We are now in a period of heightened measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. Most workplaces have closed, and all schools have adapted home-based learning. In short, this means that we’ll be spending a lot of time at home. As you adjust to a new normal, you’d inevitably feel bored or lonely eventually. Fret not; we’re here to help combat your boredom! Here’s how you can enrich your time at home on top of practising safe distancing.
1. Satiate your wanderlust
It’s good to set a goal for you to look forward to! As you stay home, you’re also saving money from transportation and eating out. So take this opportunity to put aside some cash, as you plan the itinerary for your desired trip. This way, you’d be more prepared when the time to travel comes! Research for insurance that settles any form of medical evacuation so you’d be covered in times of need. Factor in potential accommodations and flights, and activities you’d love to do when overseas. Or, you can “travel” through virtual tours offered by museums around the world, such as:
- Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Louvre in Paris, France
- National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul, South Korea
- The Guggenheim in New Year, the United States of America
- Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy
2. Take charge in the kitchen
Whip up a new meal with the ingredients you can find in the pantry – or better yet, bake some desserts! Take the step outside of your comfort zone by experimenting with a whole new dish. Thanks to the internet, you can search up for recipes and video tutorials to guide you. With all this time, now’s the perfect opportunity to cook some food for the soul. On top of that, you’d also get to bond with your family over a warm and hearty home-cooked meal. Bring this up a notch, by setting up a picnic mat in your home for a picnic-style lunch or dinner!
3. Supplement your mind with knowledge
Pick up some refresher courses between pockets of your time. Some courses offered have a dedicated start date, or you can sign up at your own pace. It may take a few weeks to complete, but only require a couple of hours per week. Once the situation boils down, you’d be stepping out of your house with an upgraded version of yourself! If you’re looking for a job, your future employers would have a great impression of you.
4. Stay entertained
There are a plethora of ways to keep yourself entertained in the comfort of your own home; thanks to digital media, games and crafts.
- Streaming platforms
Streaming platforms give you access to hundreds of video content, from movies to documentaries. The key? An Internet connection and an account.
- Play board or card games
This is a great way to pass time. As it’s usually multiplayer, this means that you’ll share the joy with your family members too! If you don’t own physical games, then there are games available online also.
- Pick up a book to read
If there’s a book you’ve been wanting to read, do it now! Most libraries have gone digital, allowing you to loan books and read it immediately through your mobile phone.
- Video call session
Practising social distancing does not equate to disconnecting with others. Initiate a video call with your friends and family to check up how they’re doing!
5. Get physical
Chewing food is not a form of exercise, in case you needed a reminder. If you’re working from home or doing home-based learning, you’re probably staying seated for at least 8 hours in a day. Participating in physical activities helps boost your mood, reduce stress and sharpens your focus. Engage in HIIT workouts or household chores – anything to get yourself moving!
Conclusion
With the influx of cases surfacing in the news, we must fill up our time productively by trying different activities. It’s completely normal to pause and take a breather sometimes, but avoid getting in a slump. In times like this, take care of both your physical and mental health. If you’re looking for something to motivate yourself, then think of your next holiday destination. And if you do plan to go for a trip, secure your travel with an air ambulance – better safe than sorry! We at EMA Global are always available should you have any enquiries and concerns.
