As a homebody, staying indoors hasn’t been any trouble for me, so far. However I can’t help but empathise with all those extroverted friends of mine, who usually planned their next outing as soon as they were done the first one. The memes on their Instagram stories tell me how lost they’re feeling and it makes me want to hug them tight. But Alas! That can be lethal (take note). All a homebug like me can do is to finally disclose the long-kept secrets of enjoying seclusion. (Truth be told, it’s difficult to see these outdoor-enthusiasts try their hand at stuff like painting too. Leave something for us, will you?) Therefore, amid trying times like this lockdown (I am so not using the Q word), here I am, an acclaimed expert at staying alone, telling you things you can explore besides social media Bingos and TBHs.
- Send letters
No, I am not asking you to go to the post-office to drop off a letter. Do not look for excuses to go out. Use your email account to send an informal letter for a change. You can try reviving your long lost Yahoo or some other account for fun. You can also write letters to yourself, for you to open years later.

2. Revamp Your Room
It can be hard staying in your room and staring at the ceiling for hours on end. You can make your walls interesting to stare at them instead. You don’t have to necessarily spend a lot on it. You can use something as cheap as old newspapers. If you can’t put your brain to work, (despite a lot of time at hand) refer to Pinterest for creative help.

3. Pick that book up off the shelf
You know exactly which book I am talking about, and it’s not that 2nd grade activity book. Pick up that book you’ve been delaying reading for so long now and let it see the light of day. If, however, you genuinely have no book in mind to read, try searching comic books online. Hmm…I wonder if they have Dr. Hathi comic books online…

4. Try finding a long lost friend online
You know what else would be a better activity than waiting for that text for days or spending hours on your crush’s profile stalking them? Looking for a friend you have lost touch with, online. Try asking your parents for their last name or search your old school notebooks for a hint; it will all be worth it.

5. Reconnect with those you have lost touch with
Pretty sure I am not the only one guilty of losing touch with friends whose contacts we still have saved on our phones. While writing this, I recall a friend I haven’t talked to since I joined college. You think of who you want to call while I mentally prepare myself for calling my person up.

6. Explore the games section on Snapchat
If you are not on Snapchat and think it’s just for kids, stop judging; you don’t exactly have a lot of options here. Sending funny snaps to your friends can be fun, until they screenshot them and blackmail you. If you are already on Snapchat and didn’t know they had games, thank me later. Playing games with friends on Snapchat can prove to be fun but also very consuming. Don’t blame me if you find yourself unable to eat dinner because you were too preoccupied with the games.

7. Experiment with your style
Take stuff out of your wardrobe and experiment with your style. You can also use this as an excuse to finally clean your closet. If not TikTok, one can always take selfies of themselves in different outfits. I don’t count that as narcissism.

8. Home Workout
There’s a high chances that you are already following some Home Workout video or the other. I guess I put this here as a reminder to self, never mind.

9. Watch a regional movie
There are a lot of people apprehensive of trying regional cinema because to them, it is the Tamil action movie that their parent watches on Sony Max every Sunday. But believe me when I say that there are a bunch of great regional movies worth watching. As a fan of Manitratnam’s direction and A.R. Rehman’s music, I would recommend that you try watching ‘Kaatru Veliyidai’. It is available on Prime Video.

10. Explore folksongs/ folklore
I’m sure that all you tri-lingual people out there already have a bunch of songs or stories to pick from. But for those of you, whose first language is Hindi, try seeking recommendation from your buddies. If you ask me, I would recommend Kashmiri stories and folklore. They are a delight to listen to.

That’s all I can share from my book of secrets for now. I can’t afford letting any more spells out. Here’s me hoping you come out of this quarantine alive and talented. I did use the Q-word after all.* Sighs*
This post was written by Khushi, Ist year.