Category: Life

My 2021 New Year’s Resolutions

ElliLeave a comment

It’s difficult to comprehend that the 2020 is almost over – it feels like it only just began! There’s so many things I wanted to do in this time, but it’s flown by so fast that I’ve been unable to focus on anything specifically.

We all need some motivation for the oncoming 2021, and I figured the best way for myself to stay motivated and accomplish my goals would be to share them to the public. Hopefully, my resolutions encourage you to create and work on your own, if you haven’t already!

#1: Learn American Sign Language

Language is something I’m fascinated by, and I want to expand my horizons by learning a different language from what I’m used to.

I’ve wanted to learn sign language for so long, but have never gotten around to it. However, I’ve finally decided to take the bull by the horns this year.

I’ve found some great online ASL courses that I’m interested in, and feel I’m ready to take on this new project!

#2: Run Every Morning

I used to love running – it’s one of the only sports I can enjoy without stress. Over the last couple of years, however, I’ve been so busy with other things that I’ve never taken the time to go for a run around my neighborhood.

I especially want to spend more time in nature, and figured that running would be the best way for me to do that. It’ll take quite some effort to get used to running often again, but I know I have it in me and I’ll make sure to push myself until I’m satisfied with my workout routine!

#3: Spend More Time in Nature

This correlates with the second resolution, as already mentioned, but I think that this resolution definitely deserves its own part in the list.

I’ve felt very disconnected with myself for a while now, but enjoying nature and the scenery always brings me back to reality, while simultaneously allowing me to feed and strengthen my imagination.

We’ve all probably gotten to spending more time on technology because of the state that the world is in, and it can feel quite suffocating and isolating at times. So why not separate yourself from the internet once in a while and enjoy the beauty of the present?

#4: Read Every Evening

Has anyone else’s attention span shortened quite a bit since the beginning of the year, because mine sure has!

It’s much harder to focus on a book when so many things are bouncing around the back of your mind at once, distracting you from an activity that’s supposed to be enjoyable.

Every evening in 2021, I’m going to open a book and try to forget about the world for the time being, instead letting myself become immersed in the story.

#5: Express My Creative Side

Imagination brought into reality is a beautiful way to share our inner thoughts, and to make the world a more connected and positive place.

There are so many creative activities that I love to do – painting, drawing, writing stories, poetry, and songs, and generally just creating things that mean something.

Throughout 2021, I’m going to spend a chunk of my time using the creative side of my mind. I’m going to put my story ideas to paper, use a brush and canvas to express my ideas, and invest more time towards using my imagination.

I consider resolutions a very important part of learning and growing. Whether you participate in this yearly tradition or not, making goals and motivating yourself to keep them is extremely important for success.

The goals I’ve chosen aren’t just ones that correlate with my physical well-being and my education, but also for my mental health and positive mindset. This year has left me feeling like I lack purpose, and these goals are things that I’m fully committed to doing, because I know that my future self will thank me for them.

If you have any goals you’re striving to reach but just can’t find motivation, I encourage you to use this new year to your advantage, take action, and make those positive improvements to your lifestyle!

Photo by Danil Aksenov on Unsplash

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6 Reasons I Look Forward to Fall

Elli4 Comments

It seems like this year’s gone by so fast, and it’s hard to believe fall’s already here. However, there are so many things to look forward to as the colder weather starts to appear again!

#1. Autumn Leaves

By far, one of my favourite parts about fall is the leaves. All of the trees slowly change colours to make a beautiful sea of yellows, oranges, and reds.

It’s so lovely to sit outside in the slightly chilly atmosphere with a cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer), surrounded by the beautiful wildlife.

It’s this time that I’ll start going outside more often and enjoy the scenery. Being surrounded by nature during autumn is such a different experience compared to the other seasons, which is what makes this time of year so unique.

#2. Cooler Weather

Summer can get frustrating because of the searing heat. It’s definitely not my time of year, to say the least.

Fall has the perfect weather in my opinion, because you still get some sun, but also a cooling breeze to keep you from sweating through your clothing. This is a great time of year to go on runs around the neighborhood and spend time with friends.

