How to Expand Your Horizons (While Under Lockdown)

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the daily lives of millions of people, it’s understandable that physical well-being (both private and public) is the number-one concern for most people. However, it is potentially very dangerous to overlook the negative psychological effects of living under a stringent lockdown. Not being able to leave your home for an extended period of time can cause you to feel stressed, anxious, or even depressed. With that in mind, today we’ll share four ways that individuals can spice up their life and expand their horizons –– without endangering themselves or others.

Learn a New Language

Have a lot of free time on your hands? If so, then now could be the ideal time to start learning a new language. There are plenty of helpful apps and programs available that will help you get started. After just a few weeks of practice, you should be able to hold basic conversations in a foreign language. And, if you fall in love with a culture as a result, you may even decide to speak to a business immigration lawyer to discuss your employment options in a new country some day.

Trade Media

If you’re like most people, then odds are you own certain media like books, DVDs, albums, video games etc. While it may have been fun to re-watch your favorite movie when the lockdown first started, you may be getting pretty bored of your own selection now. If that sounds familiar, then it may be a fun idea to “trade” your favorite books/movies/albums with your friends or neighbors in exchange for some of their favorites. Not only will this expose you to exciting new media, but it will also help you connect with people in your life.

Take on New Responsibilities

Working from home presents a big challenge for many people. However, ambitious professionals can use this opportunity to request new responsibilities from their bosses or coworkers. By accepting a challenge at work, you can push yourself to learn new skills and think in novel ways.

Volunteer

Right now, thousands of people need some form of assistance because of the coronavirus. While you may not be able to provide medical care for the sick, you can volunteer to shop for essential items for the vulnerable or elderly in your community. You can also donate to charitable organizations that are working to help support those most affected by the lockdown. A simple act of kindness now can have a lasting impact on all parties involved.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes