35 Productive Things to do at Home in Lockdown Amidst Corona

thepeppygirl — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 11:28:26 +0000

It’s a pandemic time, we really don’t know for how long we have to stay at home. Now ever since the lockdown phase started, we are following the same routine – work, eat, sleep, repeat!
On the contrary, you can use the lockdown period to excel at various significant things in life and become a New You. I have been doing a lot of research lately on productive things to do at home in lockdown. Thought of sharing them with you.

Here are the 35 ways to be more productive and creative at home, I am following some of these and it feels amazing.

1. No Rumours Please

First of all, always go for the no-nonsense news. Please don’t spread and believe in rumours, we are already having a hard time dealing with more severe issues. Did you know news consume a large chunk of your brain and can decide the rest of the day for you? Therefore, believe facts from trusted sources like WIKI /WHO /Govt only and not from paid media. And please stay positive and learn how to identify real vs fake news and enlighten others. Most importantly, educate your friends or acquaintances who think that we are stuck at home, help them understand we are doing it for the greatest cause (to flatten the COVID-19 curve)

2. Help and Respect the needy and Corona Warriors

If this is a tough time for us then imagine how difficult it would be for those who are not able to earn their bread & butter these days. We know the government is doing a lot of initiatives for poor people. But it feels great when you help others, especially in these pandemic times. Remember every single contribution makes the difference.

Consider it a war-like situation moreover here you can’t see your enemy. Guys in this war our real heroes are those who are fighting to protect us – Doctors, Nurses, Medical staff and Police, to name a few. A big salute to our corona warriors, biggest help we can do for them is “STAY AT HOME” & break the chain.

3. Don’t Stock Unnecessarily

Guys, it’s my humble request, please don’t buy more than you need. Imagine if every one of us overstocks then there will be no or fewer items left for others which may create panic situations and result in black marketing of essential commodities. Stocking ultimately weakens our fight against Corona. I know, we are dealing with a crisis but don’t buy more than you need. Please stop stocking up.

4. Form 21 Days Habit

We all know this magic number, isn’t it? It takes 21 days to make or break a habit. Besides, it’s a universally accepted tried and tested method that actually works! You can use this phase to get rid of your addictions (the bad ones). And this could also be the best time to cultivate new habits since the routine is in your hands now.

If you need help on step by step habit formation go through this
How to form Habit in 21 Days

Trust me the beginning of this could be hard but once you are through, you will be happy to see the new developments.

5. Explore your hobbies

Admit it – this is the best time to delve into your passion and hobbies (indoor ones)! For e.g. I always wanted to curate the content for my Luxembourg Travel Guide. Now that I have got ample amount of time, it’s published!

Pick up a hobby, get indulged in your favorite pastimes which you have always sidelined because of the hectic routines.

For instance, try innovative cooking, dancing, reading a book or painting. If you like to travel prepare yourself for your upcoming journey or instead watch your favorite Travel Movies. Do something creative wholeheartedly.

Undoubtedly Hobbies not only help to relieve stress by keeping you engaged in something but also build your confidence because being good at something and learning something new is extremely rewarding.

Here’s a blog I found really interesting if you are not sure what your favorite hobby is 10 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Hobby

6. Learn a Language

In these lockdown days what could be more productive than learning a new skill or a new language? I am learning German language and genuinely finding the grammar part interesting. There is so much to learn and process. Pick up your favorite language that you have always wanted to speak or understand and start learning online or with a friend.

For starters, use Duolingo app or website to learn any language. It’s fun addictive and very useful.

I found below sites for language learning useful as well –

Memrise is an excellent study aid.Helps you learn real conversational language from native speakers.
Livemocha gives you access to free lessons for 35 languages and also offers a vibrant community of native language speakers from 190 countries you can connect with to practice your speech.
With Babbel you can learn 14 new languages with including English, French, German, Portuguese, Swedish, Turkish and more. While some online language learning platforms focus strictly on speech, Babbel teaches you to speak, read and write in the language of your choice.
Busuu is the world’s largest community for language learning, providing courses in 12 different languages on web and mobile.
Mango has a massive repository of language lessons for over 60 languages including Spanish, Swahili, Punjabi, Icelandic and more.
Languages website is a decent choice if you’re traveling to a new region for work and just want to pick up some conversational cues before you go

Not to mention you can simply learn a language from youtube or unacademy too.