#3. Hoodies/Scarves/Any Warm Clothing

Summer clothing isn’t that comfortable in my opinion. If I had a choice, I would only wear warm clothing, since it’s more fun to dress up and easier to keep cozy.

In hot weather, there isn’t much you can do when you’re too warm except turning the fan on and hoping for the best. But in cold weather, you can just keep layering until you’re satisfied.

#4. Cuddles With Pets

My cat always becomes more needy as the weather gets colder, and there’s nothing like having a loving pet curled up with you while you read a book and sip on some hot chocolate.

#5. More Creativity

It’s so much easier to generate ideas and be creative during the cool weather. Breathing the fresh air clears your mind and helps you focus.

During summer, I’ve always felt groggy and tired because I could never escape from the heat, but autumn wakes me up and reminds me that I can’t just sit around lazily all day.

#6. A Wake-Up Call

Vacation is over, summer is coming to a close, and a new round of seasons is coming our way. Fall is a reminder that the previous seasons are ending, as demonstrated to us by the dying leaves, colder weather, and shortening days.

However, you know that endings always give way to new beginnings and fresh starts.

It’s like a wake-up call telling you that if you want to accomplish anything, there’s never a better time than right now.

Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

My 3 Favourite Things About Blogging

Elli3 Comments

When I started blogging, I wasn’t sure what it was going to be like. I was unsure whether I wanted to take part in it, but it quickly became one of my favourite hobbies.

There are so many things I like about blogging, and I thought I’d share those things so that anyone else considering starting a blog would be more inclined to do so, and also to see whether other bloggers agree with me on my points!

#1. Having an Outlet

This is definitely high on the list for the reasons I love blogging. It’s so freeing to be able to share your ideas and thoughts with others, and to get to write about what you love.

I often felt stressed before making this blog because I didn’t have an outlet. But now, I have a place to write about things that are important to me and get to be involved in this community of lovely writers.

#2. Reading Other People’s Blogs

One of my favourite things to do on WordPress is to read other people’s blogs. I love to read people’s blogs because not only do you see them as a writer, but you also see parts of their personalities shine through.

There are so many fantastic writers out there, and I love being involved in a community full of such passionate people.

#3. Creativity and Variety

There are so many different branches of blogging for any of your interests! I absolutely love reading other’s opinions on different topics, and learning more about the world through the posts I read.

I’m also able to be creative with my ideas and write about things that I wouldn’t be able to share anywhere else. The blogging community is so unique, and I’m happy I have my own little corner of the internet and get to be a part of it.

For anyone considering starting a blog, I highly recommend you try it out!

Photo by Thomas Lefebvre on Unsplash

5 Fun Hobbies to Reduce Stress

Elli5 Comments

#1. Keep a Journal

I started journaling a few years ago, and I can’t express enough about how much it’s helped me organize my thoughts and calm me down.

Journaling is a great way to reduce stress, especially if you already enjoy writing. You can write about what’s stressing you out, how your day has been, or even just your random thoughts at the moment.

I’ve come up with so many ideas by keeping a journal, and my personal experience with it has been great. I’ve managed to keep my emotions in check by expressing them through writing, and highly recommend this hobby to anyone who just needs a way to vent their feelings.

#2. Unleash Your Creative Side

Painting, drawing, sculpting, or any other art form is an extremely helpful way to reduce stress. You allow yourself to express your emotions through artwork, and it’s a relaxing hobby for anyone who needs some time to themselves.

I will admit, art can be frustrating and stressful as well, and it occasionally is for me. But eventually I learned to just relax and enjoy what I’m doing, even if I’ve made a mistake.

If you have a creative side that you’re itching to express, then pull out a pencil, paint brush, or whatever tools you need and let your imagination do the talking.

#3. Play an Instrument

If you have a background in music, or want to learn how, then music is a great way to deal with your stress.

Playing an instrument lets you forget your worries and only focus on the task at hand. It’s also extremely fun, stimulating, and satisfying once you’ve accomplished your goal.

