Happy Spring Self-Isolation Break! Or Spring Couch Potato Break 2020?
Whatever you want to call it, let’s all agree this is not the spring break any of us planned. However, it’s the smartest thing we can to do to protect ourselves and others from spreading the coronavirus.
We can either be bitter about the way things are or be better, after all, it is what it is. So, let’s find a way to make the most of this time and look at staying home from a positive perspective.
We all have the “To Do” list of all the things we been procrastinating but really need to get done. And our “Want to Do” list. Make this the week to tackle both lists with the goal in mind to start next week organized, relaxed and refreshed. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), many events at Western Oregon University and throughout Oregon have been canceled. And with things changing quickly, double check before venturing out of your home.
If you have an idea for how to enjoy spring break, please email it to Kristine Thomas.
Chilling on the Couch
MOVIE MARATHON: Watch films from your dream travel destination. Try a foreign film or watch movies from a certain year or era.
VIDEO GAME TOURNAMENT: Start your own March Madness tournament by playing your favorite video games with your friends online.
BINGE OUT: Now’s the time to catch-up on the television series that you have been wanting to watch.
VIRTUAL MUSEUM VISITS: From the British Museum in London to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, you can view masterpieces from your couch.
READ WHATEVER YOU WANT: Ask your friends, professors or family members to recommend their favorite book.
SOCIAL MEDIA: Invite friends to play a game on Facebook, create funny videos on TikTok or have a contest who can get the most likes on Twitter or Instagram. Pick a theme for each day of the week for posts such as Where am I Wednesday?
COUCH CONCERT: Whether you like country or rock, jazz or rap, there’s bound to be a virtual concert for you to enjoy from your couch. Google virtual concerts to see who has posted performances.
Tackle household chores
SPRING CLEANING: For centuries, spring cleaning has been a tradition where people clean the dirt and soot accumulate during the winter months and prepare their homes for the spring and summer seasons. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a daunting task, especially if you have a plan. Here are a few ideas:
- Start with the room you like to clean the least. For example, if you dread cleaning the bathroom, start there. Make a list what you want to clean in each room.
- Clean left to right. By starting on the left side and working to the right, you can see the results of your work rather than if you jump here to there. Stick to one room until it’s done.
- Now is the time to consider what you want to throw away, keep, sell or donate/giveaway.
- Tackle those areas you don’t normally clean such as windows, blinds, under appliances, doorknobs, light switches and inside your cupboards.
- Make it fun by playing music or having a virtual contest with your friends by seeing who can clean their kitchen or bedroom first!
- Create a plan for your daily chores like making your bed, tidying your living areas and keeping up with the laundry.
PLANT A GARDEN: You can start seeds in paper cups in your house or research what you can plant outside.
GET CREATIVE: Thanks to the internet, you can learn a new skill. Now’s the time to try to paint, quilt, knit or crochet.
TRY NEW RECIPES: Have a contest with friends to see who can get the most creative by cooking with what they have in their pantry or refrigerator. Or, try a new recipe and surprise your family or friends.
Exercise
WALK, JOG OR RUN: As long as you are 6-feet away from others, it’s OK to get outside and get some fresh air.
PEDAL POWER: Explore Polk County on two wheels. There are several bike routes on Polk County’s tourism website or plan a route near your home. Make sure to follow the rules of the road and wear a helmet.
WOU PROVIDES AT HOME FITNESS CLASSES: There are two options available for WOU students and members to stay fit. Email Zach Hammerle at hammerlez@wou.edu with the subject line “ADD ME.” He will send a confirmation email with instructions. Live classes on Instagram will start in about two weeks. The FOD or Fitness on Demand program is now available.
Random Acts of Kindness
WRITE THAT NOTE: Send an email, a text or a social media message to the people who make a difference in your life. Send a photo of the two of you and let the person know how much you appreciate their friendship.
PORCH SECRET PAL: Leave a gift on a friend’s or family member’s front porch. It could be a book you want to share, a bouquet of flowers from your yard, their favorite candy, a roll of toilet paper or a small gift like a candle or a card.
CHECK IN WITH NEIGHBORS AND FAMILY: Before you head to the grocery store, ask your friends or family if they need anything. You can purchase it and leave it on their porch. Or ask a neighbor if they could use help walking their dog or mowing their lawn. There are still little things we can do that make a tremendous difference.
