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The Tangerine

The Student News Site of Utica University

The Tangerine

The Student News Site of Utica University

The Tangerine

Life at home during a pandemic: The longest Sunday of our lives

Photo+by%3A+Hope+Russo
Photo by: Hope Russo

Hope Russo, Staff Writer

Life as we know it has changed drastically within a few short weeks. This global pandemic has us all cooped up inside our homes until further notice. Whether you live alone, with a roommate or with your family like I do, we’re all just trying to find activities to keep us busy and to keep us from going stir-crazy. 

Over the past week, I have done a number of activities that I normally wouldn’t have had the time for, or wouldn’t have chosen to do, when I had free time. I hope that reading this can give many of you some inspiration on how to spend this time and use these activities as creative outlets to keep a positive headspace.

I live at home with my family and I also happen to have four younger siblings. While we definitely have gotten on each other’s nerves during this time, we’ve also all spent a lot of time getting along. 

Before the ‘non-essential’ stores closed, my siblings and I went to Michael’s. We purchased packs of mini canvases, paints, coloring books and puzzles. I love that there are adult coloring books but I personally still buy childrens coloring books because they’re fun and I find them to be very relaxing. I would classify these activities as arts and crafts and they will keep you busy for hours. 

 All this time we’ve all spent inside almost feels like the longest Sunday of our lives. It’s the perfect time to catch up on all the latest binge-worthy shows. I’m constantly bouncing around between Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ because they all serve different purposes for me. 

Netflix has a lot of classic TV series and more that I enjoy. Some of my favorites are “Gossip Girl,” “You,” “Dynasty” and “Criminal Minds.” Hulu has a lot of reality TV series that I also love such as “The Real Housewives,” “Vanderpump Rules” and “Love Island UK.” 

I never dove deep into what shows and movies are actually on Disney+ until now but I am so glad that I did. Watching Disney movies makes me feel like a kid again and has even given me a sense of comfort during this time that I needed. Maybe watching “The Little Mermaid” or “The Parent Trap” can do the same for you.

I also suggest listening to podcasts on topics that interest you or watching videos on YouTube. I love putting on a podcast to listen to while I shower, clean, do laundry or get ready for my day. I have multiple podcast shows that I follow and listen to.  

Some talk about topics that are more serious and others are strictly for fun. It depends on my mood. I do the same with YouTube videos. I love to watch makeup tutorials, vlogs, cleaning videos and shopping haul videos. They take my mind off of things that are going on around me and are relaxing. 

So while you’re getting crafty, bingeing a show or listening to a podcast, why not throw on your favorite face mask or under eye patches? I love a full face of makeup but take this time to let your skin breathe. Run a hot bath with some bubbles and candles. 

Give your hair a break from putting heat and products on it and use a deep conditioning mask, either one that you have or find a DIY recipe from Pinterest. I understand that sometimes you just need to pop on a little makeup and fix your hair in order to feel productive because I am the same way. Do what makes you feel your best self. 

Something else I think that is important to do during this time is to clean. Give your house, apartment or bedroom an extreme deep cleaning. Wipe everything down with some kind of antibacterial wipes or spray. Wipe down your windows and mirrors. Take off all of your bedding and wash it. Clean out and organize your closet. Donate any clothing you decide that you do not need or wear any more, someone else could really use it. I promise you will feel amazing when everything in your space is freshly cleaned and organized. 

And don’t forget to wash your hands when you’re all done cleaning.

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