Just because you’re self-isolating, it doesn’t mean you have to go on a month-long Netflix binge (although if that’s what you need to do to keep you sane, we are here for it!). Here are a few simple suggestions on things you can do to keep your mind, body and soul in shape while you’re stuck indoors.
Enrich Yourself
Learn a skill
Take your pick from online courses and tutorials to learn something new. Platforms such as Udemy, General Assembly, Ted-Ed, Get Smarter, Skillshare and Duolingo offer free or paid short courses that allow you to brush up your skills, whether it’s graphic design, photography, languages or even how to change a car tyre.
Catch up on documentaries
Sure, bingeing a decade’s worth of “Friends” is tempting, but you could also use this self-isolating time to finally get to those documentaries you’ve been meaning to watch.
Download a new podcast
Thought-provoking, educational or just plain hilarious, podcasts are where new ideas are shaped. If the endless news cycle is getting you down, give your brain a boost with a podcast instead.
Sort Your Life Out
Digital declutter
Time to delete old apps and photos from your laptop or phone, unsubscribe from unwanted mailing lists, and sort all your digital documents. It’s boring, but so worth it when you free up all that storage space.
Have a clear-out
Always wanted to reorganise your wardrobe, Marie Kondo your paperwork, and cull the clutter? Now’s your chance!
Read more: how to embrace minimalism in Hong Kong
Sort out your will
A bit morbid, but this is one of those “mañana” tasks that you’re better off tackling now.
Do a financial audit
This is an excellent opportunity to go through your bank statements and get a clear picture of your incomings and outgoings.
Read more: everything you need to know about Financial Wellness
Find a Hobby
Get arty
Load up on arts supplies and discover your inner crafter. Whether it’s cross stitch, water colours, scrapbooking or making miniature dioramas of Hong Kong street scenes, there’s a craft out there for you.
Read more: in Hong Kong, crafting is the new mindfulness
Get (or stay) fit
There are literally hundreds of apps, websites, YouTube channels and IG accounts dedicated to offering free fitness programmes. Pick one you like and set aside an hour each day to work up a sweat.
Finally write that book
Or blog, or Wikipedia page, or Harry Potter fanfiction. Whatever floats your boat.
Try out new recipes
Follow your favourite chefs or recipe blogs/IG accounts, and get creative in the kitchen.
Take Care of your Mental Health
Reconnect with friends
Have a lunch date over Skype, write old-fashioned letters to relatives overseas, or have a four-way conference over wine. While we are self-isolating, we need to check in with each other more than ever.
Practice stillness
Feel like you’re going nuts? Meditation apps like Headspace or Insight Timer can help quiet those racing thoughts.
Practice an attitude of gratitude
It might be tough right now, but it’s worth taking a moment to write down the things you feel grateful for.
Read less news
While it’s important to stay aware of the current situation, bingeing on a stream of doom-laden articles isn’t good for your mental health. Pick a few trusted sites and try to limit your check-ins.
Or… Enact CHAOS MODE
If all of these ideas just feel like an unattainable nightmare of self-improvement claptrap, here are our alternative suggestions:
Amen to ramen
Have a competition with your Whatsapp group to see who can make the weirdest meal out of instant noodles. Ramen sandwich, ramen bake, superfood ramen salad sprinkled with turmeric and quinoa… the options are endless!
Email bingo
See if you can shoehorn the following words into your WFH out-of-office email: “henceforth,” “curtailment,” “hunker,” “apocalypse” and “synergy.”
Get drunk and go Amazon shopping
What surprises will arrive on your doorstep in 2-4 weeks? Only time will tell!
Find out once and for all whether human hair is self-cleaning
Spoiler alert: it’s not!
Quarantine cocktail hour
What exciting drinks can you make with a selection of weird liquors left over from Christmas 2015, a shrivelled up cucumber, and a tin of pineapple chunks you found in the back of the cupboard? Self-isolating cocktails for the win!
