With this mandatory quarantine in place, it is very common for many of us to fall into the motions of everyday activities. I noticed that at the beginning of this quarantine, I would wake up around noon time, eat, scroll through my phone, take a nap, eat dinner and before I knew it, I would be getting ready for bed to fall asleep and repeat the process all over again. After a few days of doing nothing, I decided a change of routine and creating a schedule to follow would instill a sense of normalcy to my new quarantine life.

     Most of my mornings start anywhere from 9:00 to 10:00. I will wake up and get ready for the day. By 10:30, I’m on my laptop working on scholarship or enrichment activities to stay busy.

     Around 12:30 to 1:00, I eat lunch with my family then return to any unfinished work that I may have or enjoy some free time to myself. 

     During my free time, I like to spend my time on the social media app, Tik Tok. Like many teenagers my age, I have become addicted to this app. Although Tik Tok keeps me entertained for hours, it also gives me many ideas that range from crafts to workout routines to date ideas and to even meals to cook or bake. One of my most recent projects that I finished was compiling a Spotify playlist of reminiscent songs from the 2000’s to 2010’s. Another project was a mason jar that I turned into a painting gift for my boyfriend. 

     While I have free time, I also highly enjoy catching up my friends and family. Video calls and texting are the most common ways that I stay in touch with those closest to me. Making time throughout my day to talk is much needed and allows me a chance to spend time with them and have virtual human interaction. 

     After scrolling through social media platforms, spending virtual time with friends and working on entertaining projects, I always set aside my time from 5:00 to 6:00 to get in a mini workout. Depending on the day, sometimes I will take a run throughout my neighborhood or I go outside to do some workouts. Working out everyday at the same time has allowed me to observe those around me who walk, bike or jog during the same time as me. I’ve grown quite fond of the elderly man who rides his bike past my house. What stands out the most is the fact that his wheels are much larger and fatter than traditional bike wheels. During my workout time, I also enjoy watching the sun change from “golden hour” to purples, pinks and oranges of a sunset. It is the little things like these that I’m enjoying and appreciating everyday. 

     After working out, I take a shower and eat dinner with my family. Most nights are filled with us watching the news in order to stay informed on the latest updates of the Covid-19 outbreak. By now it is almost 8:00 and my brothers get ready for bed as they have online school the next day. As everyone winds down, I always make it a habit for me to journal and reflect upon what has happened throughout the day. It is very relaxing and something I look forward to. 

     My days aren’t that exciting, however I have grown to enjoy my simple schedule and take things day by day. The biggest thing that I advocate for all of us to do during this quarantine is to stay in touch with one another. As we are social distancing right now, I believe that talking on the phone or facetiming family and friends is very helpful and will make sure that we have human interaction with each other. Please check up on your family and friends and keep that line of communication open.