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| Image courtesy of Austin Chan @Unsplash |
If you’re anything like me, I consider walking to the refrigerator an exercise. However, for many active individuals, the lockdown implemented in some parts of the world is what some people might refer to as a living nightmare. Everyone is bored due to the lockdown, especially since social events such as parties and festivals are out of the question. On the plus side, you can spend your free time at home picking up new hobbies and trying out new things. Don’t worry, I won’t stop you from binge-watching on Netflix but if you do wake up one day finding yourself wondering what else is there to do, this article is the sign you’ve been looking for.
Clean your living space. Thoroughly.
What with assignments and work, when do we even have the time, am I right? On busy days, I’m lucky to even come home to a neatly made bed assuming I made time to do that before heading out (I usually don’t).
There are many changes and additions you can make to achieve a homier vibe. If you have no clue on where to start, enter Pinterest. Rustic, minimalist, bohemian, mid-century modern, so many to choose from. After all the research you’ve done, who knows, some of your friends might like your design so much that you can help decorate their space too!
Earn some side income online
Although times are tough for job seekers, there are still ways to earn some extra money on a more flexible schedule. The possibilities are virtually limitless with the internet. If you have an eye for designing, copywriting or content creating, utilize it by finding freelance jobs on Facebook groups, Workana or any website that provides jobs for freelancing.
If you’re an aspiring baker or chef, share those skills with the community by holding virtual classes. If you want to turn a hobby into a small business, why not do just that! Sell homemade jewelry, paintings, clothes and all that jazz. With a minimal capital, you can get started on all these ideas from anywhere at any time.
Exercise
Sure, looking good after a workout is a bonus but what’s more important is feeling good. Boost your confidence before a virtual presentation or have a virtual workout session with your best buds. Trust me, after a long day at your desk, doing even a short workout will do wonders for your mood and productivity.
Go with the flow. If you’re into bicycles, ride your bike around the parking lot or your neighborhood. As for the best brand of bicycle, we highly recommend Polygon which is an Indonesian bicycle manufacturer based in Sidoarjo, East Java. If your body just wants to stretch and relax, Yoga With Adriene has been my go-to but if you want to work up a sweat, Daisy Keech or Chloe Ting have posted many different workouts on YouTube that will help you reach your goals in no time!
Spend time with your loved ones
We had no idea we'd be confined to our houses for so long. This period, however, has provided us with the opportunity to rekindle and improve the relationship we have with our family. Because of the hectic pace of our lives before, we rarely had time to sit with our family even for a meal.
The lockdown has allowed us to return to the days when family time was the most important part of the day. Get to know them again, play a board game, cook together or dress up your pets because as once Madeleine said “We love our bread, we love our butter but most of all, we love each other.”
Become a bookworm
Does your daily reading consist of reading tweets, Facebook updates or the comic behind your favorite cereal box? Well, put down that cereal box and pick up a real book!
Why, you may ask? Books teach you how to stay calm, how to understand people, how to improve on vocabulary and communication, how to deal with problems and obstacles that you may face in life and expand your knowledge. As for me, reading has given me the opportunity to explore my imagination and open up my mind to new possibilities without leaving my room. To get you started, here’s a list of my recent personal favorites.
● The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
● The Secret Keeper of Jaipur by Alka Joshi
● Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
● Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
● One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
● After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid
● Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
● When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
● Shades of Magic Series by V.E. Schwab
● The Institute by Stephen King
● Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart by James R. Doty
● Beach Read by Emily Henry
● The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
Final thoughts
This lockdown has shown us that there’s more to us than we realized. We just didn’t see it before due to our busy schedules and hectic social lives. So, get moving! However you decide to spend your free time during this time, remember to be safe and grateful for this life you get to live.
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