As someone who almost died from MERS Middle East Respiratory Syndrome at age 22, I am definitely afraid of coronaviruses, and taking extra caution by staying at home right now. But the best way to combat fear is being prepared and keeping yourself happy, healthy and entertained.
Many people are starting to self-quarantine to avoid the COVID virus by staying at home, especially with many software companies already issuing "Work From Home" policies to try to prevent the spread of the disease.
While this might be a new experience for many people, I've been somewhat of a "professional homebody" for ages. Smiling young woman holding a cup of coffee while working on her laptop in her home office with a For over seven years, I've run remote software companies with distributed teams, keeping a home office throughout. While my travel schedule often forces me to work from other locations, I prefer my home setup because I've optimized it to give me everything I need.
But my love for being at home probably goes back to being an only child who grew up in the middle of nowhere. Coming from a small town with only people, I had to invent my own entertainment instead of going out. This was usually in the form of art projects or having a social life online, since I never really had friends in my hometown, besides my much younger cousin. My mom was wise enough to direct my abundance of energy to creative activities that could occupy me, keeping loneliness and boredom at bay.
I am thankful for her teaching me this self-reliance to entertain and occupy myself at home, as I can now think of endless activities for this time we must spend inside at home.
Instead of feeling trapped or getting cabin fever, I am excited to finally have a chance and excuse to do all the things I've been wanting to do, but always postpone because I never have enough time.
I realize not everyone shares the same joy I do for being at home, but home life is quickly becoming a new reality for many people. Can you do 20, 30 or 40 breaths without thinking about something else? You don't have to post it now, it can wait till you are ready to go to the post box. Call a Friend - phone someone, or if you know how or why not learn?
Skype works as part of your data package so it also doesn't cost you much to call abroad - you've already paid as part of your internet connection. Learn a Language - brush up on your school languages, learn a few words for your next holiday or even just learn for fun! Free apps such as Memrise or Duolingo can get you started.
Watch a performance - if you don't fancy a film but have the internet, several platforms now show opera, ballet or orchestras - try YouTube or searching "watch opera online" Play a video game - have a console in the house for the kids or grandkids?
Now is a great time to learn how to play or get a top score without an 8 year old judging you. Read a book - try something you wouldn't normally read or lose yourself in an old favourite. The Kindle reader app is free and can be put on your phone, laptop or desktop and there are lots of free books available on the Amazon Kindle store.
Read a Poem - learn a poem off by heart just a line or 2 a day , try reading aloud and reading it in different ways to see if that makes the poem mean different things. Practice your mental arithmetic - can you remember your times tables?
Do you know your 13x table or your 22x? Can you count backwards from in 7's? Add some Colour to your day - get your pencils out and draw something, or use a colouring app such as colorfy or happy colour to get creative without the need for craft supplies. Try a Podcast - tried an audio book but want something different?
Podcasts are like mini radio shows about a specific subject area. Download a podcast iPlayer, Podcast Republic, Spotify By Isha Reddy. Like Post Submit a post. Image Credit. Develop Green Fingers: In a world where wars, fears and images of violence, make constant headlines, gardening shows a contrasting side.
Create An Art Portfolio: If you strongly believe that art makes the world a better place, then this is the perfect time to rekindle your creativity and imagination. Start Writing A Diary: If blogging is not your kind of thing, and you like to keep your thoughts and feelings more private, a diary could become your best friend.
Build Something: If there's an architect, an engineer or a product designer in you, why not ignite that urge to build something! Remember, being stuck at home does not necessarily mean online classes and zero fun. View the discussion thread. Related Stories Submit a Post. By Taieba Tabassum.
By Manvi Tiwari. By NoraGj. The effort to bring that experience to life in words is one way to get out of the moment — it may even get you started on your lockdown novel. Jonathan Jones, Guardian art critic. My younger is the perfect size to deal with the tension in my shoulders, while my elder does the lower back. Katherine Parkinson , actor. Greg James, broadcaster. When my husband, John, died last year, boredom and grief joined forces.
They are noisy, constant companions. Most of the time. Janet Ellis, broadcaster. It has Bluetooth speakers and we make Spotify playlists and sit in the bubbling water with only our heads exposed to the freezing weather until our skin becomes pruned and has the consistency of wet soap. Craig Charles, broadcaster. Our first baby, Bolla, was born three weeks ago. My wife and I set up a YouTube channel called Adepifam.
Ade Adepitan , former athlete and broadcaster. B arbara Hulanicki, fashion designer. I have taken to doing something I call an Elton John power half-hour. As soon as I turn off my work computer, I open a low-alcohol beer other beverages are acceptable and blast out a string of his hits while dancing around my living room.
Jenny Stevens, Guardian commissioning features editor. It might be completely suburban — a monkey puzzle tree in a garden — or an exotic visitor, like the flock of fieldfares I was delighted to hear calling by the old railway line. There is always something unexpected to discover. Patrick Barkham, Guardian nature writer. Michael Billington, theatre critic. Lockdown has dissolved my lifelong rule of only dressing in dark, muted tones. Now I put on tie-dye joggers accessorised with rainbow Crocs, or wear an aubergine-coloured rollneck with a gold chain.
Dressing has become a balm: it makes the days feel less repetitive and it energises me. Priya Elan, Guardian deputy fashion editor. I finally bit the bullet and joined a cycling club after the last lockdown, mainly to shift my newly acquired spread, but also to get my Zoom-induced seized joints on the move. It has been a godsend. Although club rides have been put on hold, doing rides with others gave me the confidence to get out and explore on my own.
I love the sense of freedom a bike gives you; it takes me back to my childhood, when I would spend all day exploring far and wide and discovering new places. Plus, it helps me sleep. Maxine Peake , actor. No tricks. Just honesty. A brilliant piece of work. Russell T Davies , screenwriter. Sometimes, the giraffes will parade; other times, they throw shapes from their windows. It always lifts my spirits. If you are not within walking or cycling distance of London zoo, find a giraffe enclosure near you — or a substitute on YouTube.
Arifa Akbar, Guardian theatre critic. Audiobooks have got me through. They allow you to astrally project out of a lockdown living room into adventure. Tom Watson, former Labour MP. It gives me something very specific to look forward to on a night that would otherwise be just like any other night of the week. Goes well with dinner and a martini.
Sarah Habershon, Guardian art director. My teenage daughter often asks if we can make art together. Recently, though, we found an art form I can manage.
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