21 Things To do During 30-Day Lockdown

Time to make lemonade out of life’s lemons. And, when you have an unprecedented 21-day lockdown staring at you, take it one day at a time. Instead of getting bogged down by the thought, take each of those days as an opportunity to build new skills, explore hobbies and do things you’ve always wanted to.

The Reader’s Digest team has compiled a list of ideas for you to explore:

1. GIVE YOUR HOUSE A MAKEOVER

Tired of seeing the same old seating/dining arrangements, day in, day out? With a lockdown in full progress, this may be a good time to rejig the decor and give your home a fresh new look. Change the curtains, move your tables, chairs and sofas around the house to try out new combinations. Besides burning good calories, who knows, this activity could help you hit the reset button and let you escape the drudgery of same-old.

2. BE A SOCIAL BUTTERFLY—ON THE PHONE

There are at least half a dozen people, at any given point of time that you need to call back. An elderly aunt, that slightly touchy friend, or your former colleague—you really meant to call them back, but … you know how it is. This is a good time to find out how your friends and family are doing; if the seniors among them are coping well. Spread the warmth and stay bonded.

3. FIND THE BOOKWORM IN YOU

This is a no-brainer to be honest. Besides being a great entertainer, this can be a great use of your me-time, simply because you will enhance your knowledge of people, society, history and culture. Also, research suggests that reading books keeps you smarter and more empathetic. Perhaps, the secret to getting through these times all in one piece is hidden in one of those books lying on your bookshelf unread for the longest time?

 

4. SHOW YOURSELF SOME LOVE

Your pet gripe has been that you never get any time for yourself? Over the next three weeks, indulge in some self-care. Ask your partner to give you a hair massage. Or, make a face pack using ingredients at home.

Here’s a simple hack: mix three tablespoons of lemon juice with a tablespoon of turmeric powder, apply it on your face, leave it for 15-20 minutes and then wash if off. This will leave your face moistened and glowing.

5. TRY DIGITAL HOUSEKEEPING

Your home may be spick and span, but your digital life is a mess: photos all scattered, the music is from god-knows-when, old text files that need to be cleaned up. Not to mention a systems backup and an updation of your operating system. Most important, you need to change your passwords and keep them safe.

6. BUILD A NEW BODY

You need to do an activity for 3 weeks for it to become a habit, they earlier said. Even though that has been disproved, fitness experts will vouch for the fact that you can see the effects of exercise in this time. If you have been thinking of getting fitter, take up yoga or Pilates, or join a functional workout class from home. Many yoga and fitness trainers are offering classes online at this time—follow them on their social media pages to find the best option. What’s more, the fitness and aerobics videos on YouTube can be real fun!

7. SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

With the supply of commodities shrinking up, this is a good time to re-evaluate what you should consider ‘essentials’. Most of us have acquired too many belongings that complicate our life. Trying to maintain them and keep track of them, we feel stressed and irritated. It sounds like extreme privilege, but it’s true. Try and figure out what you really need and what you don’t. This is a good time to do some trimming and lighten up.Rest assured, the experience will help you gain a completely different perspective on your life. You will realize the number of things you take for granted in your day-to-day life, and the few that you really need.

8. CONNECT WITH MEMORIES

Going through old photo albums—and arranging them in the process—can bring us unbidden joy. A study carried out by Peter Naish, Doctor of Psychology at The Open Psychology, found that flipping through photo albums makes you significantly happier than chocolate, music, watching TV or your favourite cocktail. The tests, carried out on three groups, compared their moods using the aforementioned mood improvers, with those looking at their favourite photographs being the happiest. Sit with your old pictures one of these days to travel back in time and connect with happier, simpler days.

9. LET THE CREATIVITY FLOW

Is that guitar that you bought a few years ago gathering dust in your closet? Dust it off. Make it a habit to sit in front of your notes and practice. There are literally dozens of YouTube tutorials that you can access. Learn to dance or take to karaoke. Bring-out your inner Elvis.