7. Spend Quality Time with family

If you are with your family right now, trust me you are truly lucky because people like me are far away from them and miss the sheer joy of spending time with our loved ones. So, talk to them, lend a helping hand to your Mom, give them your love and strike up those conversations with your Mom and Dad which you have always wanted to.

And in case you are not with your loved ones, you can use Facetime, WhatsApp video call, Skype, Houseparty app and a lot of other digital ways to stay connected with them. Make it a point to listen to them, let them know your day to day highlights.

In short, Stay united whether you are near or far from your support system.

8. Try New Cuisines

Any foodie here? Well I am sure a lot (including me) and in case you are not, you need a break too from the regular meals! Since we are at home and can’t dine out. Amidst lockdown this is the best time to cook our favorite dishes at home. However, we know that an ingredient here or there might be missing. Not to mention I am experimenting random dishes and sometimes I feel I don’t have some of the major ingredients but that’s fine as long as your experimental food tastes delicious, isn’t it?

I have tried making below items and they taste amazing with minimal ingredients too

Aloo/ vegetable stuffed paratha
Whole wheat vegetable sandwich
Idli Dosa, Appey, Dhokla
Suji, gram flour snacks
Customized pani puries , Pizzas
Sprouts Chaat
Tomato rice/ curd rice
Chocolate icecream
Flour/cookies cake

you can add flaxseed and lemon juice in some of the above salty dishes.

Let’s be creative in the kitchen!

9. BE SOCIAL

It’s great that you are maintaining social distancing but that’s not restricting you to be social right? Your friend is just a call or Facetime away! Connect with your friends, furthermore, try interacting with people from all walks of life. And hello… If I am one of them? Grab your phone and take a moment to say “Hi DJ” 😊

10. Workout !!

And here we are at the most desirable topic – Fitness!
Exercise helps to lose weight and lowers the risk of certain diseases like type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure and besides who doesn’t want to look fit?
you have now all the time in the world to workout. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine and boost your immunity. Do the HIIT Cardio and strength training.Use workout apps (there are so many) or YouTube videos. I have a blog on fitness, though it covers fitness tips while traveling however, most of the workouts you can still do at home. Check this out, 12 Awesome Ways To Stay Fit While Traveling

11. Learn History and Culture of your Favorite Country

Those who personally know me might be already smiling with this one.

Okay I have done this for so many countries and regions and its one of my favorite pastimes

To start with you can watch documentaries on Netflix, amazon prime or youtube for that matter.

Unquestionably investing time to watch documentaries are the best things to do to get a bigger perspective and understand different cultures, geography and history, to say the least.

If you like outdoor adventure, watch adventure documentaries or read about the best places for Hiking.

Here are some interesting Channels on youtube –

Wendover production
Polymatter
Vox
Whatif
Vice news

12. Practice Meditation

In the first place, we do not know when this pandemic will end moreover with so much negativity around and stressful environment you might feel anxious. Start meditating to keep panic mode at bay.
I discovered the true essence of meditation during my Kashid Trip, such a divine experience it was.

Meditation is the need of the hour. Personally, I think Morning is the best time to practice meditation as it sets the tone for the rest of your day.

Scientific studies show that regular Meditation does wonders such as –

Makes you more content and happier
Gives a boost to your work and career
Reduces Stress
Controls Anxiety
Enhances Self-Awareness
Improves Sleep
Can Decrease Blood Pressure

13. Work on your CV

If you have internet you are privileged!

Quarantine days are undoubtedly the best time to focus on your career goals.

Build the skill sets which can help you climb the career ladder. Upgrade your technical skills, make your resume strong.

Register for online classes to upscale your competencies. Use learning platforms such as Skillshare, Coursera udemy EDX, Pluralsight and then there is youtube with so much free content.
And in case you have taken a subscription to online classes, it’s time to resume that before your subscription gets over.

14. READ

Cultivate a habit of reading, read anything, dedicate at least 30 minutes for it.

Reading helps you grow as a better and wise person. I cannot emphasize more on this. I enjoy reading autobiographies, thriller, and history books so much. But nowadays, due to my workload, I am hardly getting time to read new things (Wait I am also reading German so that compensates I hope)

Search on google the best books to start with for a beginner. Read as per your interest such as scientific, literature, historical, political interest physiology etc. Choose Knowledge over News

15. Brainstorm New Business Ideas

One of my friends has started a grocery app recently and he is doing quite good given the lockdown condition. That’s just an example! If Business is your cup of tea then take your work to another level or maybe start from scratch.

