Seven Supertips to Channelise this Lockdown Leisure in a Positive Way

Roads are silent. Industrial chimneys are mute. Schools are on vacation. Roar of the vehicles are missing. Wandering humans are restricted. Yes, this is the Earth right now. Strange but true. The claws of Corona has left us none but a puppet. But hold on, there are some positives too. Birds are rejoicing. Animals are roaming freely. Air is refreshed. Leaves are greener. Earth is much cooler now. Truly, nature has her own way of rejuvenating herself.

Is this lock down a blessing in disguise? Though it sounds so cool, but in reality it is very difficult to stay at home keeping our regular routine at bay. No official work. No frequent meetings with friends. No junk food outside. Not even just a casual morning walk. In one hand, the fear of the hot rods of the Cops, in the other our conscience. Neither of them are allowing us to go out. So, in this lock-down month, let’s plan our regime in a constructive way. I can assure that the results will remain lifelong.

Here are the seven supertips for you :-

1. Eat Balance Diet :

'If you don’t eat your food like medicine, you have to take medicine like your food.' We all know that. Even our doctors and  health experts are continuously advising to have a balance diet full of protein carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals etc. These help us to function our body well. Eat citrus fruits like lemon Orange, grape fruits etc. to boost immunity. Eating packaged foods like cookies, chips, mixtures, spicy snacks must be avoided. As we are not doing much hard work outside and the temperature is rising gradually, it’s always better to rely upon fresh vegetables, fruits and healthy nuts along with your meals to pump your body’s energy level to the fullest.

2. Stay Hydrated -

Water is the best medicine to stay hydrated in this Mercury rising temperature. On an average 7 to 8 glasses of water will fulfil the daily needs of an adult. Sometimes drinking home made ORS solution with adequate salt,sugar and lemon can help you to detox your body as well. Drinking saunf (fennel) and Mishri (rock candy with thread) water in the early morning can help you to stay hydrated for the whole day. One glass of lukewarm milk before bedtime at night can also help you to get proper nutrition and a sound sleep. Remember, cold drinks or any colourful drinks must be avoided.

3. Do Light Physical Exercise-

Temperature is getting hot and humid as the patchy summer is back to the country again. Lockdown is just like wound on the salt. So mild yoga in the fresh air in the morning will definitely keep you active throughout the day. Pranayam, Kapalbhati, Anulom-vilom, Padmasana are few of the simple yogasanas for the healthy mind. It’s better to avoid any rigorous exercise generally we do in the gym for couple of months. Reason I already said, as outside activities are less. If you are doing yoga in the morning (between 6 to 7 a.m.) then you can try aerobics in the evening (between 5 to 6 p.m.) just to build endurance and for just for a change as well.

4. Have a Good Family Time-

Family is the most important part of our life. The great people are great not only by their hard work but also by the love and support of their family. In the busy schedule of our life, we forget to share so many things with our parents, siblings, wife and children. Nature has given us a chance to fulfil those. The old photo album can be opened again. You can ruminate your old memories and laugh together, and you know laughter is the best medicine for your mind and body. You can even ask your father’s faded childhood stories which he used to share with you long back.

5. Brush up Your Hobbies-

The dust on your old drawing book is mounting. The strings of your guitar are dying. Isn’t it the best time to caress them again with joy? Yes it is. A man without passion and a woman without fashion is meaningless. So your old hobbies like writing, dancing, singing etc. which were detached due to busy schedule can be adopted again. Reading good novels of your choice is always an add-on to this list.

6. Plant Trees & Learn Cooking-

These things I did not mention in the previous point as these are more of a ‘must’ than ‘may’. Planting trees is a responsibility of every citizen. In this time of global warming we know how important it is to keep our environment cool. Plant a tree in your garden or simply in the tub on your terrace.

Next is learning cooking. ‘Cooking’ is never made for women only. Our fathers, grandfathers knew cooking really well. They enjoyed it too. Not only because they didn't have the pleasure of getting ready-made fast food but also they believed that culinary is an art. So don’t be a fool to invite number of diseases spending unnecessary money on junk food, rather learn it and give your wife and mom a day rest. Trust me cooking is damn easy yet interesting if you try.

7. Plan Your Future Goals-

Steady and far-fetched goals need proper planning. Proper planning needs time, and here you have enough. Try to utilise this lockdown leisures for future plans like your investment, life and health insurance, pension, SIP in any good bank or even you can plan any good start-ups. If you are a writer, maybe this is the right time to think about your first novel to get published. If you are an artist, you can think of online t-shirt painting or crafted gift items selling. There are many plans which I might not be able to jot down all here. But your mind has many in the process.

Hope these points will somehow help you to cope up with this tough time to channelise in a good way. Remember this too shall pass, but the patience and perseverance will teach so many things when you’ll look back later. Stay-at-home, save lives and let’s win against Corona together. Thank you. Jay Hind.