An active life in quarantine: Students find ways to keep busy

In the midst of a pandemic, some college students have become accustomed to one of the biggest side effects of quarantine – boredom. Whether it be baking, working out or getting creative with arts and crafts, these students have found a way to keep themselves occupied while staying indoors. As WSU Vancouver transitions to online learning this fall semester, finding different means of entertainment and socialization is essential. Jordan Hamilton, senior psychology major, previously worked as a major events coordinator for the Student Activities Board on campus. Between exercising and utilizing her indoor bike to stay fit, Hamilton has also found time to stir up her baking skills by making cookies, cupcakes and macarons.

When asked about how these activities help her overcome stresses that accompany the pandemic, Hamilton explained she will continue to stay busy with extracurriculars when fall semester begins. 

“In the beginning, I was definitely anxious about everything, everything hit everyone at once. So I feel like [these hobbies] have definitely helped with coping, getting used to the idea that this [pandemic] is going to be happening for a while,” Hamilton said.

Another WSU Vancouver student, Madiera Vath, junior digital technology and culture major, said she has enjoyed maintaining her job virtually as a student ambassador on campus. While doing various forms of art at home, Vath has spent time drawing art digitally on her iPad and discovered the joys of embroidery.

“When we switched over from classes that were in-person to online, I was just doing that for the majority, just doing art. I draw, I have actually picked up doing embroidery [too],” Vath said. 

“I have always done it, it’s just like second nature to me, just [making] art when you are super bored. … I think that it has helped pass the time.”

As for working out, Office of Student Involvement has student exercise routines covered. Johnny Pham, senior biology major and wellness intern for OSI, and Joel Lindberg, senior management information systems major and fitness center employee, has started making video tutorials showing students their personal workout routines on OSI’s Instagram page. 

“Normally for the fitness center we do these assignments at home, where we make a recipe, some sort of challenge or a fitness routine for people to do. Joel was trying to get some pictures for his assignments, so all of a sudden we decided ‘hey since we always work out together, why not start making videos together instead,’” Pham said.

So far, Pham and Lindberg have created three instructional videos for OSI, including Bench Safety, Squat Safety and Shoulder Press Safety. These videos provide basic lessons for those with access to lifting equipment, making it easy for students to learn about safe weightlifting forms and routines. 

“I would probably say, for me personally, start small and work your way up rather than trying to do everything [at once]. We have realized too not everyone has weights so in our next video we actually have a bodyweight series. That will help them out if they do not have the equipment we do,” Lindberg said. 

“It honestly all comes down to consistency and motivation for us. The reason why we weightlift I think is because we find joy and entertainment in the things that we do. It is fun to work out,” Pham said. 

In addition to their weightlifting routines, Lindberg explained he has enjoyed playing tennis and doing activities where you can socially distance with friends. Pham has participated in playing basketball and started taking walks outside during quarantine. 

While it is easy to give in to boredom and inactivity, these students have seized the opportunity to develop new skills, try new hobbies or socialize in different ways. 

For more information on how to protect yourself and others while engaging in various forms of indoor and outdoor activities, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines page here.