If you don’t know how to play an instrument but want to learn, then take up lessons in your local area or learn from videos online how to play. Also, if playing an instrument isn’t your thing, then listening to music is also a good way to reduce stress (as long as you listen to the right kind of music).

#4. Crack Open a Book

Reading is a way to explore a new world, educate yourself more, and live through a story as if it were through your own eyes. If you need somewhere to escape to, then reading is the best way to do just that.

Reading helps me forget about my worries and focus on doing something else. I’ve always loved it because it feels like you’re going on an adventure, even if you never leave your room.

We should all make time to read each day, because we once you settle down to open your book, all of the stress just disappears and the only thing you have to pay attention to is the story.

#5. Get Moving

Any type of exercise will do as long as it suits you. I prefer flexibility workouts or running for reducing anxiety, since I can zone out and not have to think about anything. Either that, or I can also use the time to think about something important, as well.

Exercising is both great for your mental and physical health, and the majority of people who exercise regularly and healthily will probably agree that it helps keep stress away.

#6. Meditating

I know we’ve all heard this before when we ask what reduces stress, but it’s true. Meditating has helped so many people, including myself, to clear their mind and focus on the important things.

I don’t meditate often, but when I do I feel so much more relaxed and am able to think clearly. It’s a great way to improve your focus and I recommend giving it a try.

Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash

4 Ways to Deal With the Stress of Growing Up

Elli1 Comment

It’s pretty nerve-wracking when you come to the realization that your childhood is almost over. We all reach the age where we begin to wonder what we’ll do with our life, what new responsibilities we should take on, and that we need to keep a firm eye on our grades.

I think that the only way we’ll be able to handle this sort of stress is to talk about it, so that’s what I’m doing today, and I recommend you all do it too.

1. Having A Passion is More Rare Than You Think

Until recently, I’ve always thought that my passion will come to me on my own, and that I should wait it out. But I’ve only just realized that a passion isn’t something you’re born with; you make your passion, or at least most people do, anyway.

When it comes to passion, it doesn’t matter what you choose, it only matters that you put all of your dedication into whatever you’ve chosen. A passion doesn’t choose you, you choose it.

What do you do if you have to choose between something you love and something you’ll make money from?

You could make a lot of money from something, but be miserable every day, or choose something you love, but not make enough money from it, leading to you also being miserable every day. People say that money can’t buy happiness, but something to keep in mind is that not having money can also extinguish happiness. The perfect career lies somewhere in the middle.

If you can’t decide what you want to do, then it’s important not only to weigh in something you make money from or love, but also your skill set, commitment, interest in the topic, and so much more.

What do you want to bring to the world? Do you want to make a difference? Make sure to choose a passion that, at the end of the day, you’ll be proud of.

2. Don’t Fill Yourself With Doubts

We all doubt ourselves time to time, and it’s important to do this so that we can have a backup plan and see all of the outcomes.

However, it is damaging to our health and our mindset if we let these doubts keep us from doing anything.

You may notice that I haven’t posted in a while. That’s because I was scared that people would judge me, that it wouldn’t be worth my time, etc. What if I can’t do it? Am I even a good writer? I really despise those thoughts, by the way.

However, now that I’m back, I’d forgotten how much I love writing. I love helping others through my posts, contributing to the online community, and letting inspiration flow from my fingertips. I’ve since gotten rid of my doubts and am much happier!

We should put in our best effort to make sure we don’t regret anything we didn’t do, and instead live life to the fullest; fully aware of the possibilities of failure, but using those fears to propel us forward in a more prepared manner.

The truth is that anyone can accomplish anything they put effort into, as long as you commit to it and enjoy the process.

3. Failure is Necessary

Failure gives you the worst feeling. It makes you question whether you should give up, whether you’re even capable of what you want to do.

But whenever you have to face failure, remember that every successful person has also had to face failure. It’s inevitable.

Failure is the only way for us to grow, to learn, and to innovate. Being successful on your first try is a rarity, if not impossible.

Learn to embrace failure, mishaps and mistakes, because each failure brings with it an important lesson that will teach you how to improve. Once we accept mistakes as a normal part of life, we’ll always come back stronger to try again, thus leading to eventually becoming successful.

