Surviving Lockdown: 4 Essential Tips to Thrive Amidst Isolation
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Lockdown Survival
With the announcement of regular "non-working days" starting this Monday, many individuals, especially those in the public sector, will find themselves with unexpected free time. For others, these days may appear like typical workdays, albeit with the closure of cinemas, theaters, and other entertainment venues. Regardless of your situation, you'll need to decide how to utilize this newfound time. While spending time with loved ones or browsing social media are viable options, they may not be the most productive. Here are four suggestions for making these days meaningful and turning a challenging situation into a beneficial one.
Section 1.1: Embrace Physical Activity
Now is the perfect time to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Gone are the excuses like “I have a movie to catch” or “The gym is closed.” You can find countless workout videos on YouTube that offer effective chest and abdominal exercises, rivaling any gym equipment.
During last year’s lockdown, I found myself exercising much more than I typically would. Even when the local stadium was closed, I sought out alternatives and kept active.
Subsection 1.1.1: Explore Online Workouts
Section 1.2: Focus on Self-Education
With fewer entertainment choices, now is the ideal moment to invest in personal growth. Have you ever wanted to enhance your skills or dive into a new area of interest but kept putting it off? There’s no better time than now.
Today, a wealth of educational resources are available for free. Even prestigious institutions like Oxford University have begun sharing lecture recordings on platforms like YouTube.
Chapter 2: Mental Health Matters
Section 2.1: Seek Professional Support
If you’ve been grappling with a persistent issue and believe a professional could assist you, consider starting your journey now. The variety of specialists available has never been broader, and geographical boundaries have diminished thanks to online services. You can even connect with therapists from other countries, as long as there’s no language barrier.
Section 2.2: Indulge in Simple Pleasures
If the aforementioned activities don't resonate with you and you adhere to the philosophy that “idle hands are the Devil’s workshop,” there’s still hope.
I typically have no time for video games in my daily routine. However, during the last lockdown, I allowed myself to unwind by dedicating an hour each day to gaming. Engaging in small joys, which may seem frivolous, can effectively relieve stress.
Nevertheless, it’s crucial to maintain balance. Set specific time limits for your gaming sessions and stick to them. Remember that gaming can create an illusion of escaping reality, leading to unresolved issues if not kept in check. A helpful reminder to yourself could be, “Games are meant for enjoyment, not as a substitute for life.” This mantra can help you stay grounded amidst distractions.