Be open to see the world in a different light

7 MinsMay 18, 2020

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The lockdown imposed by the coronavirus has changed our lives in more ways than we had ever imagined. Every individual and business on the planet is affected in an unprecedented way. The effects will linger for quite some time and it will take time for things to go back to how they were. As the world slowly opens up, it’s time to think unconventionally and be open to doing things differently.

There are quite a few interesting things open for you to make the most of your time while staying indoors with your loved ones. All you need is a screen – mobile/laptop/tablet and an internet connection to enjoy the ‘open world’.

Experience the world from the comfort of your home

Your travel plans may have gone for a toss, but you can still experience the joy of seeing new places, virtually.

• Many museums and art galleries have opened their doors virtually for people to view the paintings and sculptures displayed.
• Sitting in front of your screen you can visit the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Musée d'Orsay in Paris, or The British Museum in London.
• Those of you who want to get a feel of the outdoors can try virtual tours of national parks and forest safaris. Some of them offering such tours are Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii and Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico.

[Also Read: Safety tips for digital transactions during a lockdown]

Fun & Frolic with friends and family

If you are missing hanging out with your friends or family, that too is possible.

• There are apps that allow you to play games like scrabble or housie or sing karaoke, with your group of friends.
• There are also apps that let you play outdoor games such as golf and football, virtually. You can also check if these support video/audio chats, enabling players to see and talk to one another, giving the feeling of actually hanging out with friends.

Exercise your grey cells

Online courses are not new but many renowned universities, Indian as well as international, are offering short-term online courses, free of charge during this period. Use these to improve your skills or learn a new skill. Some of these are certificate courses and could help you in your career.

• Harvard University is offering a variety of courses ranging from 6 to 12 weeks duration covering subjects such as programming, health and medicine, social sciences, computer science, art and design, business and humanities among others.
• Another option is IIT Delhi’s six-week course in Artificial Intelligence that will take you through its key concepts and beyond.
• You could also do a course in Computer Science Fundamentals from Stanford, which will cover the basics of computer hardware and software, digital images, coding or programming, internet technology, etc. Search the web for more such courses

Books and music: Food for your soul

You can also use the time to watch movies or plays, listen to concerts or catch up on your reading.

• Some publishing houses such as National Book Trust and Oxford University Press have made available select books and publications online free. This can be a good reference material for those of you pursuing higher studies.
• Many popular children’s comic series are also available for free during this period. This is a good way to keep children engaged.
• The Metropolitan Opera is streaming a free series of operas on the company website.

Talent corner

• If you want to do something offbeat like upcycling your old clothes or shoes or learn the Japanese art of crochet called amigurumi, there are tutorials available online.
• You can even teach yourself juggling or cocktail mixing by watching online videos. Or you can upload a video of yourself if you have a special skill and show the world your hidden talents
• With virtual becoming a virtue for some time, stay home and keep yourself safe. Exercise caution when surfing online. Click only those links which are secure, as indicated by a padlock, and download only those apps which are verified.

Apart from the recreational activities, do spare a thought on other social activities too –

Open your hearts & wallets

• As you are cooped up in your house, spare a thought for those who are not as privileged as you, and are struggling to fulfil their basic needs.
• You can do your bit by donating money to an organization that is working towards the upliftment of the not-so-privileged lot.
• Our fellow Indians need money and other assistance. This is a great time to help them. This will also set a good example for our next generation.

Open your minds

• As we come to terms with the fact that a microscopic virus can be fatal for the population at large, it is time to think about how uncertain life is. Reconnect with long lost friends and reconcile.
• Also as rightly said that health is wealth, do spend time on your health. Don’t get overwhelmed with the negativity. Choose any physical activity you like and can do indoors – yoga, aerobics, Zumba or Pilates – and rediscover a fitter you. If you need instructions there are online videos and tutorials too.

Be open to learn about money management

While we agree that money is one of the most important aspects in life, we often tend to procrastinate financial planning. Very few understand the nuances of personal finance. In the middle of this crisis and given the volatility and uncertainty, it is advisable to go back to the drawing board and chart out your finances. Using this time to learn the basics of personal finance (saving, credit, investments, insurance etc) will surely come in handy in future. You can also make use of financial calculators and consult with experts to devise a financial plan.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purpose only. The views expressed in this article are personal and do not necessarily constitute the views of Axis Bank Ltd. and its employees. Axis Bank Ltd. and/or the author shall not be responsible for any direct / indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.