16. Work on your Communication Skills

Dedicate at least 1 hour daily to improve your communication and articulation skills. Record your speech, analyze and overcome speaking issues (could be stammering or lack of thoughts). Work on your fluency.

17. Improve Personality, Grow Confidence

Confidence is believing in yourself, feeling comfortable in your true-self and knowing you have worth. Learn to like, respect & love yourself, develop a thick skin and work on boosting your self-esteem. Take help from close friends, family or possibly online

18. Learn Dance

I thoroughly enjoy dancing and have tried a couple of dance classes in Bangalore and Mumbai, nowadays I do it online. Discover your favorite dance style, there are so many of them for example – Ballet, Hip-Hop, Classical, Western, freestyle, Rumba, Salsa, Belly and so on.

19. Yoga

We all know regular Yoga has endless benefits. For instance, it brings together physical and mental disciplines to achieve a peaceful body and mind. Furthermore, it also helps in increasing flexibility, muscle strength and body tone.

Make it a point to include yoga for at least 30 minutes in your daily routine and do regular exercise

20. Listen to Podcasts and Music

Subscribe to your favorite audio channels and spend some time listening to them. I have been hooked on School of Greatness by Lewis Howes

Wondering what to listen on podcast? check this out 21 best podcasts to listen to right now

Alternatively, you can just listen to your favorite music and update your songs playlist.

21. Build a Skin Care Routine

Irrespective of lockdown you must always follow your skin care routine. If possible, do clean-ups and facials at home (head to YouTube for tons of free how-to videos).

Make sure you are using correct products and not the expired ones, declutter all old makeup items. If you are running short of them, you can use coconut oil or Aloe Vera gel, they do wonders. And lastly stay hydrated.

22. Watch Foreign Language Movies

Foreign language movies expose you to new cultural situations. They are a great way to observe body language and other nonverbal cues, also they have more authentic vocabulary than what you might find in a textbook.

If you limit yourself to just English language films, you’ll miss out on some of the best work out there. Much of the world’s most innovative cinema comes from beyond our borders

BBC Culture featured these as The Greatest Hundred Foreign Films

23. Digital Detox

Live without mobile and Internet for a day and experience the beauty of the real world, listen to the birds chirping. I know it’s impossible to stay away from the internet and news in these lockdown days but it’s worth a try.

24. Listen to stories from Granny

Sounds old school? Well, we are so busy in the rat race that we have almost forgotten these simple pleasures.

Talk to your grandparents, listen to their experiences and stories, take life lessons.

25. Get some Sunlight

As a matter of fact, early morning sunlight (5:00 am – 9:00 am) is helpful to boost Vitamin D levels in your body. After 10 am, exposure to sunlight is harmful.
Therefore spend at least 10 minutes in your balconies or terrace or windows soaking up the sunshine.

26. Learn and Teach

If you are with your family learn cooking or sewing from your Mom, take notes on money matters from your Dad or vice versa. What’s more? enlighten your parents or elder ones on the technology front. Make them internet savvy.

27. Move on

If you are going through a rough patch on personal front and haven’t been able to move on in life then guess what, instead of dwelling on the past and regretting things, start afresh! Think about yourself, your future and move on. I am sure you can find numerous ways online to move on in life. All the best!

28. Pamper Yourself

You deserve this.

Give your head a massage,
Do a hot oil hair treatment.
Take care of your feet – Soak feet in warm water (add some salt)
Have a steam treatment
Enjoy Manicure and Pedicure
Exfoliate your skin

29. Sanitize your house

It’s time for the deep clean drive for each corner and furniture at your home. Sanitize the house and things around you.

Arrange your Wardrobe, clean your makeup brushes, jewelry bags, and office bags. Clean your fridge and remove all the unnecessary things, fill it with healthy and essentials items. Decorate your house and make sure the house looks extremely clean.

30. Declutter

It’s time to declutter your stuff for instance, old clothes which you haven’t worn since a year, you can donate them later after lockdown.

31. Medical kit revision

Go through all medicines and look for expiry dates, and discard the expired ones.

32. Home Gardening

We love gardening at our balcony or terrace, isn’t it?

Did you know that digging in the soil has actual health and ‘mood-boosting’ benefits? Teach your kids gardening and get yourself indulged too. Grow your own vegetables or herbs. I have tried Coriander, Spinach and mustard greens and it really feels awesome when you see them growing.