4. You’re Not Alone

It may feel like everyone has already figured things out and know what to do with their lives, but reality is that everyone’s scared. No one truly knows what the future will bring. It’s okay and normal to feel unsure about your future, because everyone’s on the same boat, including me.

Believe me when I say this; You’re not alone, and everything will be okay. There will be many ups and downs, and there will be times when you want to give up, but as long as you try new things, experience life to the fullest, and remind yourself that it’s okay to fail, then you’ll be alright.

Photo by nikko macaspac on Unsplash

What’s the Point of I.Q. Tests?

ElliLeave a comment

Recently, I started to become interested in finding out my I.Q.

I took multiple tests, and afterwards wondered how I could keep improving and changing the way I think to get a higher number.

I was so obsessed with making myself ‘intelligent’, that I forgot to think harder about the reason why I wanted to do better.

Why do I want to be in that top 5% of the population? Why are these numbers a measure of how well I’ll do in the real world? Is boasting the only reason I wanted a high I.Q?

When I took a moment to think and assess my motives a little deeper, I slowly began to realize how silly I was being.

From a young age, most of us are taught that the percentage of your grade is an indicator for how you’ll end up in the future. A part of this idea can be mixed up in our minds, after we hear about people who were skilled from a very young age, and became successful because of it. We can end up thinking; Find not something you’re passionate about, but something you can already do.

I’ve always carried a version of this message with me, and wanted to do the best I could. I actually really enjoyed school and every single subject, and knew since my first year that I wanted to work toward a more academically-inclined field.

It took me a while, but I realized that this message might not be the best one to follow. I had started becoming jealous of people who were better than me, because I didn’t know what I was doing wrong to put me below them.

Everyone wants to be the best, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, this is a great motivation to make us want to do better. But I took it a step too far, and threw my mental health into the mix.

After a while, I started looking at my grades that I should be proud of, and kept telling myself that I was bad at it. I told myself that I had to keep pushing myself to reach the top – wherever the top was. I felt a strong need to ultimately do better than anyone who dare oppose me.

This worked for a while, until my happiness started deteriorating. I looked at my friends as competitors. I saw everyone as a villain in my story; someone I needed to defeat to win the game. That’s what life was to me, a game with scores, winners, and losers.

Comparing myself to others became a habit, and I couldn’t look at another person my age without a sting of jealousy, and along with that, the realization that I was blaming others for the pain I inflicted on myself. I think that’s what hurt me the most, actually.

I discovered that this jealousy and fear of failure wasn’t getting me anywhere. If I really wanted to accomplish something, I should focus on myself instead of others.

How does all of this relate to I.Q?

My issue with I.Q. tests is that they compare you to the other billions of people in the world, and telling you how much better or worse you are than them with a type of intelligence. Some people might not know that these tests don’t accurately reflect your overall intellect, and no one likes the feeling of failure when compared to your peers.

Using this as a way to tell children and teens that they don’t have the skills to do something yet will obviously make them less confident in themselves and their ideas.

Yes, I.Q. tests show your basic intelligence in certain areas, such as math, recognizing patterns, etc. However, does this really make your ideas and opinions more or less valuable?

Intelligence tests cover the true meaning behind education and capability, which is not how much you already know, but how much you’re willing to learn.

Learning is what blossoms creativity, and what gives birth to new ideas and interests. We can’t dishearten people by telling them that their abilities have a limit. The truth is that everyone has the potential to change the world. Why should we divide people into groups and tell them that some are better and some are worse?

It’s true that some people find it easier to learn than others, but that doesn’t mean that the others can’t learn. People should be allowed to choose for themselves whether they’re capable of learning something or not.

My hypothesis is that the best system for grading our society is no system at all. What if we’re losing so many amazing and innovative ideas from people because they’re told that they aren’t good enough to give their opinions? Does everything we do have to be scored, or can we instead just be told how to improve?

