4 Free Ways to Improve Your Life in Quarantine

Why you should consider taking a photo of your morning coffee.

You’ve probably been in quarantine for a while now. I’m not sure if it’s been difficult for you because quarantine doesn't mean just one thing. For some, our privilege makes it easy enough. For others, the viral crisis has become a financial crisis or a mental health crisis. Still, for someone else, the global pandemic has become a fight for their individual life. Although the degree differs drastically, life has become heavier for us all.

I hope that even just one of these ideas will inspire you and improve some aspect of your life in quarantine.

1. Expand Your Mind

This pandemic has made our world shrink down to the essential. Because of this, I’ve found my mind and heart longing to zoom out. Though there are many ways to do this, my guess is that, if you’re like me, you probably already watch enough entertainment. So, although not exactly a novel idea, pick up a book that will create this experience of zooming out and expanding your mind to think about the world in a bigger way.

I’ve been reading Origin Story by David Christian (not an affiliate link). It’s been putting this pandemic in a context for me — as a small dot on an impossibly long timeline of the history of our species, our planet, and our universe.

So, pick a book that will allow you to zoom out.

Free e-books: My local library system is listed on the Libby app — an app that allows you to borrow books from your local library. Download it and see if your library participates.

Free audiobooks: If you’ve never used it, you can also sign up for a free trial with Audible (not an affiliate link).

2. Get Your Lymph System Moving

COVID-19 has got us all thinking about our health and immune systems. I wanted to share one simple way I have been taking care of my immune system. Please note: I’m nothing close to a doctor. This is just what I’ve been doing.

In 9 Quick Tips For Keeping Your Lymph Fluid Flowing During This Month’s Cold & Flu Season, Ben Greenfield writes:

Your lymph system is one of two major circulatory systems in your body. Its primary role is to transport immune cells and dead cellular debris through the body to where they can be removed or reused.

Ben goes on to explain how it’s important to keep the lymph fluid moving through the system. We (unknowingly) do this every day with regular “low-level exercise” and “occasional, vigorous exercise.” However, for some of us, being in quarantine can mean that we’re less active than we used to be.

So, in addition to walking and doing traditional exercise, here’s one simple thing you can do that also kind of makes you feel as though you went to the spa:

Take a hot/cold contrast shower: starting with hot water, alternate between hot (20 seconds) and cold (10 seconds). Aim for 5–7 rounds and make sure to end on cold. (note: cold showers are counterproductive when you are sick/have a fever).

I’ve cited and linked Ben’s article above because if this interests you, that’s a great piece to check out.

3. Connect with the World

Brian Koppelman, the creator of the show Billions, has started a daily ritual called #theRoyale. Each morning, Brian takes a picture of himself with his morning coffee and shares it with the world. People respond every day with their morning mug shot. In a time of isolation, connection is extremely important. And although you need a more meaningful connection than sharing photos with strangers, little things like this can add a bit of fun and camaraderie to your day.

So, consider taking part in #theRoyale or start your own version with family and friends.

4. Learn How to Be Happy

This is a great time to learn something new, and I think happiness might be the most important thing you could give your time to. It pays off to learn to code, but becoming happier will positively affect every other part of your life — even your health. Research shows that being happy is good for your immune system, your heart, and can even make you less sore!

I’ve been listening to the Happiness Lab by Dr. Laurie Santos, the Yale University professor who’s “changed the lives of thousands of people through her class “Psychology and the Good Life.”

I highly recommend it.

The Happiness Lab Podcast (2 seasons)

The Science of Wellbeing Course (free to audit on Coursera)

I think that reading a book about the history of the universe, taking a hot/cold contrast shower, sharing a picture of your morning coffee, and learning how to be happy might just improve your life in quarantine.

Thanks for reading! And let me know if there are things you do that I might enjoy as well!

Hi, I’m Michael and I just want to thank you for reading this article. This post represents day 20 of my 30-day writing challenge. If you enjoyed it, you may also like this article I wrote:

I hope you’re safe and well.