Something that each and every person can testify to is that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on our daily lives.

In a bid to curb the rapid spread of this novel respiratory disease, governments hastily imposed a range of restrictions that limited the ability of people to travel and socialize. One of the most severe measures imposed was mandatory quarantine for all people who were a ‘close contact’ of somebody who had COVID-19. The majority of people would dread the prospect of having to quarantine, thinking that it would be a period of intense boredom and loneliness.

However, with the right mindset, there are a number of things to do during quarantine that will ensure that the time doesn’t go to waste. Here are a few of my recommendations for how to make the most of your quarantine period.

Online Games

If you’re looking for some competitive fun to break the monotony of quarantine, then you can’t go wrong with playing online games. One of the great things about the modern high-tech world is that you no longer require an expensive game console to enjoy an immersive gaming experience. It’s highly likely that your regular smartphone, tablet, or laptop will be up to the task of entertaining you for hours on end. Your daily fix of competition, excitement and adrenaline is at hand.

What’s more, if you really feel like spicing things up, you could throw the possibility of earning some money into the mix. A variety of $5 minimum deposit online casino games can be easily found online. An authentic and comprehensive casino experience can now be enjoyed by everybody from the comfort of their own homes.

Read a Book

Whilst this isn’t a particularly original recommendation, it’s worth pointing out that the simplest things in life are often the best. I could devote an entire article to why reading is such a fantastic hobby, but I’ll try to contain my enthusiasm. First and foremost, reading is a form of escapism that will transport you away from your reality of being confined indoors. There really is nothing quite like getting lost in a book that you can’t bring yourself to put down.

In addition, aside from the mental benefits of reading regularly, it has been proven that there is a range of physical benefits associated with reading regularly.  Those who commit to their reading habit will help themselves to reduce their stress levels and blood pressure, whilst delaying the symptoms of cognitive decline. All in all, I would say reading is one of the best things to do during quarantine.

Download Duolingo

For many people, discussions about whether or not they can speak a second language can be a real sore point. More often than not, it tends to be the same old story that ends up being told. We all reached a fairly high level of competence in our second language, then we left school and never used it again. When you think about it, that’s a bit of a shame.

In times gone by, the only way to start/restart learning a language was to enroll in an expensive course in a language school. Thankfully, those days are gone, as Duolingo has come to the rescue. This revolutionary interactive app allows you to learn your chosen language at your own pace. Your progress is continually assessed to ensure that you are getting the optimal learning experience. And the best part? It’s completely free! In my opinion, this is absolutely one of the best things to do during quarantine by yourself.

Meditate

I’m convinced that many of you will be rolling your eyes at this suggestion, but I would urge the cynics to not dismiss this suggestion immediately. Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years, bringing a multitude of benefits to the people who set aside the time to do it. The benefits offered by meditating are almost too extensive to list, but they include stress reduction, stimulating creativity, and obtaining a more positive outlook on life.

However, if the potential mental benefits aren’t enough to tempt you, meditation has also been shown to play a role in reducing the symptoms of migraines, anxiety and depression. But don’t take my word for it, take the word of the countless celebrities who have embedded meditation within their daily lives, including Oprah, LeBron James and Hugh Jackman. I would highly recommend that you place meditation near the top of your list of things to do during quarantine.

There you have it. Whilst nobody wants to be told that they must quarantine, there are plenty of reasons to remain cheerful. From education to relaxation and meditation or online gaming, there are a variety of different activities to keep you occupied and satisfied.