I.Q. can also affect how people think of themselves in the opposite way. What if people think that a high I.Q. makes them better than others? Thinking you’re superior can lead to arrogance, and possibly pushing away potential friends and experiences. This could result the same as people ending up on the low side of the I.Q. spectrum; not wanting to learn anymore.

Having a high I.Q. could make people think that they have nothing more to learn, which is of course false, and limits the possibilities of what you can accomplish.

Everyone has more to learn, and you should never decide to stop educating yourself based on a number.

“People who boast about their I.Q. are losers.”

– Stephen Hawking

Image: Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

32 Productive and Fun Things to Do During the COVID-19 Lock Down

Elli2 Comments

By now, a lot of people seem to be running out of things to do during the COVID-19 lock down.

We’re all searching for more opportunities and ways to communicate and entertain ourselves, but eventually, doing similar things every day is bound to start getting boring.

We all need a way to stay engaged, so this list is full of ideas for you to get started on!

#1. Start/Finish a Book

Is your house full of half-read books, or ones that you haven’t even opened yet? Now’s the time to get through them, and enjoy every moment of the book without distractions of work or chores.

#2. Find a New TV Show

There are tons of bingeable TV Shows out there, and most surely some you haven’t started yet. Since most people are getting so much free time, it’s certainly worth starting a new series without that guilty binge-too-much feeling following you around!

#3. Write A Story

Let your creativity shine by putting the masterpiece story that’s been rattling around in your mind onto paper.

#4. Find A New Hobby

There are tons of new things for you to do that you might not have done yet. Anything from cooking to knitting, you choose!

#5. Take Fun Personality Tests

There are so many different personality tests to be found on the internet. They are a great way to have fun and also get to learn more about yourself.

#6. Sit Outside

Grab some coffee and go sit outside. Breathing in the morning air will make you more awake to be more productive throughout your day.

#7. Start a Blog

I highly recommend starting a blog if you haven’t, especially if you enjoy writing and want to share your opinions with the world. Having a blog will make you think more creatively and keep you busy, and you get to write about anything that makes you happy.

#8. Spend Time With Pets

Do you have a pet that’s begging for attention 24/7? Give them some love each day, and your relationship will grow overnight.

#9. Video Games

Video games are fun, entertaining, and interactive! They’re also great thing to keep your mind busy, and improve your concentration.

#10. Dance!

We all love to dance, don’t we? Listen to your favourite songs, and dance like nobody’s watching!

#11. Learn a New Skill

Do you want to learn a new skill? Now’s the time to start practicing!

#12. Start a Journal

Writing in a journal is a great way to vent your emotions and help you reflect on how you’re feeling. Writing in a journal even a couple of times a week will keep your thoughts from clouding your mind.

#13. Play a Board Game With Your Family

Break out your favourite game and spend time with your family!

#14. Make Plans for Next Year

Planning for next year or after quarantine will keep you organized and prepared for what you want your soon future to look like.

#15. Consider Your Goals

Think about who you want to be and what you want to do. What are your goals for the future? You can always still find ways to reach them, even if it’s from home.

#16. Paint Something

Painting is a great way to relax and give you a new perspective of the world around you. I highly recommend this as a way to relax and think.

#17. Find a Podcast

Podcasts keep us entertained while also educating us, and finding one that you’re interested in will make you think deeper about a topic.

#18. Make Presents for Your Loved Ones

It would be so fun to make presents for your loved ones for when you see them again! Find things to make or give to them, and I’m sure it will make their day.

#19. Put Your Crafting Skills to Use

Come up with an idea or craft that you can sell to earn some extra money, while staying entertained and productive.

#20. A New Health Plan

Are you just waiting for the perfect moment to start that diet? Have you been stalling when trying to change your habits?

Now’s the perfect time to be productive and create a new health plan!

The best way to begin a health plan is to start off slow. All you need to do is take the first step, and then keep going until you’ve finally made it a habit!

#21. Create an Exercise Routine

Most people are either enjoying their time off right now or are bored out of their minds. Either way, your health is extremely important, especially in times like these.

We can’t go to the gym anymore, meet up with friends, or go on hikes, but we still need to find ways to exercise.

