5 Activities I Use In The Pandemic
To stay fit and mentally healthy
Skills/Hobbies
I am the sort of person who loves to try new things and never wants to stop learning. Being stuck indoors has given me the time to explore hobbies that I previously didn’t dedicate my time to, for example, guitar and calligraphy. Although I still struggle with the guitar, I thoroughly enjoy my calligraphy and find it relaxing to sit down and practice my brush lettering.
As much as school made me despise languages, I have been trying to learn some Korean over the last 18 months, even though I am unlikely to use it in my life. I can now confidently say that I have a deep appreciation for polyglots!
Music
Like many people, I have always used music as a distraction. The band that got me through Covid is BTS, a K-Pop group that deservedly took the world by storm. I first became a fan of them in February 2020 when I watched James Corden’s carpool karaoke. Since then, I have followed the septet and allowed their beautiful messages of hope and encouragement to inspire me.
In particular, their album released in November 2020, ‘BE,’ has been a source of great comfort for their millions of fans, known as ARMY. Whether it’s the reassuring title track ‘Life Goes On,’ the record-breaking disco hit ‘Dynamite,’ or the heartfelt ‘Fly to My Room,’ each song has such a strong message for listeners.
Fitness
During the pandemic, there has been a considerable increase in the number of people doing home workouts. I am one of those people. I will exercise for 45 minutes, five times a week, with one stretching day and a rest day. Not only am I strengthening my lungs and improving my physical health, but I am also improving my mental health. Even a ten-minute walk can significantly benefit you.
Studies have proven that adults who get daily activity are up to 30% less likely to suffer from dementia and depression. Studies from the British Journal of Sports Medicine have also shown that routinely active people are less likely to get severely ill from Covid. Based on these two studies alone, I hope everyone is putting aside some time for activity.
Staying In Touch
You may read this and think that I am stating the obvious. This point may be useless advice to some, but I know a few people who have shut people out and become isolated.
We are fortunate enough to live in a world where we can contact most people at the click of a button. So, whether it’s talking to your loved ones in person or calling them, make sure that those you love are okay.
Gratitude
I sincerely think that gratitude has been vital to my happiness during the pandemic. Every day, I write down a few things that I am grateful for: my loved ones, my life, or the food I eat.
Nowadays, it is so easy to mourn the things we used to do but can’t anymore, giving us a sense of unfulfillment and longing. Instead, I remain thankful that I am privileged enough to be fully vaccinated and have easy access to masks and hand sanitisers. I also remain grateful for the fact those I love are safe and healthy. I think this mindset is crucial for staying positive during the pandemic.
