How to best spend your time at home?

By: Asma Shums,
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 opportunities to do things which we’ve always wanted to do or like to do more of depending on our individual circumstances. I think it makes sense for us to be productive with this time and do things that are meaningful to us.
First on the list, is very much where you should be starting. I like nothing more than immersing myself in a book, concentrating fully 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 really is no excuse as you can buy used books on Amazon for next to nothing.
Second is watching a documentary on Netflix. This activity is a potential trap. Whilst watching a stimulating TV series on Netflix passes time, it can do so in an unproductive manner and you might find yourself binge-watching programmes that won’t really help you in any way, other than waste the free time you have. I’d suggest that, alongside your normal TV watching habits, invest time in watching documentaries and learn about your favourite subjects. You may choose to watch a documentary series on Netflix which you have never taken an interest in before, which is great. The cost of a Netflix subscription is minimal and there are many factual programmes which you can get stuck into during quarantine.
Thirdly, remember we are isolated from the people we usually spend time with but we can be connected with them via more means more than ever before. 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.
I also feel that reconnecting with past colleagues is a great idea. You would have spent a lot of time with these people in previous roles and might have grown apart as you move on in your career. But make that effort to find those who you’d love to catch up with – they’re in the same position as you so a virtual beer is likely an appealing idea for both.
Yes, I’m afraid now is the time to attend those garden jobs and chores. Your busy lifestyle usually means that things in the garden do not get done but now you don’t have that excuse. I had to face up to this reality, but once I had started doing some basic work in the garden I actually started to enjoy it. Tidying up your garden, repainting your fences and any other jobs that need doing in your garden can be done over a period of time when you feel like it and when the weather is good.
Meditate, learn a new hobby, and spend your time wisely. Finally, and perhaps most importantly… be sure to write down a routine (with timescales) of the activities which you will be doing and trying for the first time on a weekly basis. Stick to your routine and form the habits to keep your working and keep you productive during this pandemic.
Email info at asmashums@gmail.com