If you aren’t used to having an exercise routine, I recommend writing a schedule right now.

Some fun things you can do are use the equipment you have at home, find workout videos to follow online, and go for a run around your neighborhood (be sure to social distance if you do this)!

#22. Learn New Ways to Be Grateful

Each of us have things that we should be thankful for.

Even if it’s simple things, like that show you watched the other day, or something bigger like being with your family at this time, we should all recognize this and be grateful that we still have these things during this lock down.

#23. Spring Clean Your House

It’s spring now, can you believe it? This year has been flying by really fast, and now it’s time to do your yearly spring cleaning!

Cleaning your room and house can be tricky at first, but as soon as you start listening to your favourite songs or podcasts and get started, you’ll finish in no time!

#24. Bubble Bath

We all need a time to relax and keep our calm, so why not take a bubble bath?

#25. Smile!

This pandemic can take a toll on our happiness, so let’s try to fight back by smiling and being happy!

#26. Strengthen Your Mind

Riddles, puzzles, tests, you name it!

Download a brain workout app, work on the rubix cube you own, or start that crossword book; the choice is yours. Let’s all keep our brains active, so that when the pandemic is mostly over, we can come back focused and ready to work again.

#27. Get Some Work Done

Do you work from home? Do you have online school? A project that you’ve never finished? Let’s end the procrastination and finish what we need to do!

#28. Be an Entrepreneur

Now’s a great time to act on starting your idea for a business. You can start a blog or website, or work on your idea while you have the free time.

#29. Change Your Routine

Feeling bored? Do something a little differently each day. Spice your day up a bit by trying something new or changing your routine!

#30. Learn Something New Every Day

A thing I’ve been doing a lot lately is making sure that I learn something new and interesting each day.

You could do this by looking up random facts, or searching for the answer to a question of yours. Curiosity and creativity are the recipe for success.

#31. Join the Online Community

There are many different online communities that you can join, and most of them are very welcoming.

There are communities for everything you’re interested in, so you can talk to others about what you love and hear about other peoples’ lives from all over the world!

#32. Video Chat or Call Friends and Family Members

We need to make sure we keep talking to others, even if it can’t be in person.

Make sure to frequently contact the people you care about so that you’ll know what’s going on in each other’s lives, and won’t feel out-of-touch.

Remember to wash your hands, social distance, and be safe!

Image: Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash

7 Ways to Stay Calm During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Elli1 Comment

By now, we all know about the infectious COVID-19 outbreak that’s spreading across the world. Everyone is in a state of panic, and have a right to be worried about how this will affect our society.

Schools are taking breaks, Disneyland is closed, and even entire countries are shutting down. This disease is taking a toll on the entire world.

Though this disease is nerve wracking to think about, it’s important to take care of ourselves by staying calm, healthy and happy.

Where do I start, you ask? Here are some ways for you to keep your mind and body relaxed, as well as keeping up with your social life.

#1: Don’t Take More Than You Need.

To support each other, we need to make sure that everyone is getting what they need to stay safe during the COVID-19 outbreak.

This means that you shouldn’t take more necessities than you need to help you and your family.

Make sure you get enough hygiene products like toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and shower products, but don’t overload your cart with unnecessary extra items.

When you take more than you need, you are keeping others from staying healthy. If everyone isn’t able to stay hygienic during this time, it can lead to more spread within your community. Thinking about others as well as yourself in this situation is important.

#2: Help Others.

There are a lot of different ways you can help people at home or in your neighborhood.

Do your neighbors need supplies and are unable to get them themselves? Ask what they need, and go get it for them.

Is your younger sibling nervous? bored? Spend time with them and help them feel safe at home.

Make sure you and your family all feel safe and are taking care of yourselves, and remember to keep in touch with friends if they need someone to talk to, as well.

Be there to help and support people when they need it, even if they just want to talk.

#3: Continue Healthy Habits.

Don’t, I repeat, don’t, ignore your health. Find ways to exercise and keep your body healthy.

Go outside for a run if it’s safe, eat healthy meals, and drink enough water. If you have a treadmill or any other exercising equipment at home, be sure to take advantage of it and use it.

