The unprecedented scare about Corona Virus has forced everyone to distance themselves socially. People have been confined to their homes with no intention of stepping out to public places. While for some who go for work, this as a blessing in disguise since they are working from the comforts of their homes. But beyond a point, it can get a little difficult to figure out how to use the time more productively and meaningfully. Add to that the barrage of news and forwards about the virus on social media that can cause further anxiety.
Hence we thought, today being ‘World Happiness Day’ we should talk about how to make the best use of your time at home in the times of isolation from the outside world to be able to overcome the anxiety and dreariness due to ‘social distancing’. Here goes –
Working from home? Make a dedicated working area
Many of us are working from home right now. And, trust us, we know how distracting it can be. A walk to the kitchen that felt like a stress reliever at the office can become the reason of stress at home as it will remind you of the unwashed dishes from last night. That pile of laundry or your pets, all of that can take your focus away. So, how are you going to work?
We suggest, make a dedicated working area (Don’t make your bed or couch your working area). Keep it clean, well organized and your pets and all the other distractions out of it. It’ll definitely help you to focus and efficiently complete your tasks.
Give your mind a break
Fear, loneliness, depression can engulf the best of us during times of isolation, add fear about this illness to the mix and it becomes a challenge to focus on being happy. A great way to reduce stress is to meditate and focus on keeping yourself calm. Meditation can help you control your thoughts and feelings and bring your emotions under control. If you suffer from anxiety or other such issues it is even more necessary to focus somewhere else and allow your mind to counter this flood of information peacefully.
Stay connected with people. Socially!
Just like you check on your colleagues and friends in your office and college, do that now as well. Call them, ping them, Facetime them. Do whatever you feel like doing but just try to stay connected regularly. The socially distanced time can make anyone can feel lonely and depressed. So it’s important that we all check on each other every now and then. If you haven’t talked to some people for a very long time, it’s the right time to hit them up.
An opportunity to learn a new skill
Remember the time you thought of learning something new but never actually had the time to do it? Well, now is that time. Learn that skill you think will improve your efficiency at work, padding up your resume is a great way to use this time. You can also learn some new skill that can make you happy. Take that guitar out or start gardening or maybe brush up on your culinary skills, search for tutorials on YouTube and just start. It’s the perfect time to work on yourself.
Find your method in the madness
That cupboard which you had been ignoring citing reasons of paucity of time, well now is the time to give it some attention. You never know you may just find that old pair of jeans that you had forgotten about. Now every time you’ll open your cupboard you’ll feel happy. All your things will be in the right place and you’ll not have to spend hours looking for something (provided that you don’t mess it up again). In fact, you can re-organize your furniture as well. This way you’ll give a new look to your home and this change will also make you feel fresh.
Let your inner child come out
With all the growing up to do, we’ve lost our inner child. Well, now is the perfect time to bring that inner child to the fore. Take out all the board games you have, sit with your kids or siblings or parents and forget about the world. Just like the old times, get lost in the world of snakes and ladders and monopoly. Create your own rules and rule your own game!
Focus on your fitness
You have all the more reason to focus on your fitness now. When you’re fit, you’re less likely to fall sick. So, take this opportunity to start your fitness journey. Don’t make excuses like the gyms are closed or it’s risky to go out to work out. There are plenty of at-home exercises that you can do easily. YouTube is a treasure trove of at-home workout videos of various forms of exercise by various instructors. Play the video and workout with them.
Take a break from social media
While it’s important that you stay informed during this time, it is also important that you limit your social media time. There are a lot of false news stories circulating on these platforms that will only confuse and misguide you. Also, constantly reading such messages can stress you out. So, give yourself a break and get off social media for some time (or at least reduce the time you spend on it).
It’s a very critical time for the whole world. If you’re wondering how staying at home can help, then we would like to tell that social distancing is the only solution. Because there is no drug or vaccine that has been developed yet that could kill the virus. Being responsible and limiting your exposure to other people is the best thing to do, but look at the bright side. It could be an opportunity to re-discover yourself and find a new meaning for your life.
Stay healthy. Be happy.