33. Laptop and phone cleanup

Delete unnecessary media, files and applications

34. Online Shopping – Add in your cart and Buy Later

Browse your favorite categories and shortlist all items you would like to buy after the lockdown such as home decors, apparels and what not. Add them to your cart and buy them later.

35. Wash and Moisturize Hands

It goes without saying please do wash your hands regularly. As directed by WHO

Clean your hands regularly.
Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly.
Use alcohol-based hand rub if you don’t have immediate access to soap and water.

Here I want to emphasis on moisturizing your hands thoroughly. Repetitive hand washing makes the skin surface dry. Also, make it a point to use a skin-friendly handwash.

Okay here we come to an end of this article, I hope you find this blog useful and would like to try a thing or two.

If you need further details on any of the above 35 productive ways, write down in comment section or Get in Touch with me with your questions or suggestions.

The post 35 Productive Things to do at Home in Lockdown Amidst Corona appeared first on THE PEPPY GIRL.

The Best Travel Movies to Inspire Your Wanderlust

thepeppygirl — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 18:17:56 +0000

Hey Guys, believe it or no, there comes a time in everyone’s life when you are done with eternity of work commitments or simply need to relax and unwind at home or flight or anywhere else. And what could be better than watching some epic Travel films in the meanwhile. Here comes some of my favorite Travel Films of all time to keep the wanderlust alive in you.

Into the Wild (2007)

Based on a true story. After graduating from Emory University, Christopher McCandless abandoned his possessions, gave his entire savings account to charity, and hitchhiked to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters who shape his life.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

This is a film for all the day-dreamers, searching for the real meaning of life. The concept – of an underachieving dreamer finally discovering the world – is something most of us can relate to. This movie is gorgeous and the cinematography is fantastic above all the characters are endearing, and you find yourself rooting for the lead.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Our Favorite Movie Forrest Gump is about a simple man with a low I.Q. but good intentions. Even after decades this movie is a delightful choice to re watch. Forest Gump is a powerful yet charming movie filled with humor, sadness, action, and drama. It is by far one of the greatest work of Tom Hanks. After the release Forest Gump in no time became a huge hit and ended up winning many Oscars.

Wild (2014)

Wild is about a chronicle of one woman’s one thousand one hundred mile solo hike undertaken as a way to recover from a recent personal tragedy. This movie is so popular among the travelers that every fifth person I met in Bali had already watched it. So the film is about one woman’s story of regret, healing, and ultimately about forgiving herself so that she could move forward. The movie also talks about self discovery and finding your true self. A must watch for all the hikers.

In Bruges (2008)

And now let’s talk about this amazing film – In Bruges. It is a 2008 black comedy crime film which shows us a breathtakingly beautiful city, without ever seeming to be a travelogue. It uses the city as a way to develop the characters.The film follows the denouement of a “job” gone bad for two Irish hit men, who are forced to hole up in Bruges, Belgium, and really can’t stand the inactivity. The forced waiting, a symbolic purgatory in both assassins’ struggle for absolution, gives Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell a chance to act through some marvelous comic dialogue.

Eat Pray Love (2010)

Let’s admit it, we have already seen it and have different views. Though the film has got mixed reviews, it stands tall as one of Julia Roberts best films. Here’s a little trivia – In the scene when Ian takes his clothes off to go swimming with Liz they are on an actual beach, while Ubud is a land locked town in Bali.

The Before Trilogy (1995-2013)

Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and Before Midnight, the three-part romance captures a relationship as it begins, begins again, deepens, while set in a spellbinding backdrop of exotic locations such as Vienna, Paris and Greece in Europe. The only problem is it ends. These movies are pure delight to watch and are satisfying at so many levels.

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

Under the Tuscan Sun is about a writer who impulsively buys a villa in Tuscany in order to change her life. It’s a heart touching romantic story set in the backdrop of gorgeous Tuscany. And as the movie progresses with the charming views of rural Tuscany, you develop a wonderful relationship with the film. It keeps you hooked up with the lush Italian scenery, the colorful characters, the Romeo-and-Juliet romance between a lovely Italian girl and a Polish laborer. There is this another beautiful movie called My House in Umbria, worth watching

The post The Best Travel Movies to Inspire Your Wanderlust appeared first on THE PEPPY GIRL.

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