7 Things To Do In The Summer Of Self-Quarantine

2020 has felt… a little long. And extremely unusual.

As we continue adapting and living life with fewer hugs, smaller celebrations, and so many activities simply canceled, we’re looking for the positives. Exploring new hobbies. And finding ways to make this a good year despite everything happening around us.

So, here are seven of our favorite ways to stay busy and productive in the summer of continuing self-quarantine.

1. Keep your mask on!

We’re telling ourselves that, too! We’re as tired of this as you are. Ok. This one’s boring. But it’s important. But now’s the time to persevere and keep up the good work of social distancing, hand-washing, and mask wearing. We stan cleanliness while having fun along the way!

2. Solve A Puzzle

Ever received a 5,000-piece puzzle for Christmas? We know that box is hiding underneath your bed somewhere, with it's plastic wrap still intact and unopened. Now is a great time to grab a bottle of vino from your doom's day stock pile and challenge yourself to completing it.

Jigsaw puzzles are known to help reduce stress and help boost problem-solving skills. They’re a terrific way to take a break from long work-at-home hours in front of your monitor.

Puzzle sales have skyrocketed during the pandemic, but apparently Bill and Melinda Gates have been puzzling for years. Who knows, maybe jigsaw puzzles are a secret to success.

If nothing else, they’ll build your patience and perseverance - Ellen DeGeneres might have given up, but we believe in you! ;)

3. Grow something

The mental health benefits of gardening are widely acknowledged. But you don’t need a big yard, or an early Spring start to get the gardener’s high.

Even one pot on a windowsill can bring a new sense of wonder as you nurture seedlings to life. Bloomscape and The Sill both have online shops with a great variety of easy-to-care-for houseplants.

Or start small and simple - take a baby step and pick up a succulent the next time you’re at the grocery store.

Did you know NASA is studying how to grow plants in space… not just for food, but as a way to enhance astronauts’ happiness and well-being. If you’re feeling adrift in the malaise of 2020, give gardening a try.

4. Looking for ways to practice self-improvement / be the better version of yourself?

It’s not too late to take that online course you've been eyeing every time the ad pops up. Not sure where to start? Why not audit this Yale class on happiness (it’s free on Coursera!).

Now’s also a great time to update your LinkedIn.

Don't be afraid to reach out to your local community and see how you can help. Even at a distance, you can reach out to loved ones through video calls to check in on their physical and mental health.

And if you are in a financial position to, consider donating to a non-profit that helps individuals who are most impacted by the current situation. Below is a list of our favorite non-profit organizations:

• Meals on Wheels
• Feeding America

5. Dip With Your Quarantine Crew

We’ve loved seeing so many multi-generational dip mani parties happening this year!

If you’re living with your parents, siblings, or older kids, set up a time to give each other a dip mani.

The beauty of at-home nails is they’re easily DIY-able, but pairing up is a great way to give the gift of a safer-at-home spa day.

And remember: always say no to "double-dipping!" For healthy, safe manis, avoid sharing dip powders, liquids, and nail tools including but not limited to buffers, files, and cuticle pushers. Be sure to wash your hands, fingers, & under the nails before and after dipping.

Share your DIY or quarantine crew dip manis with us on Instagram or TikTok - we love getting to know our DipWell community!

6. Can’t Go to Concerts or Take a Vacation? You can Bring the Art to You!

Did you know Google basically has a full art museum you can explore any time, anywhere? Visit Google Arts & Culture to see exhibits and immersive art experiences from around the world.

If you’re missing your planned Summer concert schedule, watch some of the best IG Live concerts from your favorite artists.

Dig out your old watercolors and tune into Bob Ross TV to boost your own creativity. Here’s a great round-up of more online art class options.

If you’ve got little ones at home, encourage their artistic pursuits by creating a fabulous art supplies kit for them.

7. Start Meditating

If meditation has been hanging out on your vision board, or your 2020 goals list for months, there’s no better time to start your practice, or re-commit to it.

Meditation doesn’t have to be intimidating, time-consuming, or difficult. It might not be easy, per se, but the key to establishing a new habit is making it convenient for yourself. And so we love the new companies making meditation more accessible than ever before.

• Headspace

Headspace is an app designed to help you take care of your mind. And we really love that they’re giving you a free year of access if you’re unemployed right now. Kudos for generosity!

• Calm

The calm app is more than mantras - it’s designed to help you live a calm life from morning to night, with sleep tracking features, calming nature scenes for more productive work, and even stretching workouts.

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