With the world in an unprecedented time of fear and isolation, the need to stay connected online means becomes imperative to both the world and our own sanity. Sometimes taking a breath alone with a good TV show or movie can do wonders for the mind. You can paint, write, draw or sing, but nothing is easier than streaming a good show to get your mind off the world around you. With isolation becoming more and more impressed upon us, I’m here to offer some of my own suggestions of what to stream on Netflix in while quarantine.

First things first, a best way to get your mind off of stressful things is a good comedy. Classic shows like “The Office”, “Parks and Recreation”, and “New Girl” are all available to stream on Netflix and are easy to watch. You can sit on your phone and play a game with that in the background and suddenly you’ve spent 7 hours watching “Shameless and suddenly your worries of what to do with the day is gone. It would be easy for me to tell you watching a good comedy show will help the day disappear, which is why I put it first on this list. Sometimes there just isn’t anything to do in the day and staring at homework nonstop is enough to drive anyone crazy. These comedies can help fill the empty gaps in the day.

Next up are a few Netflix Originals that I recommend. Looking to stay inside and have a fun Facetime date night with your significant other? Maybe you’re looking to watch and talk about some of the more absurd aspects of the human race with your homies and pals. Netflix is king when it comes to these, and their most recent royal entry is “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness”. This docuseries follows the private ownership of tigers, and the one-of-a-kind man, Joe Exotic. If you’re looking for something a little less crazy and a shorter series, “Don’t F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer” follows a chilling story of internet sleuths trying to bring down an internet killer. Both of these series will have you on the edge of your seat, and maybe a little thankful to be inside for a little bit. My last suggestion here is “Stranger Things”. I know everyone has probably seen it, but there’s a new season on the horizon, and now is a great time to re-watch one of the most talked-about shows in recent years.

Finally, some films I’d recommend for an easy watch. First, The Other Guys. This comedy film brings Mark Walberg and Will Farrell in a great comedy duo that is sure to make any viewers who enjoyed Step Brothers or Talladega Nights have a great watch. Similarly, 2010’s Dinner for Schmucks pairs Paul Rudd and Steve Carell together in a weird but hilarious spin on the Comedy-of-Manners style. Finally, Spenser Confidential is an easy yet fun action film, pairing Walberg with Winston Duke, featuring heavy Boston accents and cliché action.

These films, well as the other entries mentioned above, make for an easy watch, and a brief release from the reality we are paired with dealing with today. Stay safe out there, stay inside, and wash your dang hands. As long as we work together we can eventually return to watching a movie with friends in the real world, and rather than through a Facetime, Skype, or Snapchat call.

The opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of Winona State University, the Minnesota State Colleges and University system, or the Winona State University student body.