Ever since the start of the pandemic, simply going outside and hanging out with friends has been difficult. There are so many extra safety measures that need to be taken from sanitizing and mask-wearing to socially distancing. Schools across NY have shifted to hybrid learning and some even to all-virtual. The amount of screen time for students and teachers alike has been increasing exponentially as a result, which isn’t a surprise, considering much of school is now held on zoom. Even after the school day is over, students spend their afternoons completing their assignments online.

But, not everything has to be on a screen. There are many activities that don’t require a phone or computer. Instead of spending your free time playing genshin impact, try one of these things. Who knows, maybe they’ll help clear your mind a bit, too.

1. Read, read, read!

Even if we cannot browse for books in libraries, that doesn’t mean we have to stop reading. There’s bound to be a book that you haven’t read yet, either in your bookshelf or crammed somewhere in your backpack. If you don’t have a stash somewhere in your home, everything is available to buy on Amazon. Books are an amazing escape from reality and a great way to pass time. Put on a Spotify playlist and relax with a cup of tea while you read.

• Take a 10-minute walk

Sometimes the easiest way to destress is to just take a walk outside. It doesn’t have to be long – 10 minutes outside is better than nothing. Just a circle around your neighborhood can help ease a lot of tension. Let go a little, forget about that math test looming over you, or those many assignments stockpiled on Google Classroom. Sometimes a walk is all it takes to feel better. Come back home refreshed, rejuvenated, and revitalized. You’ll end up feeling a lot better than if you spent those 10 minutes on a screen.

• Clean… your… room?

It really isn’t that bad. Spend 5-10 minutes clearing out your desk, putting your papers and binders away. Throw away anything you don’t need, or toss it into your sibling’s room and let them deal with it (wait, actually don’t do that). Once that’s done, go around and pick up the dirty clothes scattered in your room. There’s bound to be some. Pick up the dirty socks that have been lying on the ground for who-knows-how-long. Make your bed. And ta-da, your room is clean. Your parents would be proud.

• Write a story

We would all appreciate some time to write. It can be creative writing, like a little scenario that you had sitting in the back of your mind for a while, or a full-fledged novel idea that you just never quite had the time to put on paper. What’s stopping you from doing it now?

• Adopt a pet

About 6.5 million animals enter animal shelters in the US each year, all of which are waiting for a warm, welcoming home. Pets can be an amazing way to cope with COVID and quarantine, as they can provide you with excellent companionship and create an unforgettable, lifelong bond. 

• Spend more time with your family 

Read a book to your sibling. Play a board game or watch a movie with your family. Even better, have a sleepover night with your siblings on the weekend. The possibilities are endless. 

• La dolce far niente

It’s an Italian phrase meaning “the sweetness of doing nothing,” and it means quite literally what it says. Italians have a unique way of taking their time, and it’s something that we could all benefit from. Embracing the idea of doing nothing, if only for five minutes, can be incredibly rewarding. So take the time and sit by your window. Admire the view, recharge your batteries. Sometimes doing nothing may be the best thing of all.