On the 24th of March, PM Narendra Modi announced a lock down until 14th April (21 days) to stop the spread of coronavirus in India. This lockdown prevents anyone from stepping out of the house, unless of course for the purpose of buying essentials or medical emergencies. You’ve probably seen the videos of police interrogating people who are outside and beating those not wearing masks. It’s a brutal but necessary step to create an environment of seriousness, discipline and also a fear of the virus. It is better to self-quarantine and be grateful that we don’t have to get up early, beat traffic and work at the same desk, in the same office. You can work from home and avoid the hot sun, the constant honking and the frustrating detour to the petrol pump or surviving in the crowd in public transport vehicles. Consider this a big break from the daily routine stay home vacation where you can just relax mentally and physically. That being said, with a lot of free time and a house-arrest comes a lot of boredom. To kill this boredom,
Here are some things you can do.
1. That 1 month trial.
This is the best time to watch all those shows and movies that you have been watchlisting since a long time and binge-watch without feeling guilty. In fact it’ll be relieving to finish them off because your watchlist inevitably keeps piling up with all the recommendations from your friends and the shows and movies that become trending due to social media.
2. The games eating dust in your attic.
Do you remember the video game console your parents bought for you after promising them that you’ll study hard for the next semester? Give those a go, maybe you’ll have a good trip down nostalgia; that’s probably the online trip you’ll get to take in this lockdown phase. It’s also a good time to call a few of your building friends over (not more than 5), and play board games like Ludo, Carrom, Monopoly, Chess or even the Ouija board if you like to scare your friends.
3. Quality time with family.
You spend most of your time with friends, colleagues, partners but how much priority do you give to your family? Go talk to them! Ask them how they’re doing; tell them what your life is like when you step out of the house. Ask them to share their first experiences, ideas, opinions, could’ves and should’ves; there’s an excellent storyteller hidden in your parents and grandparents.
4. Video calls.
You’re currently in a long distance friendship with some of your friends; the best way to connect with them is through video calls. Chitchatting, making silly jokes, discussing how bored you are while playing games like Ludo or Housie on the phone is all you can do with your friends currently
5. Social Media.
For the first time you won’t feel guilty for being on your phone all day switching from Instagram to Snapchat to Twitter to Facebook has never been more fun. You’re also getting your daily dose of quarantine memes which cracks you up every now and then in these stressful times; comedy in tragedy.
To sum it up, don’t take this lightly, accept how dangerous the situation, support the ones who are currently on the frontline i.e. doctors, scientists, social workers, police, etc. It’s not easy to handle a crisis like this. What harm will it do if you don’t leave the house for a while? You won’t suffocate because of the improved air quality in the winds entering your house. Just make the best of the situation and try to do something productive, you don’t get so much time in your hands when you’re on your daily routine. Keep washing your hands; make sure you’re healthy and hygienic. Stay home and stay safe and take care of everyone around you.
– Anukul Thete
Sir J.P. High School 