A word that many might have not known before December might be the word “quarantine.” But with the current circumstances in the world today, it is quickly becoming a household word.

Quarantine, as it is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is a restraint upon the activities or communication of persons or the transport of goods designed to prevent the spread of disease or pests.

For the average high schooler, like myself, there are not many things to do around the house while quarantining.

As for my friends and myself, the daily routine is pretty ordinary, and it’s pretty simple.

“Usually I wake up, pound out all my online homework, play video games, eat, and that’s a good day,” said senior Max Timmer.

But if you aren’t a lover of video games, others have done activities like catching up on a favorite book, binge-watching a TV show or a series of movies, or facetiming their friends.

If you’ve already gotten bored with those ideas or they just don’t interest you, I’ve come up with a couple of other ideas to keep your mind and body fresh.  

Yale University is offering a free online course, The Science of Well-Being, for students during this quarantine.

A similar free course was offered in 2018 by the same professor, Laurie Santos, but that free course was based upon the growing depression and anxiety she saw in students.

According to Atlanta News Now, there have already been over 500,000 students signed up for the course.

Another activity that you could do is practicing an instrument that you just never had the time for.  Here in my household, I’ve been further trying to learn how to play the piano.

I urge high schoolers, especially the class of 2020, to spend valuable time with your parents or siblings as, in a few short months, you will (if the coronavirus permits) be off to college.

Lastly, with whatever tactic you have to enjoy your quarantined days, regularly wash your hands, practice social distancing and stay safe.