Not musically inclined? You could learn a new language too. There are very decent language tutorials available online. You need to be disciplined if you are serious about this and carry on even after the lockdown.

10. DO AN ONLINE COURSE; SKILL UP/RE-SKILL

Several reputed universities are offering free online courses. They range from public speaking to blockchain technology and almost everything in between. Standford University’s online.stanford.edu and MIT’s openlearning.mit.edu are among the most popular.

TED-Ed (ed.ted.com) is another platform that has high-quality videos on various topics. There are many other online learning websites that charge you for the courses, but it may be worth the time and money. Check out sites like Udemy, Skillshare, Coursera, and others.Some human resource departments of companies are asking their employees to skill-up during the lockdown. Try to go back to your office with skill-sets that may serve you in the future.

11. PREPARE BETTER FOR THE NEXT CRISIS

You don’t have to be like Sheldon Cooper of The Big Bang Theory while preparing for the next emergency, but hey we need to stay alert. Consult your financial advisor on how can you respond to a crisis of this scale the next time. You need to understand how much money to put away as an emergency fund, should you have a relook at your medical insurance? Also, what about your bleeding equity portfolio, because of the stock market crash?

How well prepared are you at home? Look at your daily essentials, medicines, etc. You will avoid ‘panic-buying’ situations if you are generally well-stocked. We are not recommending hoarding, but having a stocked-up home pantry is always useful. Be prepared for the next emergency, while hoping that it never comes.

12. LEARN TO COOK UP A STORM

Can’t tell the difference between a spatula and spaghetti? Got the neighbourhood dhaba on speed dial? Fret not, cooking isn’t rocket science and there’s no dearth to the online videos, recipes, and kitchen hacks that can help you navigate this unfamiliar terrain. Reach out to friends and family for cooking tips. You can also begin a book of family recipes.

Cooking need not be a solo endeavour—involve the kids, partner or roommate by splitting tasks or call a bunch of friends on a group video call. Even if you’re by yourself, put on some music, pour some wine and you’ve got a party!

13. START A BOOK CLUB—ONLINE

This is a good time as any other to start an online club. Decide on a book or a theme your circle wants to explore and get cracking. In fact, a book club can be a great way to get to know more like-minded people and expand your circle. Set a couple of ground rules, such as ‘agree to disagree’, ‘let’s hear from everyone’, to help the book club be a space for a lively, enjoyable discussion and not descend into argumentative chaos.

Pick a date and time, get together on remote conferencing platforms such as zoom or Google Hangouts, crack open a bottle of wine (if you were lucky to go into the lockdown with liquor handy) and have yourselves an online book club party.

14. JOIN THE CONVERSATION

This quarantine, make the most of your social media platforms. Don’t stick to keeping tabs on your extended network, or stalking an ex but truly engage with the medium. Participate in social media challenges and the tag-along games that are doing the rounds. Use your Instagram stories or your tweets to crowdsource movie recommendations, new music suggestions or start a discussion. This can help you reconnect with old friends, be part of larger ongoing conversations and could help alleviate the cabin fever you will soon be experiencing.

15. QUIT A BAD HABIT

If you’ve been dragging your feet, setting intentions but finding yourself lacking in will, this government-mandated lockdown can be the period you go cold turkey on that niggling bad habit you have always wanted to get rid of: smoking, sugar or caffeine dependence. The science behind breaking a bad habit: know your triggers, capitalize on life-altering changes (hello, quarantine) or replace your bad habit with a good one. Plus, the lockdown introduces a new barrier—the lack of access to your vice—which can finally be the push you needed all along.

16. GET ORGANIZED

We’ve all got that one drawer (or more) chock-full of paperwork that we’ve never had time to sift through and organize. Whether its bills, receipts, doctor’s prescriptions, insurance or financial papers, use your lockdown time to turn that mountain into a molehill by sorting through.

Apart from freeing up space and de-cluttering your storage, you’ll get the added benefit of having all critical documents filed in one place so you’re not turning the house upside down when you really need them. Got an important document that you don’t need a physical copy of? Digitize them! Take a picture or scan them using free apps like Adobe Scan to convert them into PDFs. Store these on cloud-based storage platforms, so you have 24/7 access.

