’t worry though! There are plenty of opportunities for teens, especially online! Most people are finding more free time than usual because of this quarantine, and now is the time to take advantage of that. Here are seven ways you can keep busy during quarantine!

1. Volunteer

Do you have a passion for making a positive impact in our world? Volunteering is a great way to keep yourself engaged while helping others in need. Just Google search “volunteering for teens” or “virtual volunteering” and you will get tons of opportunities! Make sure to choose the opportunities that interest you rather than any random one. That way, you will have a more enjoyable experience! VolunteerMatch is one of the several organizations which you can use to find volunteering opportunities that are right for you. For now, virtual volunteering will be the best option because you can make a lasting impact right from your own house!

2. Try cooking or baking

This can be done every day or once in a while! Learn about some new recipes, gather the ingredients you need, and get started. If it’s your first time cooking, you can refer to something simple, like a pizza, or if you are ready for a challenge, why not try creating something more complex, like a boeuf bourguignon. Whatever your skill level, practice makes perfect. By preparing meals for your family (or snacks for yourself), you will be gaining valuable experience for the future and you are sure to have fun!

3. Try creating pieces of art

There are so many possibilities with this option! You can learn anything from crocheting to painting. It all depends on the dedication you put in and your personal interests. Also, Youtube, as you may already know, has many step-by-step tutorial videos that you can easily follow. Remember, it’s never too late to try! You can create beautiful pieces of home decor, like a miniature globe or a canvas painting, or even start a unique DIY project to match your style. There’s no limit to the wonders you can make with your creativity!

4. Read a book you’ve always wanted to read

You know those books which you’ve never had the time to read? Or the one sitting on the shelf and collecting dust? Well, now’s the perfect time to read! Reading will keep you engaged, but also you can improve your vocabulary and reading speed. Even ten minutes per day of reading can help you grow your brain and prepare for the next school year! Books vary, and it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all type of situation. Read something that interests you, whether that be a scholarly article or a comic book. If you don’t like reading, don’t worry! It may be that you have not yet found the perfect book for you.

5. Clean up or organize

Cleaning up is definitely an activity everyone should do. It allows you to have a less cluttered room, yes, but also a less cluttered mind! Many psychologists are saying that a person’s room is often representative of their mind. Organizing your clothes, school supplies, papers, and other items is definitely hard work, but in the end, it will all be worth it. Different people have different styles of organizing, and that’s what makes everyone unique. Figure out the setup which best suits you. It ranges from shelves to boxes to stacks! Don’t forget to have fun, and you don’t have to keep the same organization all the time! Perhaps change it up once in a while.

6. Help different organizations

There are hundreds of organizations and nonprofits who are looking for help from talented individuals! Issues across the world right now include the Black Lives Matter movement, COVID-19, and, unfortunately, many more. Why not try and help these causes and at the same time give yourself some experience with new or already learned skills? You can do anything from tutoring to making posters. Some of the several organizations you can help include United2Change, Learn To Be, GenZ Creates, and Cardz for Seniorz! The opportunities are endless, but don’t overwhelm yourself and choose what matches your interests! You can find opportunities on social media or online.

7. Learn a foreign language

Apps like Duolingo can help you learn a language quite quickly, and it’s free! Learning a new language improves memory, too, which is really helpful to your mind and its growth. Also, by learning a more endangered language, you can help preserve it for future generations. One of these endangered languages is Navajo. There are many languages in the world, and you can also choose a language from a place which you want to visit in the future! Go on and tackle those language barriers!

Even though there are so many options, it is understandable that some of these options don’t work for everyone. Each individual has their own unique personality, talents, and choices, and it is important to keep that in mind. No matter what you choose to do, make sure that you enjoy, stay positive, and never give up!!

Name: Sriya Gundlapally

Editor: Meghana Nakkanti

Photographer: Rebecca Chang