Even if the Dutch government has not announced a total lockdown for the country. Maintaining social distancing is one of the basic protective measures against the new coronavirus. Lots of companies have advised for staff to work from home and children are free from school till 6 April.
Following the live updates of coronavirus is only going to add on to your anxiety. Don't forget that this Covid-19 is here to stay for a while. So it's better to focus your energy and emotion to more useful things that you have been meaning to catch up in your life, other than work!
Here are 10 useful things to do during this coronavirus outbreak:
1. Gardening
Gardening is on the top of the list as it is now mid-March and spring is here! Well, it's also one of my favourite pass time as it lets me escape from my daily stress from work, and definitely from this corona who is messing with so many people's life. While gardening, you'll breathe some fresh air and catch some sun which both are super good for your health! March is the perfect time to sow and plant some strawberries, onions, shallots, garlic, potatoes, broad beans, carrots, parsnips, beetroot, onions, lettuces, radish, peas, spinach, summer cabbage, salad leaves, leeks, Swiss chard, kohlr abi, turnip and summer cauliflower. With the variety of vegetables that you can enjoy your organic harvest in a few months. They taste better, healthier and just in case if the supermarket is run out stock, you've got yourself covered.
2. Exercise
The gyms are closed, it should not stop you from exercising at home. No equipment, no problem! You can always put opt for bodyweight workout, or do some yoga stretching. Keep that body fit for the summer, and circulating your blood flow is always a good idea!
3. Spring cleaning
Spring is here, so it's about time to pack away the winter gears and sort out your home and get ready for the summer. Also, it gives you a chance to disinfect and do a deep cleaning at home and get rid of any virus flying around. Here are some good tips from the Japanese expert, Marie Kondo on tidying up your house.
4. Read books
I've looked around on the best book to read in 2020 so far. This list from Esquire magazine so far my favourite. If you haven't got any new books lying around, bol.com is always available with next day delivery or it's time to recharge those e-book readers!
5. Try out new recipes
If you love cooking, time like this is a good test of your skills. Get creative and try to create healthy meals from ingredients that you have at home. Whether it's a new dish or cake recipe, who knows you might discover a new family's favourite to add on your weekly repertoire.
6. Catch up on sleep
Let's face it if you are a working parent like me. Regular days in life are chaotic enough, juggling between work, taking care of the kids, home and cooking. It's a lot to handle. Since the kids are free from school, switch that alarm off and get extra sleep or even extra naps with them. While more sleep won’t necessarily prevent you from getting sick, skimping on it could adversely affect your immune system, leaving you susceptible to a bad cold or case of the flu.
7. Head to virtual museums
Although I love my trips to the contemporary art museum, I must admit that I never have time to visit them unless I'm on holiday. Here is a list of virtual museum tour that you can take from the comfort of your sofa!
8. Work on home projects
A home is a neverending project, there's always something to reconfigure, redecorate or to fix. This downtime is a great way to get on those that you've been meaning to do. I bet you'll sleep better too once you are done with them!
9. Learn a new language
I must admit, that I have been slacking on my Dutch lessons as work has been extra busy, I am hoping to squeeze in some hours of practizing Dutch on Duolingo. Duolingo has a lot of other languages available like Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese and much more!
10. Personal bonding time
Think about it, this is a bonus time to spend quality time with loved ones at home. Thanks to technology, you still can be social and check on how your friends and family are doing on the other side of the world.
PS: Updates in English from The Dutch government on coronavirus is available here.