The year 2020 has turned everyone’s lives upside down. With the lockdown in force, many
young and old people are left with a lot of free time. Since time and tide wait for none, it is
better to make the best use of the free time given to the people.
The drastic shift in lifestyles
Before the pandemic shook the globe, people used to be so busy throughout the day that
they would find it hard to catch a few winks amidst their packed schedules. During this time,
it can be a bit difficult to find new ways to pass the time. Here are a few ideas that may
help.
Some interesting ways to pass time
1. Start writing a journal
Coming home after a long day’s work, the only thing on people’s minds would be to
hit the bed. Thus, there used to no scope for writing how their day went. Today,
online classes and work from home have changed things. People no more have to
cross a maze of traffic and polluted environments or travel to work. Thus, it is a good
time to start writing a journal. The pandemic may have also given birth to a lot of
mixed feelings. Penning down the thoughts can be a good way to release the stress.
2. Learn a new language
Thanks to the fast-paced lifestyles that the majority had, people had been putting off
learning new hobbies or trying out new activities. With the free time that the
lockdown has brought, one can try learning a new language. Resources are aplenty.
There are mobile applications, websites, and video tutorials. In case one can
successfully progress, he/she can even find native speakers to connect with on social
media. Learned a new skill? Check. Found new friends from a different region?
Check!!
3. Tend to the garden
The color green is generally associated with calmness. It is a healing color that
radiates a harmonious feeling. Given the amount of panic that the current situation
has brought with it, tending to plants can be an interesting way to spend time. Get
lost in the beauty of nature. Find happiness in the little green saplings that slowly
grow taller with each day. This activity also creates an opportunity to cook using
some fresh homegrown produce.
This too shall pass
Given the uncertainties in the present situation, it is quite normal to have negative feelings.
Be assured that nobody is alone in this suffering. While looking for interesting ways to pass
the time, it is not necessary to worry about productivity. Choose an activity that calms the
mind as well. In case it becomes too much to handle, know that there are multiple avenues
to reach out to. There are many ways to seek help – online counseling has become a
popular means. No matter what the situation is like, mental health should be the top
priority. If that is taken care of, everything else will fall in place.
