Coronavirus Social Isolation

Things To Do At Home

Realistically now you’re probably either under quarantine, working from home or simply bound by the confines of social-isolation, the repercussions of COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus. This virus originated in Wuhan, China and has quickly turned into a world-wide pandemic. The illness mainly attacks your lungs and airways, and has forced governments across the globe to implement social distancing, or in some countries more restrictive measures, to combat the spread of the virus. As a result, we all have this one thing in common…the need to occupy our new-found spare time.

Although this necessary alone time can be hard to deal with, thinking positively is the only way we can all get through it. Look at it this way, there’s never been a better time to work on you. Take this time to grow and develop yourself as a person. You’ll start to see that there are so many exciting things out there we still have yet to learn. Nobody is a master of all trades, even if we might think we are. Often we compare ourselves to other people, how successful they are, how they look and act, when really we should be focusing on ourselves. What we want, who we want to be and how we can make these things happen. So here’s a list of ways you can better yourself during these tough times.

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” Ernest Hemingway.

1. Read a book.

When was the last time you read something more substantial than your daily tweets or social media updates? And no, reading the news on your phone doesn’t quite count. Reading even one chapter of a book every night has shown to have countless benefits for example mental stimulation, the brain is a muscle, just like other muscles it needs to be exercised regularly to maximise its potential. Other benefits are more obvious to us, like increased knowledge, reduced stress and improved concentration.

You don’t have to read literary novels, encyclopaedias or spiritual texts either. Just grab a book you find interesting and get started. If you’re stuck for inspiration, here are some of the books I’ve loved over the past few months.

1. The Tattooist of Auschwitz - Heather Morris

2. All of the Game of Thrones Bundle - George R. R. Martin

3. Oh My God, What a Complete Aisling - Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen

4. Cilka's Journey - Heather Morris (Sequel to The Tattooist of Auschwitz)

Reading a book every day, is one way you can improve yourself while cooped up at home over the next few weeks. It might even become a good habit, since I got back into reading this year, I try to read a couple chapters before bed each night. I’ve even noticed small things like how my sleep has improved because of how relaxed I am afterwards.

2. Learn a new language.

Our lists of things we’ve always wanted to do are endless. More often than not, we put these things on the long finger and promise ourselves that we’ll get around to them one day. Maybe one of those things you’ve sworn to yourself for years was that you’d learn a new language.

Well, News flash! There is no better time to start…Carpe Diem and all that. Even if all you learn how to do is ask for directions (and understand the reply – that’s important too) the next time you’re on holidays. Albeit, right now it might seem like travelling abroad is a distant memory, but we will get there again. And wouldn’t it be great to flaunt that new skill when you do?

It might seem like learning a language from your home is an impossible task. But there are so many platforms out there to learn on. Duolingo is one that brings language learning right to your home, you can even learn from your bed if you like! Another advantage of this site, is they have “freemium” options available. You can pay for more advanced learning, or you can learn the basics all for free.

There is no excuse not to start this instant. The app offers over 23 different languages too, so if you do happen to become fluent in one, why not branch out and take up another?

Here’s some tips for learning a language from home:

1. Conversation: Try get your partner/ brother/ sister/ parent involved. Learning alongside someone will keep you motivated too. In saying that, if you do find yourself taking on this task alone, there’s nothing stopping you from playing both roles of the conversation. Practicing out loud will help your brain process and memorise phrases better.

2. Plan & Organise: You could sit down and study for hours, but if there’s no set plan in place you may as well be staring at the wall. Fail to plan, plan to fail – one of my favourite quotes to use (I would plan my bathroom breaks if given the chance, I live for organisation.)

3. Know What You Want: There’s no point in starting with words and phrases you will rarely, if ever, use. This will only lead to boredom, and probably quitting. Make a list of phrases, words, and things you want to learn and start from there.

3. Take up a new course.

With the situation how it stands, you may be temporarily unemployed. Use this time to brush up on your skills. Is there any online course you can join that’ll improve your work when you do return? Or you could always branch out entirely, spread your eggs in another basket and study in a completely unrelated field. Courses are the perfect way to improve yourself and your skills. Luckily, today it’s as easy to start a course online as it is to apply for a college or university!

