Wake up after lunch. Wash your hands. Check Canvas. Wash your hands. Cry because you have nothing to look forward to for the next couple of months. You just touched your face, wash your hands. I’m sure we’ve all developed our own “routines” during these times but I am here to assist you in keeping your sanity with my specialist backed (partly) advice. If you find yourself going on way too many family walks or you’ve turned to cutting, shaving or dyeing your hair out of sheer boredom, then follow this list: The Dos and Don’ts of Times like This.

I’m sure everyone has been hammering “keep your distance, don’t touch your face, and wash your hands often” into your brain, but here are some other suggestions.

Do Stick to a Routine

Whether it is to wake up at 6 every day and go for a run, or to take an hour break in between every homework assignment, it’s up to you. Just try to keep some structure in your life. This is actually backed by science because sticking to a routine helps develop good habits and reach our full potential.

Don’t Stay Up Until 5 AM

  Teens are supposed to get 9.25 hours of sleep every night according to the National Children’s Hospital. School prevented us from getting that but now the opportunities are endless. Doctors recommend going to bed around 10 and waking up around 7 but that’s just not very realistic so I say 12-9. Try not to sleep in too much.

Do Keep Some Lotion on You

Washing your hands for 30 seconds every time your mom sees your hands go anywhere near your face can get exhausting. I have found that it is best to keep some lotion in my pockets so my hands don’t get brittle and cracked due to excessive hand washing.

Don’t Pierce Your Own Nose

It hurts. It also involves you touching your face (see above).

Do Take Showers

Sitting around the house all day causes your stench to concentrate and your family is sick of it. I understand that it can be difficult because we all have the mindset, “it doesn’t matter I’m not going to see anyone”, but please still stay on top of your hygiene if possible.

Don’t Watch Too Many Facebook Videos 

Sorry, Mom and Dad, they’re just not funny.

Do Try Something New

This doesn’t need to be all bad! Use the time to do something you normally don’t and stimulate your brain.

And lastly….

Give your pets a break

At first, they were excited and enjoyed the company, but now they’re exhausted. Please give them their space, they’re annoyed.