It’s the summer of 2020 and it will certainly go down in history. Teens – you may feel shook, but here are 10 fun ideas to help you stay sober and sane during #quarantine!
1. Games on Zoom
Zoom doesn’t have to be just for teacher meetings or working from home! Start a free Zoom account (meetings with over 3 attendees are limited to 40 minutes.) There are other options such as Microsoft Teams and Google Hangouts if you prefer.
No matter what virtual option you choose, you may be surprised at how fund live virtual games can be. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Charades
- Host a Scavenger Hunt
- Trivia
- Pictionary
- Dance Party
2. Get Crafty
Express or find your creative side! This Pinterest board has a bunch of great ideas that are more than just markers and clay. Pro tip: getting artistic helps us to express emotions and aids in the healing process during recovery. Some teen favorites for beating the quarantine blues are:
- Tie-Dye
- Pour Paint
- Hydro Dipping
- Friendship Journals (mail or drop off to a friend!)
- DIY keychain
- Junk Journal/Scrap Journal
3. Kick it in the Kitchen
Being a teen means adulthood is just around the corner (or already is!) And us “old people” have to cook for ourselves. 😉 Pull up your sleeves, wash your hands and get to cooking! Here are some easy recipes to get you started.
4. Doorbell Drop Off
Bring a friend or family member a special something by surprise. Whether it’s a craft you made from the list above or a special recipe you nailed – you’re sure to brighten someone’s day. Even a simple letter can bring a smile to your old classmate, teacher, or sports buddy. It might be the only time in your life that you’re advised to ring the doorbell & run!
5. Host a Virtual Family or School Reunion
This is a great way to see a lot of those you love at the same time. Pick a date, make virtual invitations, and dress up for the occasion! Here are some tips to making your virtual reunion one to remember
- Make sure your guests have the meeting app installed and configured before the reunion. Do a test drive with Grandpa to make sure he’s on point for the big day.
- Have some structure. Ask specific questions or have a topic to share.
- Be on mute patrol. Is your cousin’s dog barking in the background? Is your niece screaming Mom a dozen times? Mute them for a seamless meeting (and be sure to unmute them when it’s their turn to share.)
6. Get on the Move
Maintaining physical health is so important, especially during COVID-19. Whether you can walk around the block or go on a 5-mile hike, don’t let the pandemic stop you. Respect local laws and bring a face covering in case you need it. Exercise strengthens your body and mind by helping to reduce anxiety and stress. If going outside is not an option for you – look into downloading exercise apps or finding YouTube videos to utilize.
7. Read Books, Not Texts
Some of the most anticipated books of 2020 are on the virtual shelf now. Check out Brightly’s picks for Young Adult readers here. Many libraries have the option to check out eBooks and audiobooks so check out your local library website!
8. Learn a New Skill
If you’ve had enough fun with the above ideas, let’s get back into learning mode. There are so many online learning platforms – some for free – where you can develop nearly any skill wherever you are. No need to get dressed or get those eyebrows on fleek… you can nerd out on the following sites and expand your skillset:
- Udemy
- Thinkific
- Skillshare
- Teachable
- Kahn Academy
9. Laugh, Giggle, LOL
Laughter is the best medicine. #amiright
With the word uncertainty used at every corner – sometimes you have to push reality aside and get some giggles out.
- Watch Funniest Teen Fails
- Find comedies to rent or watch on a streaming service
- Watch Funny Cat Videos
- Talk your parents into doing a TikTok dance
- Watch Teens Read Funny Test Answers
10. Take care of Yourself
You’re going through one of the most uncertain times in recent history – and you’ll want to take care of yourself the most! If you’re trying to stay sane AND sober this summer, then be sure to give yourself some love this summer. Here are some light-hearted ways:
- Sing in the shower. Who cares who hears?
- Angry? Stressed? Write all the things that upset you. Then scribble them out, crush them into a wad of paper and trash it! Continue onto the next tip…
- Make a gratitude list daily. It can be on an old post-it note or a fancy journal, just write it down.
- Look through your old pictures. Recall memories, and maybe trash the ones that don’t bring a smile to your face.
- Binge-watch NetFlix or YouTube and don’t judge yourself for it. #YOLO
- Make a time capsule. Write all your feelings out, worries, rants – anything. Seal it up and don’t open for at least 5 years. Fact: you’ll have quite the personal historic document on your hands!
We hope our list helps you during #QUAR. All of us on Brett Adkin’s Charitable Foundation Team wish you a healthy and happy summer.
During the summer of 2017, Brett Adkin’s didn’t know it would be his last Summer on Earth. Through his life and loss, we are committed to educating youth on the risks of using and being associated with illegal substances, ensuring their safety, and providing assistance and support for families in our community during the bereavement process. Read more about our mission here.