Over the past month, the coronavirus has taken a large toll on our social and academic lives. When we said the year 2020 would be a "movie", it was never clarified what type of a movie. Each week I’ve observed that my routine and attitude have been changing while staying at home for so long, and therefore I call these changes, the fourteen stages of quarantine.
Stage 1: Excitement
About a month ago when my school ordered everyone to stay home, my classmates and I were beyond thrilled to be spending our days in the comfort of our bed. We honestly thought it would be an “extended spring break”. Little did we know we would have to take online classes and the homework load would only increase.
Stage 2: Senior Sadness
Although I’m not a senior in high school, I’m sure many seniors have gone through the sadness of all events being canceled. They’ve probably had the occasional meltdown knowing they wouldn’t be able to experience their long-awaited senior prom, senior prank, and high school graduation.
Stage 3: The Walk
After getting my homework done for the day, my mom would go for walks in our neighborhood, so I decided to join her since there wasn’t much to do. I noticed people were actually outside in nature for the first time. This was added to my daily routine and was fun at first but eventually got repetitive.
Stage 4: New Hobbies
Whether it’s baking, art, sports, Tik Tok or working out, it’s fair to say we’ve all picked up a new hobby or one from the past. For myself personally, I tried to incorporate an ab workout into my daily routine but couldn’t stick to that. I also decided to create a blog and write more which has helped keep me busy.
Stage 5: Trying a New Look
It’s come to that point in quarantine where we want to change it up. We don’t have much else to do so we impulsively dye our hair pink or cut ourselves some bangs. It might not look the best so make sure you’re thinking straight before taking the leap!
Stage 6: The Screen
This far into quarantine and we have run out of things to do, so we pick up the screen. This could mean you have either binge-watched Netflix, YouTube or Tik Tok and have officially lost it. You have nothing else to watch so you move onto stage seven.
Stage 7: The Tik Tok Phase
Along with stage six, not only are you watching Tik Toks but making some yourself. You’ve probably mastered every dance or trend at this point and have been scrolling down the never-ending for you page, trying to keep yourself entertained. Not only have you made Tik Toks but you’re trying to get famous and have kept up with all the Hype House drama.
Stage 8: Constantly Eating
Personally, stage 8 has been a part of my whole quarantine experience so far. You’ve probably eaten every snack your parents stocked up on, and now your pantry is empty. You're constantly complaining about how hungry you are and how there’s nothing good to eat in the fridge.
Stage 9: Low on Toilet Paper
You’re probably on the verge of running out of toilet paper or paper towels and have to make the occasional Costco run to stock up before it’s too late. Your parents have told you a thousand times to stop going through so many rolls so fast, but you ignore them as if the whole world isn’t in a pandemic.
Stage 10: The Annoying or Annoyed Phase
Getting deeper into quarantine, and we’ve all reached our wits ends with our family. You’ve either been annoyed or annoyed your parents or siblings since you can’t hang out with your besties. I know I’ve been annoyed with my parents constantly asking me to get out of my bed and “take a walk in nature”, which in reality is just my backyard.
Stage 11: Random Drives
I was supposed to get my license this spring break, but sadly due to corona all DMV’s are closed, so my mom and I have been taking random drives on the freeway and through our town. We drive to see the sunset and blast music, and it’s honestly been a great bonding experience, so I would highly recommend random drives!
Stage 12. Get Your Tan On
Since we can’t go on our spring break vacay to a sunny destination, my friends and I have been tanning in our backyards for hours. I’ve seen many people on the internet doing the same, but it might be hard if you live in a colder spot. I live in California so it’s sunny most of the time and tanning is a great way to pass the time and get your tan on.
Stage 13: Online Shopping
With so much free time, I’ve been scrolling through boutiques on Instagram and saving clothing items I want to purchase but can’t at the moment due to corona. I’m sure many who love shopping in the mall have turned to online shopping and have found it thrilling. I’ve sat in my bed, under cozy blankets for hours just saving items to my shopping cart. Remember not to max out your credit card!
Stage 14: All-Nighters
Lastly, we have reached the current stage, which is all-nighters. At this point in quarantine, you had points where you've gotten no sleep and have been up till 5 am and slept in till 3 pm. You have either been gaming all night or couldn’t sleep from boredom. I’m sure you’re exhausted and have given up on all hope, but don’t worry summer is just around the corner!
