From a Distance

ISOLATION NATION

Just because you’re self-isolating, it doesn’t mean you have to go on a month-long Netflix binge (although if that’s what you need to do to keep you sane, we are here for it!). Here are a few simple suggestions on things you can do to keep your mind, body and soul in shape while you’re stuck indoors. By Sarah Fung

ENRICH YOURSELF

 Learn a skill Take your pick from online courses and tutorials to learn something new. Platforms such as Udemy, General Assembly, Ted-Ed, Get Smart, Skill Share and Duolingo offer free or paid short courses that allow you to brush up your skills, whether it’s graphic design, photography, languages or even how to change a car tyre.

 Catch up on documentaries Sure, bingeing a decade’s worth of “Friends” is tempting, but you could also use this quiet time to finally get to those documentaries you’ve been meaning to watch.

 Download a new podcast Thought-provoking, educational or just plain hilarious, podcasts are where new ideas are shaped. If the endless news cycle is getting you down, give your brain a boost with a podcast instead.

 Get arty Load up on arts supplies and discover your inner crafter. Whether it’s cross stitch, water colours, scrapbooking or making miniature dioramas of Hong Kong street scenes, there’s a craft out there for you.

 Get (or stay) fit There are literally hundreds of apps, websites, YouTube channels and IG accounts dedicated to offering free fitness programmes. Pick one you like and set aside an hour each day to work up a sweat.

SORT YOUR LIFE OUT

 Digital declutter Time to delete old apps and photos from your laptop or phone, unsubscribe from unwanted mailing lists, and sort all your digital documents. It’s boring, but so worth it when you free up all that storage space.

 Have a clear-out Always wanted to reorganise your wardrobe, Marie Kondo your paperwork, and cull the clutter? Now’s your chance!

 Sort out your will A bit morbid, but this is one of those “mañana” tasks that you’re better off tackling now.

 Do a financial audit This is an excellent opportunity to go through your bank statements and get a clear picture of your incomings and outgoings.

 Finally write that book Or blog, or Wikipedia page, or Harry Potter fanfiction. Whatever floats your boat.

 Try out new recipes Follow your favourite chefs or recipe blogs/IG accounts, and get creative in the kitchen.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

 Reconnect with friends Have a lunch date over Skype, write old-fashioned letters to relatives overseas, or have a fourway conference over wine. We need to check in with each other more than ever.

 Practice stillness Feel like you’re going nuts? Meditation apps like Headspace or Insight Timer can help quiet those racing thoughts.

 Practice an attitude of gratitude It might be tough right now, but it’s worth taking a moment to write down the things you feel grateful for.

 Read less news While it’s important to stay aware of the current situation, bingeing on a stream of doom-laden articles isn’t good for your mental health. Pick a few trusted sites and try to limit your check-ins.

OR… ENACT CHAOS MODE! If all of these ideas just feel like an unattainable nightmare of self-improvement claptrap, here are our alternative suggestions:

 Amen to ramen Have a competition with your Whatsapp group to see who can make the weirdest meal out of instant noodles. Ramen sandwich, ramen bake, superfood ramen salad sprinkled with turmeric and quinoa… the options are endless!

 Email bingo See if you can shoehorn the following words into your WFH out-of-office email: “henceforth,” “curtailment,” “hunker,” “apocalypse” and “synergy.”

 Get drunk and go Amazon shopping What surprises will arrive on your doorstep in 2-4 weeks? Only time will tell!

 Find out once and for all whether human hair is selfcleaning Spoiler alert: it’s not!

 Quarantine cocktail hour What exciting drinks can you make with a selection of weird liquors left over from Christmas 2015, a shriveled up cucumber, and a tin of pineapple chunks you found in the back of the cupboard?