Covid-19 has brought about a paradigm shift in people’s lives. We have had to live through complete lockdowns with offices, markets ,schools and even streets bearing deserted looks. With impending disaster looming, people of all ages and most professions have been forced to operate within great restrictions and in the confines of their homes. To add it to, the rising cases, over exposure to negative news and the effect on the economy has not helped anyone’s spirit. Most of us are getting stifled spending so much time within the four walls of our homes and living with so many restrictions. The real challenge for many lies in understanding how to overcome boredom during the pandemic.
While things have improved in the last few months, but the question remains, is it over? Many of us feel that we may need to live with this disease and restrictions on a cyclical basis atleast for some more time.
Does this Dark Cloud have a Silver Lining? For me, atleast, I find that this is possibly the best time to catch up on many things that we have been wanting to do and maybe rediscover ourselves.
The following suggestions are based on what I have been doing and I feel that following some of these steps and keeping busy has not only allowed me find an answer to the question “ how to overcome boredom during the pandemic” but further, it has enriched my life in many ways.
1. Spending quality time with family
One important thing we miss out on when we are busy in office is spending quality time with our family. Most of us have extra time and physical proximity to our loved one like never before. Operating within the confines of your home be it during lockdowns or otherwise (whether one continues working out of home on flexible basis) is an ideal time to pamper your family, enjoy their company, and just hang out with them. I am having a wonderful time with them – so much time together is something I never had- I relish every moment. From chatting to settling down to watch a good serial or movie together with some popcorn is a real treat.
2. Read Books
I am a bookworm and love reading books be it fiction, history, travel or any other subject. Books transform me to a different world and whet my imagination. Further, they increase one’s knowledge, vocabulary and perhaps makes one smarter. Often I do not get time to read so much but this extra time has given me a golden opportunity to indulge in this hobby. Check out some interesting titles at http://www.goodreads.com
3. Cook!
Cooking is one of the most relaxing hobbies to pursue if you have time. If the dish turns out well you get immense satisfaction. Plus it is always nice if your family appreciates your efforts. I am having a gala time trying out some new dishes-at the moment. I get recipes from the internet and it is fun to see those dishes come alive!
4. Music
Most of us love music- some sing very well, some are bathroom singers, others play some instrument. We also love to listen to music. This is the time to hone up our music skills and have a blast
5. Dance
Dancing makes me come alive and feel happy. It is also a great way to exercise. You can dance by yourself or involve your family- both can be fun. Want to know how to overcome boredom during the pandemic? Just Dance Away your blues!
6. Sign up for an online course
For many of us who are complaining on how to overcome boredom of operating within the four walls, lets not forget that this is a golden opportunity to not only pursue one’s hobbies but also upgrade professionally. There are many websites offering free online courses like Coursera, Udemi and some universities too. These range in different topics from interior design, photography to computer coding. Choose which course you want to take and start. I have done a course on mobile photography.Feel free to check out some of these courses listed here https://www.udemy.com , https://www.coursera.org/in
7.Organize your wardrobe and work place
This is one thing I am putting off but spending a few hours every day will really help you in the long run. Get rid of the junk, clothes you are never going to wear, tidy up your drawers with all important papers – you will feel like a new person. Plus it will be easy to find what you need later !
8. Call your loved ones
How many times we tell ourselves – must call so and so-being an aged relative, friend from school days. But we never get around to it. This is the time to talk to them perhaps video conferencing. You will feel connected and happy.
9. Join in Whatsapp groups
Connect with your neighbors, learn what is happening around you through chats. Form groups with your classmates in school, and college, group of relatives, catch up with them , discuss any topic under the sun.
10. Use Social platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
You can post pictures, comment, write something connect and learn latest news from your friends.
11. Plan your next vacation
Not everyone may be travelling today but hopefully things will pick up and soon, you might want to take your next vacations. Make a bucket list of all the places you would like to visit and start your research. As an avid traveller this part is one of the most pleasurable part of a vacation-the planning. Research how to travel, what to see, where to stay, hotels and restaurants. Your imagination will take you on the journey and you will no longer feel cooped up.
12. Relive old memories
I personally love to go through old albums and arrange them. Wedding albums, your children’s album, outing with parents who may have passed on make you laugh or cry
13. Play games
Be it old board games like Chess, Ludo or Scrabble, or computer games on PS 3 all can be fun with family.
14. Learn a new language
Maybe you have been harboring an idea to learn French, German, Italian, Spanish etc but never got the time- this is a golden opportunity to start. There are several online courses available
15. Watch OTT /Online streaming PLATFORMS like Netflix, AMAZON prime, disney hotstar, Sony liv, etc
There are unlimited number of entertainment options from old movies, new thrillers to some series that keep you riveted to your seats . We cannot work all the time -this is a great way to relax
Have any of you other ideas on how to overcome boredom during the pandemic. If yes, please write in to us and share your thoughts.
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A good inspiring article , specially for the younger generation.
Thank you so much!
The topic is relevant and written well.
Yes, there is so much that can be done to make life interesting.
“Overcome boredom during the pandemic” is a nice piece of writeup! Contemporary and very informative! Your cup of memories may not fully match that of others, but overall, many points are well taken and thought-provoking too. This pandemic has taught us to adopt many things, to modify our daily routines in a new-normal situation and to practice many good habits which we never did otherwise!
Like you, I have also adjusted myself in this pandemic in a more systematic manner which I didn’t imagine before! I probably became much more academic! So, these are all good things undoubtedly. However, some heart-rending things have happened too. We have lost many of our friends, relatives and loved ones!
Professor Purushottam Chakraborty
Former Senior Professor
Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics
Kolkata
&
Adjunct Professor of Physics
University of Pretoria
South Africa
Thank you Purushottam for going through our blog and for your Insightful comments.
Excellent ideas. You are yourself a very dynamic person. Such ideas came to you easily.
Thank you so much Sumitra. Your encouragement means a lot to me
I generally agreed all the points you have touched upon except joining a social group- (very happy within existing group) or learning a language ( too difficult at this age) ,however, I must say all the possibilities listed by you is an welcoming effort.
Thank you Papaya for going through our blog. Will keep you posted for other blogs too
Very inspiring!