The whole world is on a lock down as we battle the coronavirus disease with one voice. In a bid to flatten the curve, some major cities of the world have restricted movement. As you may know right now, if you don’t move, the virus won’t move, thereby giving our health officials and medical practitioners an opportunity to trace and contain the virus. However, being home is currently driving so many people crazy as this is not the norm. More so, single people who had initially found solace in their jobs, an escape from thinking about their aloneness and crave for a meaningful relationship with someone who they love, are finding this period difficult. I understand this feeling because I have been there, done that. I have been single by circumstance and by choice and have lived alone for about 10 years and this is why I have put together the following list to help you get through this period.
READ
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin
This is a good time to live a thousand lives while it feels like the world is at a standstill. You have probably promised yourself you would read a certain number of books before the end of the year. This is the right time to fulfil that promise to yourself. It doesn’t matter what type of book you choose to read, what matters is that you are taking this opportunity to broaden your horizon, live different lives, learn and unlearn, see the world from the eyes of another and above all, expand your vocabulary and use of English.
“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” – Jim Rohn
LEARN NEW SKILLS
I remember an interview I had with the President of A.Y.E., Smart Summy Francis on Plus TV Africa, where in a bid to emphasize the knowledge base on YouTube, he said one can even become a pilot by watching YouTube videos. LOL There are so many “How to” videos on YouTube. You can pick up any skill dear to your heart this period online. You also do not have to limit yourself to one skill. Learn as many as possible and practice them in how ever little way possible to make sure they remain part of you, so much so that it becomes part of your residual information. It will come In handy sooner than later.
GIVE
Hold on please, I don’t mean money.
“Power is gained by sharing knowledge, not hoarding it”
“Sharing Knowledge is the most fundamental act of friendship. Because it is a way you can give something without losing something.” – Richard Stallman
This is the right time to make your mark or begin your journey as a thought leader in your field. Believe me when I say it will pay off sooner than later. You probably don’t like the term ‘influencer’ but these people are cashing out always, even in this lock down period. And one of the best ways to get into the influencer marketing industry is by showing that you have value and this value in turn gives you people who then become ardent followers and fans. You need an audience to influence. So yeah, this is the time for you to stop being shy and share knowledge online. Go live on Facebook, Instagram and twitter. Teach people something for free. Give and watch the universe give back.
Exercise
This is even more important at this time considering how inactive our bodies are from sitting at home or working from home. Do take short or long walks (depending on what is attainable in your city), do home workouts (If you need help, check YouTube or join fitness instructors on Instagram live), listen to music and dance nonstop for at least 30mins a day. Remember you have to feel and look good after Covid19. Take care of your body.
Declutter
It is time to remove unnecessary items out of your belongings – offline and online. Declutter your icloud, photo gallery, room, shoes, clothes and recycle properly
Movies
This is pretty much what everyone is doing. You can however raise it a notch higher by focusing on documentaries. As much as you can learn from seeing meaningful fictional movies, you can get in touch with the lives and events that have happened or are currently on going. Netflix has got many, also YouTube. Personally, I have seen Self Made – a limited series based on the life of madam CJ walker who died in 1919. She is listed in the Guinness book of world records as the first self-made female millionaire in the united states. For fun and the sakes of seeing a movie, I also recommend this movie that made me cry like a baby “Miracle in Cell No. 7”
Courses
It’s also a good time to take up courses online and get certified. As part of helping us all survive this period, some of the online course platforms are offering huge discounts and even free courses. So take these opportunities now.
Engage with people
Be intentional about building relationships with people. Reach out to people around you. Find out how they are doing and start conversations. Get to know them – details. People have a lot more chatting time than before as they don’t have to be stuck in traffic.
Educate yourself on Covid19
Research, follow the news and read up on the coronavirus disease. This will help you take care of yourself and your loved as panic doesn’t help. This will also help you not to fall prey to fake news and conspiracy theories.
Life After COVID-19
This too shall pass and life will go on. This is a good time to think and create a plan for the future. As doom as it seems right now, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Plan, plan but take it easy on yourself.
1 comment
Thanks for the information! Thanks for sharing.
It’s very helpful.