Most online courses are adaptable too. You could choose the right one suit your lifestyle. Whether you are looking for a short term course - that you could possible finish during this social distancing timeframe. Or a longer term with more flexible hours could appeal to you more. Regardless the options available to you are inexhaustible, your biggest issue will likely be narrowing down the one you want.

4. Start a new exercise routine.

A more improved you starts from the inside out. Start working on improving your physical strength and fitness and I promise you you’ll start feeling amazing.

To be fair, we can probably all admit to being a tad bit lazy over the past few weeks. There’s never been so many excuses not to exercise, with the gyms being shut and all. But instead of caving and taking the easy road, you could push yourself to try create a new routine.

A regular exercise routine is important for so many reasons. This past week, I’ve been waking up early (about 6.30am to avoid as much contact as possible – we’ve still got to isolate) and I’ve been going for jogs. The first few days, getting up in the cold was tough. But I have to admit I’ll miss it when this is over. Getting out in the fresh air first thing in the morning has really improved my focus and productivity during the day and I have just been in the best mood since I’ve started this. My mam actually told me she’s never seen me “glow” so much with all the fresh air.

So bite the bullet and try something new, whether it’s going for an isolated walk/run, trying out a home workout (there is plenty being shared on Instagram right now), or why not take up yoga or Pilates? That’s another thing I’ve started in the evenings, I’ve been taking out a mat and finding yoga/Pilates classes on YouTube. I feel like I’m having my own EatPrayLove moment.

5. Start a blog

With all the reading your doing you might find that you actually have a love for writing. If this is you, why not start your very own blog. There’s a million websites out there that make it easy, even for someone who doesn’t know where to start! It can be a bit nerve-wrecking to start, I’ll admit. What do you call your blog? Where do you start? What do you even write about?

So slow down, take a deep breath and start at the beginning. Pick an area that you’re interested in. It doesn’t matter if there’s a load out there already. They aren’t you, as long as your personality shines through then that’s what makes it different! Be true to you and write about whatever you want.

Writing is an amazing way to occupy yourself, even if your posts don’t get many views just yet. It’s insanely therapeutic to write down your thoughts.

6. Make Goals

Are you exactly where you want to be in life? Maybe not, and that’s OK. Take this time to really and truly think about what you want in life. Whether it’s your to have your own house, a huge career or you might plan on travelling the world (when travel restrictions no longer apply of course).

Take some you time. Grab a pen and paper and write down exactly what you want in life. When you know what it is that you want, write how you plan on getting there. When everything is laying out clear as day in front of you, you’ll feel great. Just imagine how you’ll feel when you actually complete them! And if you do? Set some more.

7. Look to those who inspire you for wisdom.

We all have people we look up to for various reasons. They usually possess certain qualities we admire and maybe even aspire to have ourselves. Take this time to think about why these people inspire you and what exactly they have done to accomplish their goals. What are their main qualities? What drives them? How can you reflect this to your own life?

I’ll give you an example. I look up to Michelle Obama, who doesn’t? The woman is truly a boss. I plan on using this time to read Michelle’s memoir Becoming and find out exactly how she has accomplished everything she has.

8. Quit a bad habit.

Why not use this time to kick a bad habit? We could wallow in self-pity about our situation and turn to our habits for comfort. Or you could use this time to lose the habit. We all have one, what’s yours? Being late? Smoking? Slouching? Nail biting? Mine is how anxious I get over everything. If I was two minutes late for work I would probably have a nervous breakdown and offer to sack myself. I’m using this time to practice yoga and hopefully train myself to calm down a small bit.

9. Meditate.

They say meditation is a great way to calm down and become more aware of your surroundings. This is something I haven’t been great at in the past, a bit of the pot calling the kettle black if you will. But another area I plan to work on right now, while I have the time. No excuses, a tidy mind makes for a tidy life after all.

10. Start a new business.

This time off could be the best thing that’s ever happened to you! Is there anything at all you have an interest in pursuing? Why not, make it a business and start being your own boss, making money the way you want.

It’s not exactly as easy as that though. You’ll have to plan, focus, and learn your business proposition inside out. Developing business management skills is an area you can start while at home, set out plans, targets and identify exactly what it is that will give your business that competitive edge.

Hopefully some of these ideas will keep you busy during these crazy time. But above all please stay safe and look after those around you.