How you could spend “lockdown" productively by Kinshuk Jain, Wilson's School

Undoubtedly, the current situation is costly, with the loss of hundreds of lives daily and thousands of people succumbing to a deadly new virus, not to mention a cost of £2.4 billion daily to the UK economy.  Ordinary people who are confined to their own homes may feel that they are suffering beyond limits, but it is important to consider that the costs to us are minimal when we think of the victims of coronavirus.

In fact, many of us could possibly see “lockdown” as an opportunity. We can build new hobbies, discover new talents and widen our range of skills. Here are some of the ways you could use your lockdown wisely and productively.

1. Find an unexpected hobby

Many people’s first instinct would be to do something they are already interested in - but character development can only come from trying something new. My suggestion would be to take up something that you have never had a particular interest for before. 

My example is gardening; those who know me would never have expected me to find any enjoyment in digging up a lawn. I too wouldn’t have given any consideration to gardening as a leisure activity, and yet it has turned out to be something that I find enjoyable and somewhat liberating.

I’ve also tried my hand at being a barber - and now I’ve ruled it out as a career option.

2. Look ahead

I would also suggest using this time to prepare future events in our lives. For a student like me, it could be as simple as starting to look at next year’s course for my subjects. In the world of work, it could be building skills in order to move onto the next step of the employment ladder.

3. Spend quality time with family

You’ve probably already heard this one - but it is important. My final suggestion is to use this time to do things with your family (within the confines of your own home) that you wouldn’t normally have the time to do. Perhaps you could play games or watch shows and movies together. Whatever you do, it is important not to spend this time in the same solitary state we are normally in the hustle of normal life. 

by Kinshuk Jain