The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer or company.
As we continue self-isolation, people across the country are dealing with this new normal the best they can. However, you’re definitely not alone if you’re feeling a bit stir crazy right now. No one can say for sure how long stay-at-home orders will have us on lockdown, but until the COVID-19 pandemic shows signs of slowing down, home is all we got.
Some luxuries like traveling, hitting the gym or even meeting up with your squad at happy hour will obviously have to wait. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of this newfound time on your hands. Check out these five ways to stay chill, productive and cabin fever free below.
1. Stay connected through FaceTime
Staying in touch with those closest to you will keep you connected. Plan digital happy hours with the homies through Zoom or the House Party app. FaceTime your family to catch up and see how they’re doing. These routine check-ins are crucial for our survival in such an uncertain time. We’re all in this together, so we might as well keep each other uplifted!
2. Keep the party indoors with an Instagram Live DJ set
An obvious downside to being stuck inside is the lack of partying and social interactions. Even if you live with family, a significant other or roommates, it’s normal to miss going out. However, you can have fun virtually. DJ D-Nice has been keeping the vibes high with his “Club Quarantine” sets, which pulls in thousands of viewers. He’s one of many spinners using Instagram as a tool to keep your quarantine parties lit. Check out DJ Kid Capri, Just Blaze, DJ Premier and Questlove who are steady rockin’ the 1’s and 2’s. Rocking out on IG Live is a fun and easy way to stay entertained.
3. Catch up on newly released music
During the shutdown, tons of new music dropped just when we could give it our undivided attention. Tory Lanez blessed us with a batch of new bangers on his New Toronto 3 project. DVSN dropped their highly anticipated A Muse In Her Feelings album, DaBaby’s Blame It On Baby has also been released and so many more. We’ve also been given new material from The-Dream, The Weeknd, Westside Gunn and more. Now is the perfect time to really sink your teeth in and give these new albums those front to back spins.
4. Pass the time with some highly entertaining podcasts
During a hellish commute, people love to zone out to podcasts. For some magical reason, podcasts have a way of speeding up the clock and making us laugh in an otherwise unpleasant situation. Start with the hilarious “Drink Champs,” “The Joe Budden Podcast” or Angela Yee’s “Lip Service” and more. Who knows? This might even be a great time to start one of your own.
5. Update your playlists
Now is a better time than any to reorganize your playlists and get your music all the way together. Whether that means digging around for new artists or deleting old tracks off your Tidal playlists, this is the perfect opportunity to make space for dope new music.