What to do during while you are in quarantine?

You have arrived back in South Africa and have been put in quarantine for 14 days. 14 days is a long time to be in isolation. You are probably wondering how you are going to get through it. 

Quarantine is necessary to stop the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus, which has caused an epidemic. Our country has put crucial measures in place to help reduce the rate of infection. The only thing is, what can one do for 14 days in quarantine?

Besides being tested daily, you will also receive 3 meals a day. What happens to the other hours of the day? You have an opportunity to do something that you otherwise would never have time to do. We have listed 13 interesting and productive activities that you can do while in quarantine:

1. Here is an opportunity to learn a new language, there are many websites, apps or podcasts that allow you to do this. Bon apprentissage!
2. Take this time to master meditation. Get comfortable and focus on quieting the mind and controlling your breathing. Pay attention to how your body moves with each inhalation and exhalation.
3. You have not seen your loved ones in months. Spending so much time away from family and friends makes you realise how much you love and appreciate them. This is the perfect time to write letters to them about your experience and how much you have missed them.
4. Learn a new skill! It is always great to have a small hobby to help reduce stress. If you have access to the internet, YouTube has many tutorials online where you could learn something new. Try calligraphy, learn more about gardening or some self-defense moves!
5. Keep fit and healthy by trying yoga or aerobics. There are many great videos online with instructors. If you are trying these for the first time, it might be comforting to do it while in isolation.
6. Take a look in the mirror and attempt a self-portrait. You can get creative and try drawing a caricature or something more abstract! Allow your creative juices to flow. 
7. Even though you are forced to stay inside, doesn’t mean that you aren’t able to explore the world. We know that the travel bug has you, so try a virtual world tour. Many tourist destinations have set this up for you to enjoy. Consider this inspiration for your bucket list!
8. Speaking of bucket lists, take this time to make a list of things you would like to do after the lockdown period is over. 
9. Podcasts are really fun to listen to and they can become addictive. You now have the time to catch up on your favourite ones. Or if you don’t have any favourites, there is enough time to find one! 
10. Anything can happen in this unprecedented time. Let your brain go wild and consider writing a short story. Pick any genre you want! Sci-Fi, romance, horror or comedy. 
11. Being alone for extended periods allows you to remember what you are grateful for. Consider making a list of all the things you are thankful for in your life, this will help keep you positive.
12. Take this time to reflect on what you have achieved so far. Consider what you still want to achieve and where you would like to see yourself in the future. 
13. Just relax! Take this time to recoup. This is a much-needed break and you deserve it!