Quarantine doesn’t need to be a drag — get social, get physical, and enjoy the downtime
So, you find yourself needing to quarantine. As an international student, I am very much familiar with the trials and tribulations of spending two weeks alone as I had to quarantine when I came to Canada from Indonesia in January 2021.
As it stands, all travellers entering Canada, save for those who can prove they are fully vaccinated, must follow the Government of Canada’s quarantine requirements before doing anything else. These requirements involve a 14-day quarantine and taking a COVID-19 test on day one and day eight of quarantine. Of course, a 14-day quarantine also applies to a COVID-positive person regardless of whether or not they’ve just travelled from somewhere. If you’re sick, it’s important to isolate yourself to avoid infecting others.
No matter the reason, being alone during this time is tough; on my end I struggled with quite the case of homesickness. So, in an attempt to help others going through the same situation, I have several tips to share with you.
Stay connected with loved ones
Whether it’s friends, family or a significant other, having a support system is indispensable for your mental health, and it will be especially crucial over these two weeks. You can FaceTime them, or you can text them. Talk about your day, give a house tour of your quarantine accommodation, or snap pictures of your food and show off your photography skills.
Write things down
You can expect that quarantine solitude leaves a lot of time for introspection. It can help to set aside some time to write things down. Try keeping a diary to record your thoughts and feelings throughout each day, or writing journal entries to explore abstract philosophical concepts you have been musing on. Writing things down may help to unburden a troubled mind and allow you to gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts and emotions.
Try a new hobby
Sure, you can use your abundance of downtime to power through five seasons of a Netflix series in one sitting, but you should also consider picking up a new hobby, be it learning an instrument, knitting, or reading. Who knows, the random pastime you try out on a boring day in quarantine might become a source of joy for you in the days to come.
Physical exercise
Another approach to dealing with the loneliness and boredom of this two-week period is exercise. Aside from the obvious benefits to physical health, it also contributes to your mental health. Having to stay away from people can be very upsetting to some, and, according to Mayo Clinic, exercise can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Of course, it doesn’t have to be an absolutely gruelling heavyweight routine. You could do 15 minutes of push ups, sit ups, or simply walk up and down a staircase. That has to count as some cardio, right?
Join communities
I also implore you to reach out to clubs and communities that interest you. Being a part of and contributing to clubs can aid in relieving stress by allowing you to engage in your hobbies as part of a social activity. While joining in-person activities will have to wait until you finish quarantine, you can start out by getting to know your fellow club members. For example, if invited, attend an introductory meeting online!
If you are an international student, I highly recommend joining a national student society composed of students from your country. This gives you the opportunity to connect with people who understand your culture and can offer tips and advice for adapting to your new home — this will be particularly valuable if you are not acquainted with Western culture.
While the idea of a two-week isolation undoubtedly sounds intimidating, these are all ideas you can try out to alleviate the struggles you may face. Connect with your loved ones and cultivate a support system that will be there for you in the days (and years!) to come. Try your hand at writing if you haven’t already, as quarantine will leave a lot of time to self-reflect. Explore a new hobby; being able to partake in one you enjoy will enrich your life. Exercise, even if it is only a light workout, and your body and mind will thank you. Look for clubs and communities to join, and be open to the opportunity to meet new people. If you are new to any of these, I’d say this quarantine period would be the perfect time to start!
A version of this article appeared in print in The Ontarion issue 191.1 on Aug. 26, 2021.
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