Watch and follow along with fitness videos online, do your daily workout routine if you have one, and save those chips that you’ve been eyeing for later.

#4: Keep Up With Hygiene.

I can’t stress this enough; Stay. Hygienic.

Wash your hands. And by wash your hands, I mean wash your hands. Do it often, as well.

Take regular showers, always use hand-sanitizer in public if you’re around a lot of people, and avoid close contact with strangers or people who were recently in a large crowd.

If you are showing multiple symptoms of the virus (Runny nose, fever, coughing, etc.) be sure to follow the instructions of your area’s health authorities.

#5: Calming Your Mind.

Staying calm and level-headed is essential in situations like these.

Try meditating if you haven’t already. I try to meditate at least a few times a week, and have noticed that it’s helped calm my anxiety significantly.

Do yoga exercises every day to reduce stress levels. Listen to calming music. Smell candles. Get some time in for instrument practice. Whatever it is that makes you feel happy.

#6: Go Online.

Stay connected by going online to see what’s happening in your community, and to keep you entertained.

Look through the latest news. I know that you wouldn’t expect me to say this, since this may lead to a build-up of worry, but you should stay up-to-date with what’s going on in your area.

Knowing what’s happening will help you plan, prevent, and protect yourself. Plus, it will make you feel more in-touch with the world, especially if your area is shut down.

Do what you normally do online. Go on social media, look through the news, and keep posting on your blog if you have one.

If you don’t have a blog, it would probably be a fun experience to start one! I’ve felt that blogging reduces my stress, since I’m finding ways to share my thoughts and interests with other like-minded people.

#7: Stay Entertained.

It may seem like there isn’t much to do to stay entertained at home at first glance, especially if you’re used to going out.

In reality, there’s actually a lot of things you can do.

  • Read. I’ve just started reading the Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, so I’ll definitely have something to read for the time being.
  • Board Games. A good way to spend time with your family is to play board games with them.
  • Video Games. If you enjoy video games like I do, then you’ve probably already been doing this a lot, so not much will change.
  • Movies/TV Shows. Bring out your favorite movies and TV shows as something to watch with your family and friends.
    • If you’re looking for a TV series to watch, then I here are my favorite recommendations that I’ve watched on Netflix for you to look into (if you haven’t watched them already):
    • Sherlock (BBC) for mystery lovers.
    • Gilmore Girls if you enjoy drama and comedy, and are willing to risk crying of happy-ness.
    • The Office; be ready to cringe, cry, and laugh within the span of one episode.
    • Stranger Things, to add a nice touch of action and horror to your day.
    • Glee for the music geeks and aspiring singers.
  • Hobbies. Create a painting of your emotions. Write about the newest drama. Bake delicious cookies for your family. Continue doing your favorite hobbies.
  • Socialize. Keep in touch with your friends and relatives through social media, and call or text them whenever you want to talk.

Be sure to continue life as normally as possible, even if you have to do it inside your house or area. Don’t forget to stay calm, stay safe, and wash your hands.

Introduction

Elli4 Comments

Hi! My name is Elli, and I’m the blogger of NeedtoRead. Blogging is a new experience for me, and I’m excited to join this community!

Why did I decide to start a blog?

I’ve always been a fan of writing and reading, and have been wanting to do more in this field. I was researching ways to do this, and then I came across blogging, so here I am! I thought that this might be a fun idea since I get to do something I love – reviewing and writing about books – along with connecting to a community of people who have similar interests to mine.

What is this blog about?

Don’t we all just love finding that perfect book, where the characters, settings, and plots make you keep turning the pages? Sometimes it can be difficult to find another story that captures your interest. Here, I’ll be posting reviews and lists on my favorite (and maybe not so favorite) stories, and hopefully, my posts will help you to find a new book that you love!

Who is this blog for?

This blog is mostly targeted towards a teen and adult audience who enjoy reading and writing. If you would like to contribute, please comment on books that you would like me to review, or what you thought about a book that I reviewed. Subscribe to be notified when the next posts are published.

Thanks for reading!