Things to do While in Quarantine (and Injured!)

Things to do While Quarantined 

by Jarad Johnson

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Most if not all of us are self-isolating right now – if not under outright quarantine. That means that we are all stuck at home, with our loved ones, who we may or may not be about to strangle if we have to spend another second with them. Everyone goes stir crazy eventually, and if hasn’t happened to yet…..it will. So here are some things that I have been doing to keep myself from climbing the walls! 

​Reading- You might be saying to yourself, “duh,” as this seems like a no- brainer given the fact that we are a literary website, BUT I’ve been reading, wait for it, outside. The great outdoors, god’s country, or, as it’s more commonly known, my back porch. I’m exploring the forest and becoming one with nature, from the comfort of our outdoor couch. The days have been nice here, even if the news hasn’t, and a cup of tea and a little escapist literature never hurt anyone. And if you ever find yourself a bit down and in your own head a bit of a sit or walk outside clears the head if you can manage it. If you are truly stuck inside trade bouts of reading with any kind of exercise – even walking in place!

Starting seeds- I have injured my back recently, so the digging of garden beds will have to wait a few weeks (although I have the time now!) but I can start the seeds in flats to plant out when I do get them dug. So, that’s what I’ve been doing! And while my mom might be complaining about all the plants, we have to trip over to get out the door, at least I have something to do! Sorry mom! But they’ll be gorgeous when they go outside. If all you have is a sunny window and no seeds, check out our recent post about making a garden from veggie scraps. (Which you can read here!)

Walking- I’ve always loved to walk. Its one of my favorite things to do when I go to new city, just to walk around the city and explore, well, everything. It’s a great way to find new bookstores and cafes and plant shops. (what, you don’t look for plants to buy when you go on vacation? Heathens). I have been walking a lot lately. It’s great to when you wake up in the morning, or in the afternoon, or both. And lots of things are in bloom now, trees and wildflowers. We have plenty of time now. But I walk around my yard or down the street, and sometimes a dog follows me. You can’t be sad around a Labrador. It’s in the Constitution. If you have a safe place to walk where you can keep your distance from others, I highly recommend it.
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Writing- I love to write, but somehow it was one of those things that I always put off because I, “didn’t have the time.” It was hard to manage an overly full schedule and find time to sit down and parse out a story. I find it therapeutic and getting lost in my head for awhile is a nice distraction. Sometimes, in moments of real mental anguish, I find that getting things out of my head and onto a piece of paper gives me a measure of control. I can think about things more clearly when they’re out in the air. Even if you don’t write fiction, just writing down how you feel, or how you wish things were instead, can clear the air.

Maybe you’re a musician or an artist? Let us know how you’re handling your time in isolation. Reading your responses will give us something to do!

Bio
Jarad is the co-administrator and writer for Sacred Chickens, attends college at MTSU, loves tea and coffee, and tries to spend every spare second reading. He recently developed an interest (some might say obsession) with gardening. Jarad is an English major with a concentration in literature.  Bless his heart!  Let's all light a candle for him and send him happy thoughts!
 

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