Unstuck: 10 Things to Do to Stay Safe and Sane During the Pandemic - 10

Banishing Boredom
With everything on hold, it's easy to feel bored. Being in the same home,
with the same people, day in and day out, can feel a bit boring. Yet, you also
have the gift of time. Many children and teens are so busy after school and
on the weekends that they have little down-time. What will you do with
this newfound time, and how will you make it count?

If you have a screen (TV, phone, gaming device, laptop), it can be easy to be on it all
the time. Screens are addicting because they can cause your brain to release the "feel-good"
neurotransmitter called dopamine. The problem is that if you are on screens too much, it zaps
your energy, hurts your eyes, and can make you have trouble with attention. So, limit the time you
spend on screens: take breaks and get outside or do something else. Be on for an hour, then do
another activity for the next hour. Set it up in advance so you are aware of the time; maybe your
screen even has a convenient timer! Here are some suggestions to interrupt the cycle of boredom
(and be sure to balance your screen time with breaks):
What are new hobbies or activities you are interested in trying? You can look at the Quarantine Bingo for ideas,
such as going on a virtual tour of a museum online or learning all 50 state capitals. Can you get more into
reading or doing art, or learn yoga?

What new skill can you learn during this time? Is there something you are curious about or always wanted to
be good at? If you are already super into a sport, can you read a book on it or watch tutorials on YouTube to
improve your skills?

What activities can you do with your family that will make this time more exciting? Are you able to go on a hike
near water, or even a family walk in your neighborhood? Can you have a cookie contest to see who can bake
the most delicious cookies? Can you watch all of the Lord of the Rings movies or The Voice together? Try to be
creative and list three things you can do with your family:

Unstuck: 10 Things to Do to Stay Safe and Sane During the Pandemic

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Unstuck: 10 Things to Do to Stay Safe and Sane During the Pandemic