Battling boredom during COVID-19 » A variety of ways to freshen up each day Morgan Hannah Life & Style Editor t feels like the 3,259th day of quarantine. During these uncertain and scary days, it is not only important to be kind to those around you—it is also essential to show yourself a little kindness. Whether that be taking a hot bath, making your favourite meal, doing an art project, diving into your favourite book, or FaceTiming with your bestie; self-care is truly vital. Validate your feelings and realize that it’s okay to feel whatever you are feeling. Whether that be scared, worried, sad, anxious, frustrated, exhausted, nothing at all, or BORED. Let go of the expectations you had for this summer, because baby, it ain’t happenin’ how you thought it would. But that’s okay! Here’s how to combat being bored during quarantine: Change your outfits up Despite what you may have heard elsewhere, don't give yourself permission to spend each day in your PJs. Get up every day, wash your face (and hands!), and get dressed. Pick out your daily outfits carefully—the same way you would if you were going out into the world to impress. Add a couple of accessories that you've been craving to wear—maybe even try on that bold piece in the back of your closet that you hadn't found the courage to wear. Photo of Morgan Hannah by Morgan Hannah Goat cheese recipes » Something unusual and tasty to try Morgan Hannah Life & Style Editor h, goat cheese. A delicious allergen- sensitive substitute that is healthier than many of its counterparts. In fact, some people can find it easier to digest goat cheese than cow cheese. Additionally, to me at least, the cheese has more flavour and versatility. Speaking of which, here are some fun and unusual recipes to give a try! Goat cheese “cheesecake” bites Silky, smooth, sweet, and not too bad for ya—these cheesy snacks will have you reaching for more. Ingredients: * 1/3 cup powdered sugar + 1/3 cup vanilla Greek yogurt (substitute dairy-free yogurt as an alternative) + 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract * 2 ounces goat cheese, softened * 15 thawed frozen mini phyllo pastry shells blueberry or strawberry preserves Method: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine powdered sugar, yogurt, vanilla, and goat cheese in a medium-sized bowl. Then beat with a mixer or a fork until smooth. Spoon about 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of filling into each phyllo pastry shell. Spoon 1/2 a teaspoon of blueberry or strawberry preserves onto each. Put in oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool for 3 minutes. Honey-orange whipped goat cheese spread Versatile, easy to make—and delicious! This spread is a crowd-pleaser as much as it is a guilty pleasure. Ingredients: + 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (substitute dairy-free yogurt as an alternative) * 2 tablespoons honey * 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil * 1 teaspoon grated orange rind * 2 ounces goat cheese, softened Method: Mix together yogurt, honey, olive oil, orange rind, and goat cheese. Beat with a mixer or a fork until light and fluffy—it takes about 1 minute. Then serve on top of pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or toast. Bacon and goat cheese jalapeno poppers How can you say no to bacon and cheese with a little heat? I am a huge fan of jalapefio poppers and making ‘em dairy- free makes them even better! Ingredients: * 2 ounces goat cheese, softened + 1 tablespoon grated red onion * 3/8 teaspoon kosher salt + 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + 1/4 teaspoon onion powder * 8 medium jalapefio peppers (halved Now’s the time to build up that “I don’t give a fuck” attitude for when the world is ready to reconnect. Not only will getting ready in the mornings every day help with reestablishing lost routines, it'll be fun to experiment and, essentially, play dress up. #Goals Ever heard of “Quarantine and Chill”? Well, how about “Quarantine and Create”! That’s right, instead of loafing around watching Netflix and snacking all day— which we're all guilty of, don’t even try to deny it—take a step in the right direction and start something new! Something big! Something exciting and long term! Watch some MasterClasses for example, pay for the advertised package at the end, then actually DO it! Learn a new time consuming skill, create an online business, build a line of luxury clay earrings—you catching my drift? Do something with your indoor time so that when youre allowed back into the world, you're upgraded. Become the 2.0 version of yourself! Surveys Take as many online surveys as you can and rack up those PayPal dollars! Each survey won't pay that much on its own. But, if you're gonna spend all day sitting on the couch, cozy in bed, or outside on the balcony—you may as well crack a cold one and scroll through the various survey websites to make some passive side dollars. Just really read that fine print before signing up for anything. vertically and seeded) * 3 centre-cut bacon slices (cooked and crumbled) * 2 tablespoons red pepper jelly * 1 feaspoon water Method: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine the goat cheese, grated red onion, salt, pepper, and onion powder in a medium bowl. Stir well to mix. Arrange pepper halves ona pan and divide filling among peppers. Bake for seven minutes or until peppers are tender and beginning to brown. Sprinkle with bacon. Combine jelly and water in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave for 30 seconds (or until saucy) and drizzle evenly over peppers. Goat cheese and cremini oatmeal In Indonesia, oatmeal is eaten savoury. It shocked me the first time, but then I thought “why not?” Oatmeal is such a versatile base for meals! Ingredients: * 3/4 cup water + 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats * 1 teaspoon olive oil * 1/2 cup sliced cremini mushrooms * 3 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese + 2 tablespoons half-and-half (substitute dairy-free creamer as an alternative) Writing Everyone’s got a story to tell, so why not pitch in and tell yours? Write a daily journal, then add some fictional elements if you dare. Create something fun and fantastical that youre proud of. You've definitely got the time for it, so give it a shot! Maybe even try your hand at publishing when this virus clears out and life is a happening again. You might get hooked. Sidewalk art Ever heard of those Buddhist monks that make mandalas out of sand? If you haven't, they create these intricate designs—spending days and days on every detail. Then, when they're done, they brush it all away and start again. This isa practice of appreciating the “temporary,” which is what this time of quarantine is in our lives. Similar to the monks, why not take some sidewalk chalk and make a masterpiece that any passersby can enjoy? Then, when the rain comes and washes it all away, youre left with a blank canvas to start again. Maybe you'll even make a name for yourself or your neighbourhood. Additionally, your sidewalk art could become a sidewalk gym if you design mini courses! From hopscotch, “follow the line,” “walk like this,” to “hop like that,” there are many ways to create some interactive fun that members of your community can take part in. It'll be a great way to keep away the “Quarantine 15.” Illustration by Athena Little + 1/8 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme + salt to taste Method: Bring water to a boil ina medium saucepan and stir in oats and a dash of salt. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for five minutes, stirring occasionally. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat—then add mushrooms to pan and sauté for four minutes. Stir in 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of crumbled goat cheese, half-and-half ora nondairy alternative, about 1/8 teaspoon of salt, and thyme into warm oatmeal. Top with mushrooms and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of crumbled goat cheese.