More than half of the year has passed, yet it seems like it has been only a month since 2020 started. This got me wondering- why so? Is it because of the lockdown? But why, it's not like I left home a lot before the lockdown!
Pondering over it, I realised- it is the lack of freedom which came as an extra gift along with the lockdown. The lack of freedom of going out, meeting people and even the freedom of giving a simple hug. It put a semi colon on people's lives for an indefinite period. For a lot of people, this lockdown period brought boredom and loneliness, and for some, it turned out to be way worse- losing jobs, separation from close ones, getting infected by the virus. Whilst it is tough to deal with the issues faced by latter half, the other half found momentary solace in video calling and playing games virtually with their family and friends. But how long can a human mind stay sane with this monotonous life? How long can we stay content with this mundane lifestyle without getting any fresh air?
At this point in time, it seems we will be spending rest of the year under these restrictions too. So how to prevent the boredom creeping into our souls?
Few obvious solutions to this question can be:
• pick up/ restart a hobby
• get a pet to spend time with
• start working on a personal goal, such as exercising, learning a new language, studying about topics which interest you etc.
These are a few of the many advices floating around on the internet regarding staying occupied to prevent the flood of negative emotions which one can feel due to the idleness and isolation. Even though it might be a little difficult to find completely new activities to indulge in while being stuck in your residence, a little innovation can go a long way. How so? Let's see some of the ideas!
• You can spice up the video calls with interactive games. Go back to your childhood, remember all the games we used to play in the school bus to pass time? Or the ones we played after getting exhausted from all the running around in the playground? Yes! Instead of just bland video calls or virtual gaming apps, play interactive games such as the classic antakshari, or pictionary, or the super fun whisper challenge!
• Host/ participate in online events such as painting party, baking party, DIY activities etc. Not only does it fill your time with enjoyment, it also helps you to learn new tips and tricks from the other participants and even make new friends. Talk about getting double score!
• Help others. As cliche as it may sound, it is a great way to spend your time and an even better source of happiness. Happiness not only yours, but also of the ones receiving the help. It is not necessary to go out and personally provide aid, as it is very difficult in these times, but search for non-profit groups and NGOs supporting and working towards such causes. You can donate (or personally assist with) to various causes such as helping the people affected by floods, the daily wage labourers facing crisis, helping stray animals, welfare of abandoned animals, etc. What could be better than going to sleep knowing you put a genuine smile on someone's face!
• Do something you've never done before! Yes, it seems very intimidating, but what better time to overcome your inhibitions?! Doing something you'd never expect yourself to do will add an interesting kick to your mundane life. Don't know how to sew? Pick up that needle! It'll hurt you a few times but eventually you'd have learnt something new and very useful. Can't move your body to the rhythm? Start with simple tutorials available online. Go one step at a time, and with dedication, you could become the next Michael Jackson!
While it may seem outlandish, you'll never know what you're capable of until you try it. And it's okay if you fail, failure is an essential part of the process. Keep yourself motivated and continue to learn.
These are a few twists you could add to your life to make things more interesting. It seems very hard currently, but we will get through this soon. We just need to take care of ourselves and everyone around us, be kind to each other, be patient and give strength to each other.
Pondering over it, I realised- it is the lack of freedom which came as an extra gift along with the lockdown. The lack of freedom of going out, meeting people and even the freedom of giving a simple hug. It put a semi colon on people's lives for an indefinite period. For a lot of people, this lockdown period brought boredom and loneliness, and for some, it turned out to be way worse- losing jobs, separation from close ones, getting infected by the virus. Whilst it is tough to deal with the issues faced by latter half, the other half found momentary solace in video calling and playing games virtually with their family and friends. But how long can a human mind stay sane with this monotonous life? How long can we stay content with this mundane lifestyle without getting any fresh air?
At this point in time, it seems we will be spending rest of the year under these restrictions too. So how to prevent the boredom creeping into our souls?
Few obvious solutions to this question can be:
• pick up/ restart a hobby
• get a pet to spend time with
• start working on a personal goal, such as exercising, learning a new language, studying about topics which interest you etc.
These are a few of the many advices floating around on the internet regarding staying occupied to prevent the flood of negative emotions which one can feel due to the idleness and isolation. Even though it might be a little difficult to find completely new activities to indulge in while being stuck in your residence, a little innovation can go a long way. How so? Let's see some of the ideas!
• You can spice up the video calls with interactive games. Go back to your childhood, remember all the games we used to play in the school bus to pass time? Or the ones we played after getting exhausted from all the running around in the playground? Yes! Instead of just bland video calls or virtual gaming apps, play interactive games such as the classic antakshari, or pictionary, or the super fun whisper challenge!
• Host/ participate in online events such as painting party, baking party, DIY activities etc. Not only does it fill your time with enjoyment, it also helps you to learn new tips and tricks from the other participants and even make new friends. Talk about getting double score!
• Help others. As cliche as it may sound, it is a great way to spend your time and an even better source of happiness. Happiness not only yours, but also of the ones receiving the help. It is not necessary to go out and personally provide aid, as it is very difficult in these times, but search for non-profit groups and NGOs supporting and working towards such causes. You can donate (or personally assist with) to various causes such as helping the people affected by floods, the daily wage labourers facing crisis, helping stray animals, welfare of abandoned animals, etc. What could be better than going to sleep knowing you put a genuine smile on someone's face!
• Do something you've never done before! Yes, it seems very intimidating, but what better time to overcome your inhibitions?! Doing something you'd never expect yourself to do will add an interesting kick to your mundane life. Don't know how to sew? Pick up that needle! It'll hurt you a few times but eventually you'd have learnt something new and very useful. Can't move your body to the rhythm? Start with simple tutorials available online. Go one step at a time, and with dedication, you could become the next Michael Jackson!
While it may seem outlandish, you'll never know what you're capable of until you try it. And it's okay if you fail, failure is an essential part of the process. Keep yourself motivated and continue to learn.
These are a few twists you could add to your life to make things more interesting. It seems very hard currently, but we will get through this soon. We just need to take care of ourselves and everyone around us, be kind to each other, be patient and give strength to each other.