17. BRING HOME THE OUTSIDE

With all the time spent at home, it’s a good idea to bring the outside into your living spaces, and the easiest way to do that is by growing a home garden. Not only do plants make your home more aesthetic, they purify the air, give you a fun way to stay fit and add to your meals as well.

Vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplants, pumpkins, chillis, bell peppers, onions, gourd and okra are all fairly easy to grow at home as are herbs such as mint, lemongrass, basil, mustard, coriander, garlic, ginger, or even greens, such as spinach and lettuce. You’ll need a place that gets at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight, a water source close by and any container that is around 12 inches in diameter and height. You can be less stringent with house plants such as ficus, arrowheads, or money plants. Repurpose old bottles, cans, utensils or crockery and use them as planters instead.

18. PLAN YOUR NEXT VACAY

What better time than a lockdown to think of all the places you always wanted to travel! Make a bucket list (if you don’t have one), and start working on your next trip. If you have zeroed in on a country/city, research on the must-see and the hidden gems, places where you want to eat, where you want to shop. Get that itinerary ready. The pleasure of arm-chair travel is unique!

19. RELIVE YOUR CHILDHOOD

As children, most of us loved playing board games, be it Ludo, snakes-and-ladder or Scrabble. Some of these games must still be lying in some corner of the house, gathering dust. It’s time to brush the dust off and get playing with the family. Once you are done with your work-from-home, you can sit with the family every evening for a round or two. Relive your childhood as you play with your children.

20. IT’S SPRING—TIME FOR SPRING CLEANING

You have a closet that is bursting at the seams. You know that you won’t wear half of the clothes ever and yet you continue to hoard. Put away the woolens, clean your closet and make a pile of clothes that you can give away. In fact, you can do this for the entire house.

21. MAKE YOUR WISH LIST FOR LIFE POST-LOCKDOWN

Three weeks is a long time, but know that this too shall pass. Make a list of all the things you want to do once the lockdown is lifted—selling your old car, visiting the dentist, meeting your best friend over coffee and giving her a hug, playing football, taking your elderly aunt out for dinner, or just going back to walking in the park!

COVID-19 is a respiratory condition caused by a coronavirus. Some people are infected but don’t notice any symptoms. Most people will have mild symptoms and get better on their own. But about 1 in 6 will have severe problems, such as trouble breathing. The odds of more serious symptoms are higher if you’re older or have another health condition like diabetes or asthma.

Here’s what to look for if you think you might have COVID-19.

Common Symptoms

According to information gathered from researchers in China, the most comon symptoms among people who had COVID-19 include:

• Fever 83%-99%
• Cough 59%-82%
• Fatigue 44%-70%
• Lack of appetite 40%-84%
• Shortness of breath 31%-40%
• Mucus/phlegm 28%-33%
• Body aches 11%-35%Symptoms usually begin 2 to 14 days after you come into contact with the virus.

  Other symptoms may include:

  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Stuffy nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

  If you have any of these symptoms, isolate yourself. This means staying away from other people as much as possible, even members of your family. Stay in a specific “sick room,” and use a separate bathroom if you can. If you have symptoms and are at high risk of complications because of your age or other health conditions, call your doctor in addition to isolating yourself.

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  • Reference 

  Signs and Symptoms of Coronavirus

  COVID-19 is a respiratory condition caused by a coronavirus. Some people are infected but don’t notice any symptoms. Most people will have mild symptoms and get better on their own. But about 1 in 6 will have severe problems, such as trouble breathing. The odds of more serious symptoms are higher if you’re older or have another health condition like diabetes or asthma.

  Here’s what to look for if you think you might have COVID-19.

  Common Symptoms

  According to information gathered from researchers in China, the most comon symptoms among people who had COVID-19 include:

  • Fever 83%-99%
  • Cough 59%-82%
  • Fatigue 44%-70%
  • Lack of appetite 40%-84%
  • Shortness of breath 31%-40%
  • Mucus/phlegm 28%-33%
  • Body aches 11%-35%

  Symptoms usually begin 2 to 14 days after you come into contact with the virus.

