Thursday, April 9, 2020

Quarantine Week Four Update

How to keep busy now that the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) has been extended



It's been four weeks since we've been asked to stay at home to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. It was fun, at first, at least. Since I'm an introvert, I don't mind staying at home for a long period of time. I enjoy having me time and quiet time.. but a whole month of it? Well, that seems like a lot. I miss random visits to the mall just because I feel like walking around. I miss sitting in coffee shops, people-watching, and spoiling myself with the occasional Php 150 cup of flat white. I'm not complaining though, as I mentioned in my previous post, I'm pretty lucky, considering the situation out there. I'm just saying, there's only so much we can do at home. Keep busy during the ECQ by doing some (or all) of the following:

1. Experiment in the kitchen
I've been seeing a lot of people trying out new recipes, mostly food hacks like Shakey's Mojos and Jollibee's Tuna Pie using only tasty bread. A lot of these use ingredients that are pretty easy to acquire and there's really no better time to try your hand at cooking.. after all, you're at home all day. Right? Oh, and let's not forget the whole Dalgona Coffee fad.
That time we made peri-peri chicken. P.S. Check out tips on smart grocery shopping here.

2. Read a book
I know reading isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it's a great way to improve one's grasp of a specific language. I used to read Archie Comics when I was younger and I feel like it helped me speak better English. I know it's just a comic but I swear, it did. And there are all sorts of books out there - self-help, romance, fantasy, mystery/thriller, humor - you just really have to find what works for you.

3. Exercise
I used to hate working out. I got a membership at a gym one time, but I never really took it seriously and ended up cancelling it in less than a year. I enjoyed boxing for a time, but that's not something I can see myself doing again anytime soon. So luckily, I found some really great cardio workouts on YouTube. It's not as intense, which I absolutely love, and I'm not as pressured since each workout only lasts 15-20 minutes. Up to you if you want to do another video or just stick with one. This is the first time that I've consistently worked out. As of this writing, I'm on my third week (and I work out 5 times a week). Sundays and Mondays are rest days. Haha.
Been posting after-workout selfies for accountability. 

4. Organize your home
This is what I did during the first week of the ECQ and I'm really happy with the progress. I've separated things I want to give away from things I want to sell, and of course, the things I want to keep have been stored in their proper places. I've reorganized all my bags (I'm ashamed to say that I have quite a lot, I just love switching them up on a regular basis). I put together my extra toiletries (shampoos, conditioners, lotions, etc) in huge plastic boxes so I can easily find them when needed. 

5. Find a new hobby
I've been wanting to learn how to paint for years now, so last week, I brought out my old Koi Pocket Field Sketch Box and started watching tutorials on YouTube. Unfortunately, everyone's been saying that the paper you use is really important, and I have nothing thick enough at home, so I guess I'll have to stick with adult coloring books for now.

6. Update your website / Create a website
This is probably the most random thing on this list but I figured I'd add it since I updated my website AND created an entirely new one this week alone. I'm really happy that I've finally, FINALLY, completely the mobile version of my blog. It wasn't 100% mobile-friendly before, so apologies to everyone who've had to view the ugly thing but I promise, it looks a lot better now (feel free to check it on your phones! If you're on your phone now, let me know what you think?) I've also created a website for my in-law's plastic packaging business. It's pretty much done, I just need to update it with photos of products and maybe some action shots once the quarantine has been lifted. (For any plastic requirements, hit me up :P)

7. Netflix. All. Day.
Now, if you want to Netflix and chill, go right ahead. There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing so. I feel like people get pressured when they see other people doing more productive things but we cannot compare ourselves to them, because we each have our own ways of coping. Here are some shows I recommend: Crash Landing On You, Designated Survivor, Kingdom, Modern Family, Friends, Will & Grace, Big Bang Theory, and Jane the Virgin. P.S. If you have any recommendations for me, comment them down below!

8. Attend online classes
There are all sorts of classes you can take from the comforts of your home. But did you know that a lot of universities offer online classes for FREE? Even Harvard University has them! There's programming, humanities, business, art and design, social sciences, and more. Another one I found is OpenCulture.com. Locally, there's TESDA. And yes, it's absolutely free! ;)

9. Support local businesses
The ECQ has been making it difficult for small businesses to survive, so if you can, please order out from time to time. A lot of restaurants and home-based food entrepreneurs are still operating to serve you your favorites! Try to order in advance if you have an occasion you want to celebrate or have a specific date in mind, since most of them are on limited workforce. This way, you're not only supporting the food businesses that you're ordering from, but also the delivery guys from apps like LalaFood and Grab as well.
Beef, chicken, and laing lasagna available at Bhest Lasagna!

Other than food businesses, please also remember to support your favorite local brands! 
My favorite online shop: Izzoshop

10. Donate to our frontliners
There are a lot of organizations aimed to help support people who risk their lives on a daily basis just to make life easier for us. These are our doctors, nurses, medical staff, security guards, janitors, garbage men, delivery kuyas, bank and drugstore staff, and grocery cashiers and baggers. Please check helpfromhome.ph as it has an extensive list of institutions you can donate to.

11. Call your friends and family
Check up on your loved ones. Video calls are best. 

Remember, don't compare yourself with other people. Some of us like keeping busy and some of us enjoy chilling on the couch all day. Know that there's nothing wrong with either one. We're all different. Keep in mind that your mental health is more important than your productivity. :) Have a great rest of the week, guys!!
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