Along with the work-related concerns, there are also life issues that one has to tackle when being confined to the house. After all there’s that much small talk you can make with the father and that many questions you can answer from a mother who sucks at technology but thinks this is a great time to learn how to video chat with Sharma aunty from the second floor. Eating maa ke haath ka garma garam khana is great but the separation from your gourmet lifestyle affects not only our taste buds but also our pretentious Instagram accounts. After all, there are that many filters you can use on sabzi-roti to make it look glam. Add to that, the usual arguments with your sibling and a tu-tu-mai-mai contest over who will do the dishes and mop the floor. Your only distraction is probably the news but you turn on any channel and it feels like the world will end in the next three minutes. The anxiety and stress keeps piling on so does your work. Of course by now work-life balance has become a distant dream. But you can’t give just yet. The quarantine could be endless and you got to get a grip of things. And you need to be stimulated. But how does one do all of that and remain positive during these grim times? After all, there are that many shows you can watch and that many old books you can read. How do you then be productive? A 21-day lockdown is a perfect span of time to form a habit, any habit. Maybe it’s time for us to channel our inner Baba Ramdev and get on that yoga routine we have always wanted to. Or maybe pick up a new skill set like cooking, so when your friend who lives by himself WhatsApps you pictures of the cake he has baked, you can offer them tips like a Masterchef judge.A 21-day lockdown is a perfect span of time to form a habit, any habit.
This is also the best time to upskill and enroll yourself for online programs that will later help you in the job market in a post-coronavirus world. Online platforms like upGrad allow you to register for programs from some of the top global universities, provide placement support and also help with one-on-one mentoring from industry experts. Since we all spend so much time staring at screens, it would be wise to do away with a millionth rerun of F.R.I.E.N.D.S, and spend those hours in learning something new and upgrading our work portfolio. While the world re-lives the ’90s on Doordarshan, you can invoke your inner Sharma ji ka ladka and come out of this lockdown learning new things and onto a brighter path that will help your career. Working from home and the quarantine life that comes with it doesn’t have to be all glum and routine. If only you can keep yourself positive and productive by following the advice that Doctor Rustom’s father gave in Munnabhai M.B.B.S, “Carrom ramvanu, juice pivanu, maja ni life.” And may I add, ek online program karvanu. To know more, head over to https://bit.ly/Arre_upGrad_1But how does one remain positive and productive during these grim times?
