With the novel Coronavirus spreading its tentacles into every other country in the world, a significant percentage of the population has been advised to self-isolate and not step out of their homes.
And normal life has come to a stand-still. While some see this situation as a welcome change to their rat-race routines, most are finding it incredibly boring and frustrating to spend every waking hour within the same four walls.
As important as it is that we practice social distancing and stay at home to get the pandemic under control, it is also necessary to not let the quarantine blues get to you.
So here are a few tips to stay productive and beat the lethargy:
Learn a new skill
Enroll for that online course you never had the time for. Get the diploma you’ve always wanted.
Pick up new skills that will help you reach new heights in your professional life.
There are plenty of open online courses available for Business English, Creative Writing, learning new programming languages, learn about what is scoping, etc.
You can also start learning a new language. It’s never a bad idea and now you have the time. And of course, there is always the option of polishing those existing skills.
Learned a little Spanish in High school or spent a semester abroad in France? Well, brush up on those languages, you never know when they might come handy.
Make some extra money
Most of us have to Work From Home even during this quarantine. But if you don’t, or if you feel that you have ample time left after your working hours, pick up a second job.
Thanks to technology and the internet, making money while at home has never been easier.
Opportunities ranging from Book-keeping and typing jobs from home to Content writing and A/V Transcription are easily available. With flexible hours and decent pay, that extra cash is a few keystrokes away.
There is also the option of stocks and Investments. While the stock markets around the world are extremely volatile and currently taking a hit, things are bound to pick up once things stabilize.
Use this time to diversify your investment portfolio and minimize those imminent losses. You can also read-up and observe market trends around the world.
Exercise
A healthy body is essential for a healthy mind. So grab that mat and get those endorphins going.
So what if your gym is shut and you can’t go on your regular run around the block, there are plenty of ways to sweat it out at home.
You-tube has enough and more home workout videos. You can also put on some music and dance to your heart’s content.
Yoga is another great way to keep both your mind and body fit. A little meditation in the morning will go a long way to help cope with the isolation anxiety.
And who knows, you might just find yourself with all that soul- searching.
Seek out social interaction
All those friends from school and college you haven’t had the time to meet and catch-up with are probably stuck at home too. Call them, Skype them.
You have to practice social distancing physically, there is no rule against socializing virtually. Check-up on your friends and family. Let them know they aren’t alone.
Spend quality time with your loved ones who are at home with you. Once this pandemic is over, you’re all going to have to go back to your busy lives barely seeing each other.
Watch movies together and have game nights. Tough times are said to bring people closer.
Indulge in a passion project
Now is the time to crochet that blanket or knit that sweater you pinned 2 years ago on Pinterest.
No one is going to be coming over anyway, so take down those walls hangings and paint over it.
If you play an instrument, learn a new piece. If others in your family play an instrument as well, make it a group project.
Read
Re-read the dusty classics on your bookshelf or download new eBooks.
Books are like old friends, it’s never a bad time to get back to them.
Declutter
Pick a room or a shelf or a cupboard every day and rearrange it. You’ll be surprised by the number of things you have that you no longer need or haven’t used in years.
Donate all those things that are still in good shape like old toys, books, old clothes and throw the rest away.
You will be grateful for all the extra space when the quarantine is over and you go to a much-awaited shopping spree!
Limit Social Media
Sitting and scrolling all day long won’t do anybody any good. Fake news and rumors just add to the mass hysteria and panic.
Use these apps just enough so you stay up to date with everyday news and are in touch with your near and dear ones.
Photo by Burst, Stocksnap license