Keeping Up With The Lockdown
I’ve dreamt about the days when I could just be at home and not go to work. Work in the comforts of my pyjamas, take a nap and blame it on the poor internet connectivity and things as such. But I didn’t have an idea of how it would feel when it did happen.
Being locked inside the confines of our home has been difficult. We are bored and restless. Our eyes are glued to a screen no matter what time of the day or night it is. Our routines are f*cked. Women have abandoned their bras and men have given up on showering. While it’s important to practise social and physical distancing, we are social beings and the current situation tends to affect all of us in a way or two.
But what can we do to get things going? How can we be in control of our lives despite being in a situation like this? Well, here is a list of few things that help keep a check on my sanity and dwell through the quarantine period. And you know what? You can do it too.
I’ve never loved my chai more
I’m a late bloomer when it comes to drinking tea or coffee. It has only a couple of years that I’ve shown keen interest in these beverages and I’m proud to say that I love my chai medium-strong with two spoons of sugar. But did I always prepare my chai? No.
Living alone, I was left with no other option but to make my chai and boy, I’ve never loved my chai so much as I do now.
Cooking is therapeutic
Since the time I started living by myself, Swiggy, Zomato and all the other online apps for food has been a great service to me. But given our current situation, again, I’m left with no other option but to cook for myself and I realised that cooking is very therapeutic.
Of course, I learnt my way through by either adding too much salt or ending up with bland. But in the past two weeks I’ve cooked my breakfast, lunch and dinner, and boy, I’m proud of myself for doing this, for having developed a new hobby and for realising that I can live by cooking for myself.
A chapter a day
I can’t stay away from books. There have been times when I’ve read three to four books a month, but in the past year, the numbers have come down because I was lazy and blamed it on the fact that I didn’t have time. But this year I made a point that I’m going to read a book a month and what’s the better way to do it.
Remember - reading can be intriguing. But take it slow. If you the time and luxury to just keep reading, go for it. If not, take it slow and make sure to read a chapter a day and continue to do this even after the lockdown period.
Journal your heart out
Put your thoughts in words. It could be a physical diary or a digital journal - but express yourself like no one is seeing. This will free you from thoughts that you may have and help seek clarity.
Forget the grammar and sentence structure, but remember to create memories.
Do everything that you have been putting off
As much as I would like to call myself an organised and responsible adult, I’m not. I hate cleaning my house and washing my clothes. There have been days when I had picked up stuff from my laundry basket and have worn because I was lazy enough not to wash them - but right now, I’m doing it - if not daily, at least once a week.
Creating a routine for all the household chores have helped me plan my week better and made me realise what adulting feels like.
Develop a hobby
Excuses have been my biggest enemy since I started working. And I flipped the excuse of not having time like it’s my birthright. But my recent trip to Sri Lanka and the current lockdown did give me ample time to introspect and I realised that it’s not about having the time or resource. If I wanted to pursue something, I’d have made the time for it.
Though this realisation dawned on me now, it’s better late than never.
It feels good to be back at reading and writing. But what excites me the most is cooking for myself and upping my photography and editing skills. It’s important for you to find something that relaxes your mind, body and soul. It could be anything, but find one and cherish it. Pursue it like a passion project because you never know what the future holds for you.
How are you keeping up with the lockdown? What did you do differently during this quarantine period? Let me know in comments below or write to me at weirdlyrosh@gmail.com and follow me on Instagram @weirdlyrosh for travel and lifestyle-related content.
Stay home! Stay safe!