You’ve probably had it with Netflix-and-chilling. You’ve rewatched all 10 seasons of Friends, and you still can’t wrap your head around why Rachel allowed herself to get knocked up by Ross or why Phoebe is the way Phoebe is. You’re working remotely, and you never had so much idle time in your hands. But you’re done being a couch potato and are in search of more novel means to entertain yourself.
Look no further. We have curated a list of highly recommended activities to amuse yourself while we collectively brave through a global pandemic. These activities are not basic recommendations either. So fasten your most likely increasingly tightening belt due to all the failed attempts at baking you nonetheless had to consume and enjoy any or all of these pursuits.
1. Learn magic
If you’ve seen the TV show Breaking the Magician’s Code, you already know by now that magic isn’t real. That does not mean magic’s not awesome. Magic will always be magical, even though it’s not real.
You can start with the basic, perhaps a deck of playing cards. Playing cards that are most suited to magic tricks include Bicycle Archangels, Bicycle Riding Backs, and Theory11 White Artisans, to name a few. You can purchase them from Amazon.
Once you’ve mastered a few tricks, you can level up to more high-stakes magic. For example, you can enlist your siblings’ help and make the most annoying one of them disappear. You may want to watch Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige for some pointers.
2. Master the hula dance
Contrary to popular belief, the hula dance is not just for the female species. But even if it is, and you happen to be a guy, mastering the hula dance scores you points on breaking gender stereotypes.
The hula dance involves two general positions. There’s the sitting position called noho dance. And the standing position called luna dance. Whichever position you’re in, the key is to dance as gracefully as you can. Those hips of yours should sway like a gently rocking boat, and your hands should move in ways opposite your usual arsenal of crass finger and fist gestures.
There are YouTube tutorial videos to teach you, so do not fret if the closest connection you have to Polynesian culture is a floral shirt you bought from H&M.
3. Plan your first Guinness World Record attempt
The Guinness World Record does not discriminate. In fact, their book of records includes such wacky entries you’d find it difficult to conjure what kind of mind they have sprouted from. Think most Big Macs consumed in a lifetime. Or the largest collection of rubber ducks.
If you’re bored out of your wits, this is the best time to finally plot your first Guinness World Record attempt. Muster all the wackness inside you and come up with the longest or fastest or tallest or dirtiest something you can pull off. There are no rules here. The only rule is you don’t hurt anyone in the process.
4. Study the science behind solar energy
Is global warming one of the sources of your chronic anxiety? Why not turn your consternation into something productive? Get up close and personal with the science behind solar energy and commercial solar power. If science is one of your strong suits, then this is right up your geeky alley.
Once you’ve learned all there is to know about solar power, you can start assembling your first solar panel. From there, the possibilities are boundless. And they’re all clean.
According to a study cited in this article, the COVID pandemic triggered an increase in major depressive symptoms among young adults between 18 and 24 throughout the United States. In an earlier study, results showed that depression across all age brackets has increased by 27 percent. These findings are staggering. And now, more than ever, we have to take care of our mental health and be mindful of the mental state of our loved ones as well.
Finding ways to amuse ourselves, such as via the suggested activities above, is just one way to counter the potential onset of mental health problems. If it’s within our means to consult with a licensed professional, we must do so. If not, we should at least surround ourselves with a strong support system.
Do not hesitate to reach out to your friends and families if you’re feeling the blues. Whatever you feel is valid. They are not made up. And remember that whatever you’re going through, you are not alone.
