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\ EPTS GAZETTE

The Covid 19 pandemic has sent thousands of citizens home into isolation. Malls, schools,
restaurants, and sports clubs have been forced closed to prevent the spread of the virus. During the
lockdown, people have to stay home for social distancing. Some may have to work at home while
others will inevitably lose their jobs. If the lockdown becomes effective 24 hours a day, plenty of
free time will definitely be available. People have unique ways to deal with this situation. While
some succeed in finding at-home activities to spend their once-in-a-blue-moon free time, many
are still struggling in their search for things to take up their day. Self-improvement, rarely-done
activities, education, long-term activities, and social contributions are some of the suggestions that
can fill up the empty schedule.
The lockdown gives individuals isolation, the chance to reflect upon themselves, and to
start self improvement. One example of this could be exercising. During normal office hours, many
do not have enough time to take care of their physical health. This can leave them weak, prone
to diseases, and perhaps unsatisfied with their body shape and appearance. With sufficient time,
however, more exercising is possible. The required equipment and instructions for simple exercises
can be easily looked up on the internet. Another activity possible during the quarantine could be
updating one’s existing skills, both related and unrelated to work. For instance, one could pick up
an instrument that they used to play in high school and practice, work on their photo editing skills,
or sharpen academic skills on certain websites, like Khan Academy.
In normal conditions, people would have to spend most of their time working. As a result,
many additional activities that are time-consuming, or regarded as unnecessary, are left out. One’s
house condition is a good example. During normal workdays, most houses serve as a place just to
rest and keep one’s belongings. Thus, not much attention is given to them. The lockdown allows
people to take care of their homes. They could clean and rearrange their house, put away things
that are not used, rearrange their belongings, or clean the unvisited areas. Revisiting the plans and
dreams made during normal times, and completing them, would also be a good idea.
The time available makes room for education. The internet provides countless online
courses, like The Master Class, for different professions. Skills like drawing, cooking, sewing, writ-
ing, coding, or graphic designs could be learned from Google and YouTube. Learning a musical
instrument is another great idea. Simple and cheap instruments like the Thai flute, recorder, har-
monica, or ukulele can be ordered off the internet. These instruments may sound like a joke to
many people, but with practice and a lot of patience, it can sound pleasant and lift one’s mood.
Extensive free time would also allow for long term activities. Watching an entire series, or
movies, could be a choice to spend the time on. This is available from many applications like Net-
flix, We TV, Apple TV, or websites on the internet. Entertaining webcomics, web novels, e-books,
or manga are available online from many famous platforms. These include Read A Write, Joy Lada,
Ookbee, Line Webtoon, Comico, and Meb. The suggestions and reviews of these media could be
looked up on the internet. If one has specific skills, they could start a large, extensive project that
can be done continuously. For example, one could start writing a novel, draw a comic, embroider,
sew a doll, plant something, or record and compose music.
Lastly, since citizens are required to stay at home, besides helping oneself, contributing
to society and helping with the situation are also valuable uses of time and resources. Money and
medical equipment donations can be made to hospitals all over the country. Joining campaigns to
encourage sick people and the medical staff is also a good activity to be done. This may be a tiny
help, but at least it is something.
Self-improvement, rarely-done activities, education, long-term activities, and societal
contributions are only just some examples of the numerous possible activities that could be done
during the lockdown. The choices of these activities may depend on one’s preference and opinion,
but still, such rare free times should be used efficiently.

Refs:
https://www.inc.com/larry-kim/14-in-demand-skills-you-can-learn-online-now.html
https://takelessons.com/blog/easiest-instrument-for-adults

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