GETTING BORED OF LOCKDOWN ?? -  READ ON…..

As I write this, the situation in India is in panic mode as confirmed cases of contagious COVID-19 shot up to almost 1000 cases across various States/UTs. We are facing an unprecedented crisis that forced Prime Minister of India to enforce the complete nationwide lockdown for 21 days. And with the ongoing circumstances, it is highly likely that the lockdown may be extended further. Although we are safe at our homes, we are worried,  we are scrolling our phones and switching over TV channels for the real-time update of COVID-19.

But can we do anything except taking precautions? Just keeping track of the number of cases the whole day will help? Yes. This is a tough battle but it isn't a rare opportunity for us to utilize this time in a positive direction and come back stronger as a human being. When Modi ji announced lockdown 5 days back, I had my plans for the lockdown. Guess what? To deep dive into reading more and more. Sounds boring right? That’s what happened with me when I woke up on 4^th day of lockdown. This means it was enough. I can't just read for the entire 21 days. I feel that most of us have had this kind of feeling in mid of this lockdown. Then I made up my mind to look for more options to pass through this lockdown.

Believe me, you also try these…….

1. Contribute towards the fighting virus

We fight every day in our lives from many problems and sooner or later come up with a solution. Can you imagine the financial impact this lockdown and travel restrictions would have on our economy which is already testing tough times? The complete disruption of business of all non-essential sectors would hit us hard and endanger the livelihood of millions of families whose bread and butter is daily wages. The government has already announced a kind of bailout package of INR 1.70 lac crore and other various relief measures. But what is our role in all this? This is the role of government to help people in times of crisis.

But you know how the Government works? On taxes/statutory levies contributed by people like us. Believe me, at this time, mere those mandatory taxes will not be enough and we need more and more to combat this virus. We have an implied responsibility to contribute our bit to tide through COVID-19 at the earliest. Let's be generous enough to contribute in one or another way for this by way of cash donations or free supplies. But should not I save for the future instead of donation ?. Readers, just count the expenses for a month you would have spent on weekends over hangouts, movies, parties if there would not be any lockdown. Just contribute that much and you will feel good. I urge you all to do as per your convenience. 

2. Spend time with loved ones

When was the last time you sat with your parents and listened to their years of experience and share about your work and life? When was the last time you shared your childhood memories with your kids? When was the last time you had a video call with your old buddies? When was the last time you grabbed old pictures of your vacation from a laptop and recalled those times? This is the time to just do it and relive old memories, reconnect with lost souls. This will also help you to develop a healthy and long-lasting relationship with your loved ones. Social distancing does not stop you from connecting.

3. Upgrade your skills and knowledge

I bet it would have been a long time you upgraded yourself with a new skill or spent the whole day in a balcony reading a book with a coffee of your interest. Time, time and time. You can't give this excuse this time. They say that knowledge is endless and there is no age and power of knowledge is unlimited. Do not let this chance go away without reading something good about anything of your interest be it your current work, life, motivation or another thing. But in this sea of knowledge, make sure you pick up relevant information and do not get swayed by irrelevant information.

So waiting for what? Just zero-in in any skill you wish to upgrade with for a long time and come out of your comfort zone and pick up and finish at least 1 book before this lockdown ends.

4. Chase happiness

You know when did you feel happy about something last time when you just started your professional journey?  In my career of almost 8 years, when I look back, I hardly could count on those moments of happiness. The same would be the case with you as well. The problem is that we were so engrossed in chasing success, money, work, responsibility, we forgot to chase one of the most lovely thing- Happiness. Whatever moments of happiness we got, it just remains for a while and vanishes away as we are more concerned about What’s next?

You know this life is an endless game and if you feel that you will sit back one day and feel happy about your life. Trust me, it will never come. Even if it comes, it would be too late. The definition of happiness may be different for each one of us. Do try your luck on chasing happiness in these days of lockdown and make it a habit of keeping happy in small moments of life as you have one life and that also with a risk of virus. So let's just bring that smile back in our lives.  

5. Hobbies

While chasing day to day hassles of the life, you know who takes the back seat? Our hobbies. We all have something in us which differentiates us from others apart from our daily routine of work. This something has that power to give you inner satisfaction. But we just don’t get time to pursue it. This may be your chance to pick up that guitar again and entertain your family, collect your diary again and pen down emotions of a lifetime, dance on your favourite song, a pick-up that camera, record and share your knowledge with the world. And mind me keeping your hobby alive can give you happiness. And that’s what I am trying to do by writing this blog after almost 2 years.

I am sure, after the end of this lockdown, you will be enriched with more knowledge, upgraded with new skills, engaged in some creative stuff, practice happiness…

Do share your feedback with me about your experience of lockdown on nmjhanwar@gmail.com or in the comments box.

We all make this world a better place to live in. Period.

Stay Safe At Home !!

P.S. I am available at helping students to help them in developing strategies for exams, collaborating with startups to help them contribute to their business, trying my hands on helping in a troubling relationship.