Never did any of us, ever imagine that we will end up needing lessons on, ‘how to not get bored.’ However, the never-ending lockdown seems to have changed that. In these trying times, all we can do is lighten up and live our lives to the fullest, but how can we do that? How can we lift our minds off of things? It’s finally time for me to show you how you can spice up your life and make every day less predictable.
1. Salut! Hola! Dia dhuit!
Have you ever watched a film in a foreign language and been mesmerized by the speech? By the tone of their language? The way the syllables effortlessly roll off their tongues? Or have you ever listened to music in another language, been intrigued by the lyrics of the song, and quickly googled the translation only to find out the words that spoke to your heart and soul? This is your sign to learn that language.
Charlemagne once said, ‘To have another language is to possess a second soul.’ Learning another language has many benefits. It improves your communication skills, your vocabulary, boosts your confidence, and also is an amazing form of brain food. Moreover, the sources required to learn a new lingo are now available at your fingertips. Apps like Duolingo, Memrise, and Drops can be easily downloaded from app vendors to aid you in beginning your language learning journey. Who knows, for you might end up becoming a polyglot in the near future!
2. Doodle Away to Glory!
Do you visualize your ideas? If the answer to this question is yes, then doodling is just the thing for you. Doodling, unlike drawing and painting, isn’t time-consuming. Studies have shown that doodling can improve memory and concentration, relieve stress, and enhance creativity. Moreover, it is a useful tool for students who understand better from visual learning, but don’t let that stop you from improving your spatial learning skills. If you get bored while making written notes for lectures or meetings, add a twist and doodle them instead!
3. Music for the Soul
Music is the best medicine for the mind. It is never too late to begin learning how to play a musical instrument. You can learn how to play any instrument, from the ukulele and kalimba to the tabla and grand piano. Playing an instrument can be a rich and complex experience that combines cognitive functioning of the brain, senses of vision, hearing, and touch, in other words, it allows you to process multiple things at once. It also makes you more creative, gives you a sense of achievement which can do wonders for your self-esteem, relieves stress, and prevents depression. It is simply, the best way to exercise and relax your mind.
Apps like Youcisian and Read Music can help you master your favourite instruments.
4. A Literary Quest
It’s pouring outside as you are curled up in a warm blanket on the window seat, sipping coffee while perusing the pages of your favorite book. The protagonist has his hand on the doorknob, he is just about to twist it when he hears a loud shriek and pivots to confront…
Books are the best form of escapism. A reader lives over a thousand lives in one lifetime. Reading books can not only improve comprehension skills and vocabulary but, also allow you to formulate factually correct opinions. Studies have shown that only 30 minutes of reading per day can reduce stress and prevent age-related cognitive decline. Not to mention that reading can make you naturally curious. Now, who doesn’t like to explore new concepts and improve their knowledge about the world? If you don’t have the time for sitting down and reading books, audiobooks are your next best friend. Apps like Audible, Google Play Books, Kobo, and Kindle for Android can be downloaded from your preferred app vendors. So put on your headphones and begin your odyssey into a whole new world!
5. Dear Diary
People write diaries for different reasons, some write to record their ideas, some to stay organized, some to set and achieve their goals while some simply do it to have a friend; a friend who won’t judge them for the things they have done and for the ideas they have. In a world where we may not be accepted if we reveal our truest and darkest thoughts, we need a friend who’d just listen. A diary can be this friend all of us need.
Diary writing allows us to keep our thoughts organized, improve our writing skills and relieve stress. Most importantly, it allows us to self-reflect. We need to pause and look back, every once in a while.
So go get your quill, who knows your diary might end up becoming the next bestseller!
6. Pen Pals!
In the age of online friends, it is common for most of us to spend hours chatting with friends via text, or audio and video calls. The culture of Pen Pals is long forgotten, more than a decade ago it was all the rage.
Pen pals are very beneficial for children. They not only hone reading and writing skills but, also allow us to make lifelong friends. Pen pals can help us improve our communication skills as we gain clarity while expressing ourselves in writing. Of course, no one expects us to write long letters anymore, however, what we can do is write emails.
Websites like InterPals, Global Penfriends, HelloTalk, and PenpalsNow can help you find your new pen pal.
7. The Fascinating Family of Winged Creatures: Bird-Watching!
Bird-watching is an activity that can be done from your terrace or verandah. If you are feeling a little adventurous, you can always go out for a walk in the park or a trek in the hills and experience the thrill of bird-watching.
To perform this activity, you will need to conduct a lot of research about the various types of birds, their migration routes, the best time to look for them, etc. So, if you are constantly in the pursuit of knowledge and wish to gain a better understanding of the environment, our tall barked friends, and their residents, this hobby is perfect for you.
8. A Paw-some Furry Friend
If you often feel low and dejected, someone can solve that problem altogether, that’s right – a pet. In this pandemic, a lot of pets have lost their homes and some have been fortunate enough to end up in these shelters. Adopting a pet from your local shelter would allow you to give a new life to an animal who needs it. In return, they will shower you with lots of love and attention.
Pets are known to bring a lot of joy to our lives. Moreover, they keep us fit, lower our stress levels, and make our immune system even stronger. What more reasons do you need to get yourself a paw-some furry friend?
9. 1, 2, 3, It’s Time for Aerobics!
Aerobics is a form of physical exercise that involves rhythmic exercises focused on cardiovascular conditioning. It is the perfect exercise for people who wish to improve their flexibility, muscular strength, and cardiovascular fitness. For those who cannot exercise without music or are interested in dancing, aerobic dance is the perfect workout. Thousands of videos that walk you through different aerobic routines can be found on YouTube.
So put on some music and tie your shoelaces because it’s time for some exercise!
By Srishti Singh
