5 Ways To Survive Corona Virus Lockdown

Samudraki's Saturdays

Covid-19 (Corona Virus), started in Wuhan, China and spreading globally now to over 110 countries is definitely one of the fastest spreading epidemic. Recently alot of countries have adopted a "lockdown" after seeing the tragic effects this deadly virus had on Italy. One of my favorite countries and who blessed this world with pizza and pasta. Why the lockdown you ask? The main reason is to contain the virus as much as possible to prevent further spreading. 17 years ago when SARS happened it didn't spread so fast and have such a deadly effect because of one major reason - travel. This time around with traveling becoming such an easy and fast process the virus managed to reach so far and so fast. 

Lack of knowledge about the virus and it's capabilities and not enough medical support means you might find yourself suddenly stuck at home with plenty of free time. Here's a few things you can do to spend that free time and not feel depressed, lonely, irritated and especially bored. So don't just stay in bed and binge watch TV shows, try something new.

1) Take Up A New Hobby Or Revive An Old One

Since you've been busy with studies and working you might have forgotten about that guitar in the corner, or the painting tools shoved into a box on top of your cupboard or even those story books that have now become room decor items sitting idle and catching dust. Well, go on. Explore your creative side during lockdown and you might just relieve your fear about the virus. I personally love arranging flowers, dancing to new Bollywood songs and sketching with coloured pencils.

2) Give Yourself The Much Needed 'ME' Time

Spring break got cancelled, aww. But not all is lost, you can still blow off some steam with an at-home spa. Ask your mom for some of her secret recipes and enjoy days of masks and massages. Trust me, it's like they have never ending recipes for all sorts of hair, body and face masks and scrubs. So unwind in your bathtub or enjoy a nice hot shower and relax. One spring break without wild parties won't harm. For all you know it might be just what your body needs - a complete detox!

3) Try Cooking New Recipes From Different Countries

Since we cannot physically travel, let's explore new countries through their food. There's no ban and restriction on googling recipes from all over the world right? With so much time to spare, get experimental and try making food of your favorite cuisines you might normally get takeout from. If you're not a pro at cooking and only at swiping your food pass, then this is definitely the time to start developing this life skill.

4) Switch To At-Home Workouts

Working or having classes from 9-5 made you compromise on working out. Since you're now working/studying from home you're free to customise and plan out how you want to spend the day. To beat this virus having good health is a top priority and what better way to achieve this than by working out at the comfort of your own home! YouTube is filled with FREE workout videos for everyone. So there's absolutely no excuse since you were already spending hours on YouTube watching those silly videos anyways. 

5) Video Call With Friends & Family Everyday

Everyone all over the world is slowly shifting to a state of lockdown, meaning friends and family in different timezones are all pretty much free. Call up a friend or family member everyday and talk over video call. Catch up on what you've been up to the past few weeks and what your plans are for the upcoming weeks. But most importantly talk about the status of the virus in your country to be aware and updated. Call one of your old schoolmates whom you might not have spoken to for years and see what's new with them. Talking to friends and family will also reduce loneliness and sadness of not being together physically. During these trying times I know it is hard to stay away from home but this is the safest option to keep in touch safely.

A special request to all of you in lockdown, please don't give in to your desire to be with your family and frantically book the next flight out of here and travel back home. This will only increase your risk and once you reach it will also risk your family. Step out of the house only for groceries and for emergency situations. Stay safe and let me know in the comments below how you are planning on optimising time during lockdown. 

XO, Samudraki