By: Catherine He

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the world to be completely flipped upside down. Between full grown adults scuffling over toilet paper, to racism and xenophobia towards the Asian population, I think we can all conclude that the world is in a state of utter disarray. Yet, panic is not going to do you any good, so let me personally cross that off your bucket list. To all of you who are in the middle of this crisis, here are some ideas on things you can do over this extended spring break!

1. Watch TV!

Throughout the school year, I have barely had time to unwind and watch television. Since school is out for a little while, take this as an opportunity to really destress with your TV and some delicious popcorn!

2. Call your grandparents!

Depending on where your grandparents reside, they could be very lonely, stuck all alone at home with all of the public health recommendations. Take some time out of your day to call them and have a conversation with them. Who knows, maybe you’ll learn something new about your grandparents!

3. Study!

Even though school’s out, it doesn’t mean you just forget about everything you’ve learned throughout the year! With almost a month off, this is the perfect time to brush up on some topics that you’ve had a hard time learning. With final exams approaching quickly, it’s also a great idea to get a head start on some exam prep, especially if you’re a freshman like me and have never written a formal school exam before!

4. Find a new hobby!

Staying at home means you have all the time in the world to learn more about yourself! Why don’t you step out of your comfort zone a little for the next few weeks and try something new? This could be reading a cool new book, learning to play the ukulele that’s been sitting in the back of your closet since the sixth grade, or baking a cake! Hobbies are fun way to reduce anxiety and take up some free time.

5. Clean your phone!

If you’re a teenager, I can make a pretty educated guess that your cell phone is one of your most prized possessions. So why not use some of your free time to reorganize it? You can organize your homepage for a fresh new look, or you could free up some space on. your phone by going through your camera roll. You could ACTUALLY clean your phone with a cloth and cleaning solution, or even decorate your phone case, or buy a new one! The possibilities are endless, but the end goal is that you will feel as if you bought a brand new phone altogether!

6. Take up a new project!

When was the last time you decorated your room? With spring drawing nearer with each passing day, use some of your break to start a new project! Whether it’s redecorating your room, beginning a garden, or starting a babysitting business, there are so many opportunities to do something that you’ll back on and be proud of.

7. Make TikToks!

TikTok is the latest phenomenon among the teenage generation. With the rise of ‘The Hype House’, teenagers all around the world have flocked to TikTok, attempting to have a share of sweet fame. With nothing else to do, why not post some new videos on TikTok, or even make your own dance to share with the world? Maybe it’ll be the next ‘Renegade’!

I hope that this little list of ideas have given you inspiration on what you can do during this school break. Stay safe and healthy everyone, and wash your hands!