How to get through ISO school holidays without going stir-crazy

It’s school holidays and we are all stuck inside our houses, now that’s a first. We have had a few days in the past where we haven’t been able to leave your home, for example, the infamous 2009 dust storm. Unfortunately, most of you were too young to remember this so you have to start from scratch and learn how to occupy yourself from inside your house.

Well, we’ve brainstormed a list of things to do in the holidays even during isolation:

1. Netflix

Let’s start with the obvious: Netflix. Catch up on all those binge-worthy TV shows you put on hold during the school term. In case you missed our Instagram Story, here’s a few recommendations:

2. Baking

Once Netflix has asked “are you still watching?” one too many times, why not get in the kitchen and try some baking! It’s a great way to clear the mind plus you’ll end up with something that’s (hopefully) delicious at the end. So really you can’t lose. Cooking is also good because you can multitask by listening to a podcast or music at the same time.

3. Exercise challenge

Now let’s balance out the cooking with some exercising. Yes, it’s good to run or do your standard workout but that can sometimes get a little boring. So, why not turn it into a challenge! This way you keep it exciting, you have a goal that you’re working towards and you can get your friends involved and turn it into a little friendly competition.

You can either make it up yourself or find one online that is worth trying. There are so many challenges out there… but if you’re feeling a little lazy, here’s one we prepared earlier:

4. Puzzles

Puzzles are such a good use of time. It’s a good way to get your mind off isolation and school and focus your attention on something else. The only hiccup with this one, good luck trying to buy one online that isn’t sold out… but if you’re one of the lucky ones who has some old puzzles sitting in your cupboard, it’s time to get them out. Puzzles also bring the family together and are something everyone can work on when they need a bit of a break.

5. Reading challenge

This is a good one for those of you not in year 12 already drowning in school work these holidays. If you have some spare time on your hands, why not pick a few good books and set a goal to finish them before the holidays are over. Pick a range from different genres so you have some variety and get going.

The best part about reading is that it can be done anywhere, which means if you do feel like getting outside, take your book with you and sit in your backyard in the sun. There is nothing more relaxing.

If reading isn’t really your thing, try listening to an audiobook. All you have to do is pop your headphones in and lay back and relax. I recommend Audible 🎧.

6. Travel bucket list

Now I know we can’t travel right now, but doesn’t mean we won’t ever travel again. With all this time, why not research some travel destinations you might be interested in. Spend some time watching travel shows, reading blogs, stalking travel Instagrams and start collecting your bucket list of places to visit. Make lists of good restaurants, tourist attractions, the best nightlife, the best beaches, the best gelato. There are so many interesting countries in the world that this could take you 2 weeks on its own.

7. TikTok

Let’s be honest I bet 99% of you have already made yourself a TikTok account anyways so NO SHAME. I think you could spend hours scrolling through Charli D'Amelio’s account alone. And if you’re feeling creative make some of your own...

8. Board games

We all love board game night, so time to organise a few during the holidays. This can be tricky if you don’t have many people at home to play with, so why not do a virtual board game night. Also, get involved in some Kahoot trivia or Houseparty games.

9. Marie Kondo your room

If you haven’t seen Tidying Up with Marie Kondo stop what you’re doing right now and watch it on Netflix. Isolation is the perfect excuse to clean out your bedroom and part with all the unnecessary memorabilia you’ve kept from when you were 5. Once you’ve finished your room, you can then do your study and before you know it you will have Marie Kondo’d your whole house. You’re welcome!

10. Study...

Last but not least you should be squeezing in some studying during the holidays, especially if you’re in year 12. Just because this year is uncertain, doesn’t mean you should let your study fall behind. Use these holidays to make sure all your notes are up to date for all your subjects, revise any topics you were unsure of during the term, finish the assignments that are due in week 1 and even do some practice questions to make sure you’re prepared for the term ahead. If you’re worried about spending all your time just staring at your textbook, why don’t you jump onto your Atomi account and get some studying done the easy way instead? If you stay organised these holidays, you won’t feel flustered starting term 2 and you’ll feel a little more confident about the year ahead.

My advice would be to start at the top of this list and work your way down during the holidays. Just make sure you leave to fit in number 10. Enjoy and let us know on our Instagram if we missed anything!