In the wake of COVID 19, many countries around the world are currently on lockdown. We’re guessing by now you’ve tried and exhausted all activities that are possible to do indoors. Likely binged watched series you promised yourself you never would, got on your flatmate’s nerves and sent the cat into hiding in protest of extreme cuddling. Not to worry! We put together a list of things you can do from the comfort of your couch, to hack the quarantine period.

 

1. Take care of yourself

In times like this, we know how easy it is to sink into a zombie mode powered by pyjamas, Netflix and the trusty couch. Don’t give in. Set a routine for yourself that requires using your body and brain. Reserve uninterrupted time for work and study. Cook and eat healthy meals if possible. Make that Master Chef fantasy a reality. Exercise. Practice mindfulness. If you need some help to get started, the internet is exploding with free apps, videos and great reading material on how to do just that. Your health and wellbeing is a top priority, now more than ever. Invest in yourself. 

 

2. Stay in touch with loved ones

One of the best things you can do right now is to pick up the phone and call your loved ones. Check-in with your parents and grandparents, and make sure they are doing well. That one friend you’ve been meaning to call since your high school reunion 10 years ago. Well, give him a call. If you are in the low-risk category for catching the contagion, perhaps you could help your elderly neighbour to pick up groceries or medication. Quarantine or not, we humans are social creatures. So use the mind-boggling variety of technology available at your fingertips to connect with each other.

 

3. Keep yourself posted

During times like this, it’s quite easy to get cut off from the rest of the world. Escaping from the everyday hustle and bustle is, of course, a good thing, especially to reenergise and get in touch with your true self. However, it’s also really important to stay updated with current news and ways of the world. Find out what the latest decisions taken by your city and country are. Touch base with your employer and work team, so you know what to expect and is expected. However, make sure to access information released through reliable sources, and avoid engaging or contributing to the fake news frenzy.

 

4. Fine-tune your job hunting skills

Did you know that Shakespeare wrote some of his finest work when Europe was in lockdown due to the plague? So what better time to unleash and outgrow your potential than now? Update your CV and LinkedIn profile, making sure they’re on par with the current trends. Whip out a few motivational letter templates, that can be customized easily. Start working on that portfolio you’ve been postponing for the better part of the last decade. Here are some resources uniquely curated by us to help you get started.

 

5. Find your dream job

Are you searching for a job you don’t have to settle for? Let’s be honest, who isn’t? Use this time to engage in some quality job hunting. Even if you’re not looking for immediate work, it’s highly recommended to stay up-to-date with the latest job market trends. How have the positions in your area of expertise evolved? What are the qualifications and technologies employers are looking for? Has the average salary bracket changed, and does that mean you should renegotiate your own salary? Finding answers to these questions will really help you reach level 2.0 of your career. Why not start with the Startuplifers job site, where you can find the latest positions from top startups in Silicon Valley.

In a nutshell, we are privileged to live in a world where access is not limited by physical quarantines. Look at this phase as a learning curve to be more creative, innovative and curious. Challenge yourself to use this time to your advantage. 

More importantly, stay safe, healthy and happy!