Puzzlemania

If you’re anything like me, the daily New York Times crossword puzzle is a morning staple. Whether you are a seasoned puzzle veteran or a complete novice, this sudden influx in downtime is the perfect opportunity to hone your skills on the grid! If you don’t have a NYT subscription there are plenty of free options on the internet to get you started.

1. Crossword Fiend

   Check out crossword fiend for a litany of daily puzzles from the LA Times to the Universal Daily Crossword. Many don’t require paid subscriptions which is a bonus!

2. Crossword Tournament From Your Couch

   Saturday, March 21, 2020, 1 p.m.–5 p.m. ET

   It is really heartwarming to see how communities band together in times like these, and the crossword community is no different! This event was created by a group of puzzlers who normally gather every year at the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament to provide a fun and safe alternative for people who wanted to get together and solve puzzles while still social distancing. The event will include 5 puzzles (which will be made available to solve after the event as well) and caps off with a virtual happy hour. Check it out here or on facebook.

3. Not into crosswords? Try Sodoku!

   If riddles and wordplay aren’t really your thing but you still want to get those brain juices flowing, try out some other fun puzzle types like Sodoku. Once again there are plenty of online resources for all levels to get you started. This one’s for you number geeks out there ;)

What are you doing to stay sharp and busy? Let us know in the comments!

Hump Day Blues

So it’s Wednesday again. What does that even mean? For so many of us working and learning from home, the days of the week seem to blend together into an endless clump. Who’s to say when to get up, what to do, or more importantly, how to stay sane with the whole family under one roof! For our first blog post here at Quarantine U, were kicking it off with a few ideas on how to structure your weekdays to make them feel a little more productive, and a little less hump-day bluesy.

1. Set an alarm!

   I know, I know, you’ve got nowhere to be! But trust us when we say that waking up at the same time every day (preferably before noon…) will make a big difference in your mood and productivity. While you’re at it, try to hit the hay around the same time every night as well. As creatures of habit, we have a hard time adjusting to schedule changes, and we all know there have been plenty of those to go around in the last few weeks. So don’t make things harder on your body than you need to! Stick to a schedule to regulate those circadian rhythms and make dragging yourself out of bed for another day of the same scenery a little more bearable.

2. Make the bed.

   So you’ve set your alarm and you’ve gotten out of bed. Great first step! Now tuck those sheets in and fluff those pillows before you dare take another step. It’s the first task of the day and it sets a tone of productivity. You can even put it on your to-do list and get a little satisfaction out of checking it off. Not only have you completed a task, but you’ve prepped your room for the day ahead and a de-cluttered space = a de-cluttered mind. Added bonus is that it’s less tempting to jump right back under the covers as soon as you brush your teeth.

3. Make yourself breakfast.

   This is not the time to let your health go people! Even though the mornings can be sluggish, it is still so important to fuel yourself with a healthy meal to start the day. Proper nutrition is crucial for both physical and mental wellbeing, so try to get in some fruits, healthy fats, carbs, or veggies in. Put your body and your health in the best position it can be in this time of uncertainty and disease.

4. Get dressed.

   It will make you feel better. I promise. How easy is it to fall asleep on the couch when you're still in your pajamas? Getting dressed signals your psyche that the day is starting and it’s time to get stuff done. Even if it’s just athleisure as opposed to those flannels you’ve been wearing since 2007, a change of clothes is a fresh start to the day (and not to mention good hygiene).

5. Get outside!

   If you can. For those of us fortunate enough to have a backyard and some fresh air, it can be extraordinarily helpful to just exit the house. Go for a walk, jog, or hike if it’s accessible, or even just do some jumping jacks on the porch! Fresh air and Vitamin D combined with moving your body are important components of every day life and trying to fit that into Quarantine U has been a fun activity for all of us here. If you live in a city or aren’t able to get outside, try opening the windows or using a “happy lamp.”

6. Set 3 attainable goals.

   Doesn’t even matter how small they are! Setting goals and accomplishing them every day helps boost morale and encourages productivity and efficiency. They can be as small as setting the table for dinner or taking a shower. Give yourself some credit, it is hard work uprooting your life and turning your routine on its head. Try to keep as much normalcy as possible throughout the day and accomplish little tasks.

7. Spend an hour on a hobby you love.

   Now is the time to delve into that scarf you’ve been knitting for the last year and a half! Spend some time on yourself and take advantage of the potential increase in free time you may have throughout the day. Photography, coding, knitting, model-making, or whatever else it is that makes you tick, get passionate! If you don’t have a hobby you love right now, try a new one. There are so many amazing websites and videos out there on the internet that can help you learn more and get inspired.

We hope everyone out there is staying sane and healthy! Remember to reach out to us if you want to chat or have any questions about life at Quarantine U!