  Other symptoms may include:

  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Stuffy nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

  If you have any of these symptoms, isolate yourself. This means staying away from other people as much as possible, even members of your family. Stay in a specific “sick room,” and use a separate bathroom if you can. If you have symptoms and are at high risk of complications because of your age or other health conditions, call your doctor in addition to isolating yourself.

  Serious Symptoms

  Call a doctor or hospital right away if you have one or more of these COVID-19 symptoms:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Constant pain or pressure in your chest
  • Bluish lips or face
  • Sudden confusion

  You need medical care as soon as possible. Call your doctor’s office or hospital before you go in. This will help them prepare to treat you and protect medical staff and other patients. 

• COVID-19
  

• Lab can tell if  is what’s causing your symptoms. But the tests can be hard to find, and there’s no treatment if you do have the disease. So you don’t need to get tested if you have no symptoms or only mild ones. Call your doctor or your local health department if you have questions.

Easy home workouts during the lockdown.

Exercising isn’t just an activity; it’s a way of life for most people. They love working out and spending time at the gym as it gives them a feeling of refreshment and satisfaction. However, we are now forced to stay inside amidst the recent coronavirus outbreak. As a result, we are not allowed to go outside for a jog or spend time at our favourite gyms.  

In response, you can continue to stay fit and healthy with an effective home workout plan. This can help both gym enthusiasts and those who wish to stay healthy.

Staying at home for an indefinite period can easily make a person lethargic and unhealthy. This is why it is important to adopt a home workout in your daily schedule. Go through the following section to learn some easy exercises that you can do without any gym equipment.  

Best Exercises for Home Workout during Quarantine 

Before starting any home workout, it is important to warm your body up for exercise. This will help you get the initial energy to do the rest of the exercises given below. For this, simply get up and march on the spot for about 60 seconds.  

Thereafter, go through the following section to learn about the best exercises and how to do them effectively. The following exercises at home aim to give you a full-body workout. 

The Bridge 

The bridge is a bodyweight exercise that will help to strengthen your core and hamstrings. This at-home workout improves posture, largely thanks to its focus on the lower back and hip. The bridge is also one of the easiest exercises for beginners. 

Directions: 

1. Put a yoga mat or any piece of cloth on the floor. Lie on your back while facing the ceiling.
2. Next, position your feet flat and extend your arms by your side.
3. Raise your bottom until your hips are fully widened by squeezing your upper glutes.

Return to the starting position slowly and repeat. Perform this exercise in sets of 2 with 10 repetitions. After that, rest for at least 1 minute. 

Knee Push-up 

This home workout isused primarily for the core and arms. By including the knee push-up as part of your workout plans at home, you will be able to improve your standard push-up position.  

Directions: 

1. Start from the standard push-up position but, instead of your feet, place your knees on the floor.
2. Your feet should be slightly lifted from your knees.
3. Then, bend your elbows up and down like normal push-ups while maintaining a straight position from your head to the knees.

Repeat this exercise in sets of 2 with 16 repetitions. Take some rest for 1 minute.  

Squats 

Squats are another home workout idea that strengthens your core and balance. Moreover, doing this lower bodyweight exercise at home is good for toning your gluteus maximus.  

Directions: 

1. Widen your feet parallel to your shoulder and extend your arms in front of you.
2. Bend your knees and your hips slightly and then do the traditional squat position.
3. Push up using your heels and repeat.  
    

Keep doing this home workout in sets of 2 with 20 repetitions and then rest for 1 minute as before.

Straight-Leg Donkey Kicks 

Donkey kicks are an amazing exercise that should be added to your workout plans at home. This helps in building your glutes and core, as well as engaging your quad muscles.  

Directions: 

1. Place your knees and your palms on the floor and keep your back straight.
2. Imagine you’re kicking something with one leg and push your right leg in a straight position.
3. Return to the start position and repeat.

