For many, this lockdown period has given us more time on our hands than we’ve ever had. Time which we never thought we would have.
This free time presents us with possibilities to do things that we’ve always wanted to do or do more depending on our conditions. I think it makes sense for us to be productive with this time and do meaningful things.
This posts reviews a number of productive things for you to do.
Read That Book (Series) You’ve Been Putting Off
First on the list is very much where you should be starting. I like nothing more than immersing myself in a book, concentrating entirely on the book, its characters and its storyline without distractions. We have that opportunity now.
Books exercise the brain, build our vocabularies, lowers stress and also enhances the imagination. Whether you prefer fiction or non-fiction, buy yourself some books and start reading more this week. There is no excuse as you can buy used books for next to nothing. Don’t forget, if you prefer audio, audiobooks might be the way forward for you.
Meditate
It’s essential to be mindful of your surroundings as well as your wellbeing whilst in quarantine, and meditation might help you get a bit of peace of mind in times of uncertainty.
Find a quiet space, light some candles and clear your mind with some therapeutic meditation music. Meditation is one of the best things you can do right now to relieve stress and improve your wellbeing.
Watch A Documentary Series On Netflix
This activity is a potential trap. Whilst watching a stimulating TV series on Netflix passes the time, it can do so in an unproductive manner, and you might find yourself binge-watching programmes that won’t help you in any way other than waste the free time you have.
I’d suggest that you invest time watching documentaries and learning about your favourite subjects alongside your everyday TV watching habits. You may choose to watch a documentary series on Netflix which you have never taken an interest in before, which is excellent.
Set Up A Workout Routine
How long have we all been looking to begin this activity? If you work out regularly, you will know that the key to a successful and consistent workout regime is routine. And I don’t need to tell you about the benefits of working out and keeping fit.
Can you get your hands on some essential gym accessories? You don’t even need such equipment if you follow some of the workout videos available on YouTube, such as the Joe Wicks routine. This particular workout routine has also recently been awarded a Guinness World Record for a workout’s number of live viewers.
Keep In Touch With Family, Friends And Past Colleagues
We’re isolated from the people we usually spend time with, but we can be connected with them via more means more than ever before. So make time to catch up and have a virtual drink with your friends and family.
Use the time to speak to relatives that you might not have spoken to in a while – maybe look to find out via those family members about great-great-grandparents who lived through wars as well as pandemics.
Review Or Create Your Personal Development Plan
Much of the above focus on non-professional and work-related activities that you can do and still be productive. However, from a long-term perspective, it makes sense to also work on your professional capabilities and skills to offer your employer and future employers. We don’t know how long the lockdown period, or even the pandemic, will last in its current state.
Working environments might look very different when this does happen. Therefore, your skills and abilities must fit the market and role you operate within. Always keep your development plan near and work to improve your personal and professional situation. Reading books and enrolling on a course might be enough either way. Always keep this in mind if there are surprises later on.