Contrary to popular belief, social distancing is much more than just a trending hashtag stitched with relatable content created by memelords and Tik Tok. According to public health officials, social distancing is a set of non-pharmaceutical infection control actions intended to stop or slow down the spread of a contagious disease. Basically, a fancy term for avoiding public gatherings. While certain people are busy promoting everything from gaumutra to Athawale’s ‘awareness’ chant ‘Go Corona, Corona go’, we all know deep down this is just lip service that doesn’t really help. So, where does that leave us? We’re at that weird, anxious juncture, so let’s just get real.
Considering loneliness being the biggest killer of them all—did you know divorce rates in China having shot up exponentially with citizens on house arrest—we need to act fast and work in harmony to combat this global pandemic.
So, here are six things to during quarantine AND save your health, marriage and sanity.
1. Listen To A Jim Kwik Podcast
Log into your Spotify account (download it if you haven’t already) and immerse yourself in a Jim Kwik podcast. Kwik, an internationally renowned brain expert, practices mental performance strategies and has changed the lives of millions with his mantra ‘Knowledge is power but learning is your superpower’. How did he do that? Well, mostly online through his podcasts and videos. So, click play, absorb and learn with the world's leading one brain coach, all at the comfort of your home.
2. Clink That Mojito Over A Video Call
As the outbreak continues, the world is calling on us to repress our hardwired impulses for connection. Don’t worry. We are fortunate to live in a time where technology allows us to see and hear our friends and family, even from a distance. Lean on WhatsApp video calls, Google Duo, Skype and FaceTime to stay connected with humanity. Craving a mojito? Make it. You can still have it over a virtual conference call with your girlfriends. Slip into your favorite attire (who’s judging?), raise your glass and clink on your phone screen. This is definitely one of the fun things to do at home.
3. Music Is The Medicine Of The Mind
Let’s work on our dear friend anxiety, shall we? Music has proven to have a beneficial effect on people’s stress levels and moods. While the Italians on lockdown are singing and playing music through open windows, there’s an alternative (because this tavern like spirit won’t sit well with our Indian neighbors), use this time to shut down and listen to some sufi, Sinatra or whatever that suits one’s fancy. Workaholics, it’s okay to just sit idle and not do anything for some time. Take a break, close your eyes and relax. No peeping, and that includes not checking your mails. It’s healthy and you need it more than you know. I want you to keep telling yourself that.
4. Pull Out Your Yoga Mat
Your daily workout routine need not be interrupted with this global self-isolation practice. You can do it at home with the help of your yoga mat. Exercise is uniquely powerful at quieting an overactive mind. While you may miss your elliptical, try trending at-home workouts like burpees, facial yoga (great to keep that face nice and tight) and most importantly meditation. While it’s important to keep your hands clean especially while touching the mat and possibly your floor, make sure you wash and moisturize your hands thoroughly. It’s crucial that you stay healthy and clean during this time.
5. IT ALL BOILS DOWN TO GREAT A PARTNERSHIP
Married folks and those in a live-in relationship, don’t drive each other crazy. Use this time to get to know each other better (oh, you’ll be surprised). If you and your partner are not infected and healthy, spice up your sex life by trying something new in bed (please don’t share what you tried in the comment section below. Thanks). Netflix has a plethora of gripping content. Binge together and follow that up with a mini panel discussion for two. If you sense a fight at any point, try ‘I hear you and I highly respect your point but here’s what I think’. Oh, it works like a charm. You’ll thank me later.
6. Prolonged Showers Help Your Ideas Bake
Aqua notes. Let me explain. Have you ever wondered why some of the best ideas come to you while taking a shower? That’s because warm bath dips and showers contribute to increased dopamine flow. A relaxed state of mind helps turn attention inwards thus being able to make our subconscious work on a problem more creatively. Pop in a couple of bath bombs, light your scented candles and rejuvenate. While singing some of Céline Dion’s toughest ballads in the shower, let your creative juices flow. You might just come up with something GENIUS overnight.
If you’ve reached the end of this article, please know that we will get through this. Hang in there. Not everything you read online is reliable so filter and switch off when it gets heavy. While we don’t have the skill set to create the right vaccine, as citizens we need to do everything in our power to pull through. And that starts from home. With that I shall depart, hoping these tips will keep you afloat till the clouds clear. Oh, these dark clouds will clear my friends, because difficult times always lead to better days. Till then just keep gazing at the silver lining.
