Thanks to the COVID-19 — or coronavirus — outbreak, we’re all practicing social distancing, which means a lot of staying at home and limited (if any) contact with other individuals.

Obviously these measures are totally necessary, and we encourage everyone to practice social distancing and stay home as much as possible. However, with most offices requiring work from home and most schools switching to online classes, we all have extra time on our hands and don’t have much to fill that time with. 

So, basically, most of us are bored out of our minds.

Trying to cope with social distancing and the boredom and stress it brings hasn’t been easy for many, and we doubt it’s been easy for many of you either. A lot of people online are encouraging others to create or be productive during this time, and if you feel up to it, that’s great!

However, if you’re like me and the thought of writing the next Great American Novel is ridiculous and overwhelming, you might need to find some other things to entertain you during this time.

So, I’m here with a couple tips — aka the wildest ways I’ve kept myself busy so far — about how to keep yourself entertained in this age of social distancing!
 

1. Buy a Cactus

Yes, I bought a cactus last week because I thought it looked cute, but it’s been a surprisingly great thing to have around lately.

We all need companions during this time, and cactuses are surprisingly good, low-maintenance company. Mine has been a steady companion and a great listener while I’m stuck here at home.

I also would suggest that you foster a pet during this time as many shelters are closing, but if you’re unable, do what I did and get yourself a cactus!

2. Watch The Entire "Big Little Lies" Series In One Day 

I broke very early on into staying at home and sat down and watched all 16 hours of HBO's "Big Little Lies" in one sitting.

I’m pretty sure the only things I ate that day were popcorn and lemon cookies. But whatever, food’s a social construct and so is time and that show is phenomenal!

3. Read That Random Book You Keep On The Coffee Table For Decoration

Everyone has that random book they’ve never read that just sits on their coffee table so that they can look smart whenever guests come over.

Whether it’s a travel book or a biography, it’s time to crack that book open and see what’s inside — you definitely don’t have anything better to do.

I hope that these suggestions help you keep yourself entertained for a few more days, and that they also show you that you don’t necessarily need to be productive during this time! Just do what makes you feel best.