Living in a lockdown caused by a global pandemic is no small event. In fact, no one living today has experienced an event like this before and it will most likely never happen again in our lifetime. Tracking one’s quarantine experience could be interesting to look back on and it can be a source of entertainment while being stuck in quarantine.
“Your thoughts are both helpful for your own perspective as well as historically relevant,” Cara Fortey, South’s World Literature and Philosophy teacher said.
There are several ways to keep track of what is happening during the lockdown. Bullet journaling is a good way to be creative by using lots of colors, pictures, and fonts. Vlogging is another fun option. After finishing a video one can post it or keep it to reflect on memories. A journal can also be used to document one’s thoughts or to log the events happening during this time. Posts on social media can be used to document the experience. Just a picture with a short caption will be enough to remember things from the quarantine.
After deciding on a method to document quarantine, consider the different kinds of memories that can be documented. Here are some topic ideas:
Recording daily activities is one of the best ways to look back and remember the days in quarantine, even if they are not particularly eventful. Bella Fleener ‘22, says she enjoys bullet journaling what she does throughout the day including how she was feeling.
Though it can be hard to be productive while stuck at home, making a to-do list may help with motivation. This list can include tasks like laundry, dishes, cleaning, working out or finishing schoolwork.
There is constantly new information and instructions on this virus, and the news is often upsetting. It is a good idea to express the feelings and concerns that come up during this time, and journaling can be a great outlet for this. Getting it out may even make it easier to handle.
All of this extra time in the house can be used to try new activities, and a journal is a great place to keep track of them. Amya Garcia ‘22 says she has tried painting, cutting her hair, and designing her jeans. Fleener says she has tried baking cookies. Some also keep track of things they want to do, as a quarantine bucket list. It can consist of goals on how the time is spent or goals for working on new hobbies.
Laila Leaks ‘22, says she’s “interested in piercing her ears before quarantine ends.” Fleener plans to make a video of memories she made with her friends before quarantine started. Garcia wants to “Start and complete a new workout challenge.” Setting goals is a step towards productivity and hopefully will provide motivation to both try new things and get work done.
Whether it be through social media, FaceTiming, or zoom meetings, there are many creative ways to stay in touch with one another during the lockdown. Keeping track of that communication during quarantine can help ensure one reaches out to all their loved ones
Some individuals may be using this time to work on creating a better diet for themselves, others are thrilled that the kitchen is always accessible throughout the day. It will be fun to look back on meals, and it may push people to be more conscious of the foods they are eating.
Many are spending lots of extra time gaming, both with friends and solo. One can post/record what games have been keeping them occupied and who they have been gaming with. Watching shows and movies is also a popular way to pass the long days of quarantine. It may be interesting to keep track of movies and TV shows viewed during this time
Quarantine can be really lonely and tough, so finding activities one enjoys will help to brighten the coming days. As much as possible, use this time to relax, get things done, and spend time with family. Most importantly, finish out this semester strong, and stay healthy.
