Realistic Dark/Light Academia things to do during quarantine to make life a bit lighter:
- Simply choosing things based on a color palette can make a big difference. Stick with muted, dark, earth or natural tones. Instead of drinking your morning coffee out of that pink mug, choose the plain ivory one instead. Instead of curling up with the bright blue blanket, choose the black one instead. It’s nice to look down and notice that everything you are wearing or doing seems to fit together.
- Go outside or sit by an open window with sunlight. Read, write, meditate, draw, do anything that isn’t electronic. This is a great thing to do on a study break or when you start to feel overwhelmed or anxious.
- Find a quiet place in your home to work. Make this your spot. Make it as academically aesthetic as you can. Fill it with books, textbooks, pens, notebooks, candles, blankets (remember - don’t underestimate the power of a color palette!) If you choose your spot to be in your bedroom, pick a specific spot in that room. This is where you will do any school or work. When it comes time to work, turn on your favorite study playlist and make a cup of tea.
- Learn a new skill. Even if you are bad at it! Try learning Latin or French. Memorize a passage of Shakespeare. Learn a song on the piano. Write poetry.
- Get ready for the day, even though you aren’t going anywhere. Dress as if you were going to school! It’s not always encouraging when you come to the end of the day and realize you are still in your pajamas. Getting dressed and ready will motivate you to get things done!
- Journal. Is there a better time to write down your thoughts than during a global pandemic?
- If you live near the woods, find a spot where you can go to escape. Bring blankets and books.
- Take a bath at sunset. Turn off all the lights and light candles. Beethoven or Debussy in the background.
- Have a picnic with your family, or alone, in your backyard. Strawberries, blackberries, bread, wine.
- If you can, sneak onto your roof or balcony at night. Drink and stare at the stars until you start to question your own existence.
- Lay in the middle of the street at night. Feel the pavement against your palms, still warm from the afternoon sun, and remember that life is still beautiful and everything is going to be okay.
Feel free to add more in the comments!