Perform this home workout for both legs with 10 repetitions each.  

Plank 

For an easy exercise at home, go for planks. Planks are a great exercise for core strengthening, especially if you’re seeking a challenge. Moreover, you can try several variations of this home workout to suit your fitness needs.

Directions: 

1. Lie on the ground in a push-up position.
2. Next, balance your body on your elbows.
3. Finally, hold this position for about 30 seconds.

You can attempt planks in intervals and in between other exercises. Hold the position for 30 seconds and slowly try to increase it to a full minute. 

Side-Lying Hip Abduction 

With the side-lying hip-abduction, you can strengthen your hips in a few simple steps. Including this exercise in your home workout can also help to cut lower belly and side belly fats.

Directions: 

1. Lie on the floor on your left side and extend your legs in a straight position.
2. Lift your right leg, but don’t open up too much of your leg by straining your hips.
3. Return to the starting position and repeat.

Perform this exercise on either side with 10 repetitions each.   

Crunches 

Crunches are another important exercise for your abs that should be added to your home workout. Not, of course, to be confused with squats, doing crunches is one of the most effective bodyweight exercises to strengthen your body core.  

Directions: 

1. Lie on the floor and rest on your back. Ensure that your knees are bent, and feet are touching the floor.
2. Put your hands behind your head and then lift both your chest and your legs slightly but leave a gap between them.
3. Go back to the starting position and repeat.

Do this exercise for 15 repetitions and rest for at least one minute.  

Stationary Lunge 

If you’re looking for a home workout with a focus on glutes, stationary lunges might be of interest to you. This lower bodyweight exercise also provides strength to your calves and improves balance.  

Directions: 

1. Stand up straight and split your right leg behind with your left leg forward. It should look like you’re preparing to run.
2. Place your hands on your hips. Bend your right leg, leaving a little gap between the floor and the knee.
3. Subsequently, switch your legs and do the same.

You can do this exercise for 20 repetitions before taking a break of one minute.

In Closing

To conclude, bodyweight exercises are a great way to start your day and get the blood pumping in your body. Exercising at home can be a difficult process to start but is highly rewarding.

corona: Prevention Is The Cure

By now ,most of us have heard a about
” Corona ” or “Covid 19 “virus which had took life of thousands , over the world and infected around million people across the Globe .
If we will talk about india, it took us , forty days to reach the first 50 cases, five more days to reach 100 cases, three more days to reach 150 cases and then just two more days to reach 200 cases. From here on, things will escalate for sure.

After the largest single-day increase in the number of novel coronavirus cases in India, it has never been clearer that the pandemic is upon us and the next few weeks are going to throw up a scenario that many still find hard to imagine.

At this rate of growth, and assuming the 3.4 per cent fatality rate relative to confirmed cases calculated by the World Health Organization, India is headed for nearly a million confirmed cases by the end of May and over 30,000 deaths. These are conservative estimates.

We Indians, as always taking it half jokingly or maybe waiting for a magic wand to appear and virus will be gone overnight.
Nothing like this will happen this time people, because no one and nothing can help you in fight from this unseen enemy ,you have to fight in dark. You will have to follow government instructions carefully and you will have to stay at home .
Because it’s a virus which spread through chain and your safety is not in hands of yours only, but it depend on others too. You will not know for a long time if you are unknowingly carrier of this virus. By the time you will come to know ,you had already infected more people and they in turn others. It’s like a tickling time bomb , with no fix timer. So, Instead of cribbing and whinning, be thankful that you are spending time with your family.

We have already seen that how Countries like Italy, China and USA have suffered with it despite their top class healthcare system . You can only imagine which kind of havoc it will create in country like ours where we have poor healthcare system and almost no awareness.

Be afraid people ,be really afraid. Stay safe and keep your love one safe too. Because its here for real and you have already wasted precious time in making memes and jokes over Corona instead of spreading awareness and taking safety measures.
Government can’t do everything ,you have to do your deed too.

Stay safe ,stay indoors. Keep yourself healthy.