Following the outbreak of the corona virus across the globe, a lot of things have been put to a stop, our social lives included. With the world practising self-isolation and social distancing amid the corona virus pandemic, all individuals have been urged to work and learn from home. But staying in can be just as fun and productive as going out, if you make it so.
Here is a list of ten things you can do while indoors during these tough times:
READ A BOOK
Maybe work, school and your social life has been taking up most of your time before the COVID-19 outbreak and you haven’t been reading as much as you’d like. Well, while you’re away from these, you might as well get that book you’re been wanting to read for a while. Or try reading if you’re not an active reader as reading actually strengthens your brain. Healthline published and article in which they shared that in one study conducted in 2013, researchers used functional MRI scans to measure the effect of reading a novel on the brain. Study participants read the novel “Pompeii” over a period of 9 days. As tension built in the story, more and more areas of the brain lit up with activity.
What should you read? Whatever you can get your hands on! (I would say something of your interest, but what’s even more interesting is trying to read something new - that is usually not of your interest)
2. EXERCISE
Quarantine/social distancing/self-isolation doesn’t necessarily give you a visa to be lazy (though you may choose to be.) You wouldn’t want to come out of this unhealthy on the inside out. While you’re home - probably with a lot less to do - you can find time, even if it is a minimum of once a week, to execute some exercises in your backyard, bedroom or living room. Whichever works best for you. This will of course help you control your weight, improve your mood, help your body manage blood sugars and insulin levels as well as improve your sleep.
3. CALL YOUR OLD FRIENDS/WORK COLLEAGUES
How about a thirty minutes plus phone call with your childhood friends, those from high school or university, or even work colleagues you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while. Conversing about old times - when life was good and amusing - will be of benefit to your mood and day.
4. SPEND TIME WITH THOSE YOU’RE ISOLATION WITH
I have noticed how this isolation period has lead to more phone usage by quite a large number of people. This is probably due to “bored in the house,” “I’ve ran out of things to do” and whatnot. But are you spending more time with the family you’re isolating with? Or the roommate/friend you’re observing social distancing with? This period is also giving us time to build, mend and strengthen bonds. But before we build, mend and strengthen the virtual ones, how about we deal with the physical ones first?
5. ONLINE LESSONS
There are platforms that provide free online classes on different subjects and if you’re willing to learn something new and widen your horizons, you should try that. iTunes U for iOS users is benefiting and edX for everyone. edX is more convenient on a laptop, IPad or tablet.
MasterClass, though not free, has very remarkable and propitious classes on almost every subject. Literally.
Udemy is also another good platform and they have reduced their prices for their online lessons.
6. REDECORATE YOUR ROOM
This is something you can do to make a change within your personal space. Maybe move a thing here and there, remove one thing and replace it with another from the living room or so. Change something to your taste. It might make the room - or you - feel new.
7. LEARN/IMPROVE A SKILL
This would revert to online lessons, maybe some research here and there, watch some DIY videos on YouTube, practice a craft etc.
It would be great to improve in a skill before learning a new one, but if you can do both, go ahead. If you also want to acquire a new skill, go ahead. Whatever works best for you.
8. BREATH, DRINK & HAVE FUN
Breathe. Inhale. Exhale. Close your eyes. Inhale. Exhale.
Keep a 1L bottle of water by your side at all times. When it finishes, replace or refill it. Stay hydrated.
Another thing you can always do with your water consumption is make a detox water. A bottle of water with cucumber + mint +lime is highly recommended. PS: I only tried it once and stopped but I have friends who do it and it’s good. I just stick to my pure water and occasionally, water + ginger. I might also try that one of cucumber, mint and lime.
Though there are different courses of action we all take to have fun, in times like this, I would like to believe that online-fun is what we’ll be having. iMessage games, Ludo King with friends, Instagram live sessions etc.
9. PODCAST
Personally, I’m not one to listen to podcasts. But I’m considering doing so one of these days. I can’t say much on it except that it could be a good thing to do during these times.
10. BATH TIME SELF CARE
Light your favourite candles. Run a bubble bath (or take a long shower.) Get a face mask (or make your own.) Do that hair care routine. Use that exfoliating body scrub. Apply that moisturizing lotion and smell good. Just for the sake of feeling good.
Do not forget to eat healthy by consuming a balanced diet.