My first experience kayaking was an experience I will never forget. Kayaking wasn't an activity I ever thought I would engage in, let alone enjoy. Culturally, non-land activities such as kayaking and other water sports were deemed as unnecessary and borderline dangerous.

As you’ve probably already expected by now, this year’s Fourth of July, as with many other holidays, will look completely different.

Due to concerns over the pandemic, large firework events like Melaleuca’s 28th Annual Freedom Celebration have had to be cancelled. This undoubtedly leaves many people longing for the large-scale celebration they are accustomed to, and having smaller fireworks with friends and family to fill that void.

Tired of spending your endless amounts of free time watching television or movies? Maybe right now is the perfect time to try your hand at some video games. I have no shame in admitting that I have spent most of my freetime these last couple months gaming.

It is currently the beginning of May, and that means right now is the time to celebrate our mothers. While previous stay-at-home orders and current plans to slowly re-open select states across the US have made it a bit difficult to celebrate this year, there are still plenty of ways you can show your mom that you care about her.

Image provided by Brenna Hassing.

These last few months have had many Americans remaining at home with more time than anyone knows what to do with. And as spring blooms and the weather warms, people are itching to enjoy some fresh air. If you’ve never gardened before, you may find yourself wanting to plan something in the backyard. Right now may be the perfect opportunity to get into gardening.

This period of self-isolation may be your only chance to let your inner binge person out and watch mindless TV. No judgement here! With that in mind, Netflix is a great avenue to do so with so many options to choose from.

Swechya Acharya, an international student from Nepal and a junior in health care administration, enjoying the outdoors from home.

“There aren’t college students walking around the campus area, no athletes going for an early morning run. Just when I thought Pocatello couldn’t be more soundless, after the stay at home order, I think this is the most silent place I have ever lived,” Swechya Acharya, a junior in health care administration at ISU, stated.

Social distancing has made more and more people turn to video conferencing services like Zoom to stay connected with work and schools, and even friends and family.

Recently, my Aunt that is a teacher invited the family (of over 50+ people) to a Zoom meeting. Her reasoning for doing so was to see how everyone is doing during these trying times and to test out Zoom before using it with her students as her school system moves to online instruction.

Even before Governor Brad Little issued his stay-at-home order on March 25, local businesses were feeling the pressure put on from the recent pandemic crisis. Small businesses are faced with a choice of either shutting their doors or learn to adapt.

Cabin fever is no joke. Whether you’re conscious of it or not, staying cooped up inside can take a serious toll on your mental health. A sudden change in routine can also cause massive stress, and coupled with the uncertainty lingering in the air right now, the feeling of anguish can easily become overwhelming. During these times, focusing your energy into something productive can help curb these feelings of unease.