By Samantha Cabeza
This season of our lives is definitely not what we as students are used to, but we’ve got some ideas that will help you have fun while still following health and safety guidelines.
We’re all wearing masks on campus — doing what we need to do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 — and spending more time alone in our dorms or apartments. Under those conditions it’s natural to feel a little lonely every now and then. We are trying to stay safe so we return to normalcy soon, but it can be taxing on our mental health if we stay inside too long, or are by ourselves for long periods of time.
It’s more important than ever to practice self-care, take care of your mental health and find ways to connect. We have put together some ways you can have fun with your friends (safely and physically distanced), while helping you stay happy and get the college experience you deserve.
1. Attend an online Campus Activities event
There are a lot of events happening in the fall quarter and most of them are being held via Zoom or Twitch. Invite a bunch of your buddies to go with you or join to meet new people! Some examples of upcoming events include Trivia Wednesdays (with different themes each week!), Monday Movie Madness and the Fall Concert Series.
Check the CWU Calendar for more information regarding events, and follow @CWUCampus on Twitter and @CWUCampusActivities on Instagram to stay updated on events you might be interested in. It’s the perfect opportunity to step away from homework and studying to take a mental break by joining an event you’re interested in.
2. Use Netflix Party to start a new show or to watch movies with your friends
Netflix Party is a free Google Chrome extension that allows you to watch a movie or show with a group of friends you can invite. This is a great way to binge watch something together on a late night with a big bowl of popcorn or your favorite snack of choice. Even though you might not all be there in person, you can still stay connected with each other using this extension. Let’s be honest, most of us have Netflix, so this is just a way to step up the experience.
3. Start a journal
Journaling is a creative way to keep your mind busy. You can journal about a really hard and difficult day, or talk about a really great, fun day! You can print photos and draw all over it to express your feelings. Journaling is a great way to get out what you’re feeling emotionally, as well as express what you love too.
4. Move your body and learn a Tiktok dance
There’s so many to choose from! Seriously, who doesn’t wanna dance to “Whole Lotta Choppas” and “Spooky Scary Skeletons”? This is something you try and learn with your friends over FaceTime, Skype or Zoom, or something you can do by yourself. It’ll keep you active and you’ll have so much fun in the process. You’ll definitely laugh at how silly it might feel, but that little boost of serotonin is what’ll make you feel good for the rest of the day.
5. Learn a recipe
Whether it’s cookies, pasta or a vegan recipe you’ve been meaning to try, drop what you’re doing and go for it. Pinterest is a great place to learn easy and fun recipes for you to try out in your dorm or your apartment. If you make too much, leave the extra snacks at your neighbors’ door! It’ll make their night and make you happy.
As you can see, there are different ways to mix up your day with events and activities that’ll keep your brain busy and happy. We are all working to adjust to this new life we are experiencing. Trying this list of activities might just help us make our college experience better, distanced learning and all!
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