Perhaps what we needed all along was a quarantine. Looking back on pre-quarantine, I was constantly stressed about not finding time to study for the SAT, learn new things, study the things I like, find new hobbies or pick up new Netflix shows. I could barely find time for tasks I needed to get done, let alone for anything I wanted to do.

Now, we have all been ordered to stay home and after months of all of us complaining about school and work, all people seem to want is to go back to reality. I've noticed that, rather than taking advantage of all of this excess time, many people are sulking at home, longing for the chaotic life that seems so far. I've noticed this negativity seeping into my own life, but I've realized I can choose to see this, instead, as an opportunity.

Of course, countless people are suffering from lockdowns, however, there are ways for everyone to make the most out of the coronacation. 

It all starts with time management. Many people are struggling during lockdown without a structured schedule. Waking up for school seems to propel me out of bed, regardless of how little I’ve slept, whereas waking up early on my own is much harder. However, self-discipline and time management can eventually help just as much as the invisible force of school pulling me out of bed. All it takes is delegating time to work on what needs to get done and set aside the rest of the day for anything else.

The first part of your day should be being productive, getting essential tasks, like schoolwork, out of the way. This way you aren’t rushed. It’s important to allow time for you to take breaks and recharge. Procrastination only leads to hasty and nonstop work. By starting early. you can spend the rest of the day freely. The hardest part is starting, but once you make productivity a habit at the start of your day, it gets easier. After essentials are out of the way, there are endless ways to fill your time at home.

During a regular workweek, it’s difficult to find time to expand your interests. One of the most outrageous parts about workism to me is how little time we have to discover. Perhaps there is a music artist you would like that you haven’t discovered yet. Maybe a time to find a new hobby. Whatever it is, you’re bound to discover something that will brighten your life just a little bit more.

Self-improvement is also a great way to spend all of this time. There is no better time to realign your priorities than now. You have so much time to get adjusted to better habits. As you work more on time management, distinguishing work and playtime will get easier. As you incorporate healthier foods into your everyday diet, eating healthy will become a part of your life. 

Opening up your creative side is something everyone should try at some point, and now is a perfect time. For many people, this side of them remains untouched for all of their life because they are so absorbed in work or school. Many of us have censored our creativity as a means of conformity. Now, we have more time than ever to set aside for the arts. Whether it’s painting, writing, or photography, they are all ways of self-expression that can provide stress relief, a sense of freedom, confidence and, of course, fun. 

One of the facets of our life that we tend to neglect the most is our soul. Now is a great time to reconnect with our soul. In fact, the most profound discoveries I've made over the coronacation is how beneficial meditation is. I always thought meditation was just an overrated form of relaxation. But during isolation, it’s been very easy to get caught up in my own thoughts and get sucked into a loop of negative thinking. I started turning to meditation to ground myself, despite my doubt. It turns out, meditation is worth the hype. This is especially beneficial to those who are looking to offset the anxieties of being in the midst of a global pandemic. All it takes is a comfortable place to sit and focus your attention on your breath. Another way to strengthen your soul is by connecting spiritually or religiously. If you are religious, quarantine may provide you with an opportunity to strengthen your religious faith. Spare time can be spent reading scriptures, praying, or simply reflecting.

Perhaps self-isolation is simply a chance for everyone to regenerate, even the Earth. All it takes to enjoy the coronacation is perceiving it as an opportunity. If we take advantage of the lockdown, we can all be new and improved versions of ourselves by the end of this.