How to take practical advantage of isolation

[Croix]

Dear All

I wonder if it might be an idea for people to say all the actual things that can be done while cooped up in isolation. Things they do themselves or recommend for others.
If you can think of something that has constantly occupied or distracted you, or better yet has had a concrete positive outcome one can point to later on that would be perfect (within the bounds of decency of course:)

We already have a very popular thread on how to assist in coping with the virus

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/coping-during-the-coronavirus-o...

and I'd really like this one to be on a different theme, practical occupations.

So I will start the ball rolling with two, the first right here on the Forum:

• Jot down a happy memory for you and others to take enjoyment from in the future in this thread
  
  https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/store-your-happy-memories-here-
  
  

• The second is external and an ongoing challenge:
  
  Correct the National Library’s many mistakes in all the digitized newspapers from the 1800’s onwards to the 1950's. This can be fascinating and lead you not only to make resources better for all, but can even lead you to snippets of your own family history. Plus discover blogs, podcasts and all sorts of other areas.
  
  Would you believe there is an editors' Hall of Fame for public contributors!
  
  I admit the content of the link below seems a trifle imposing, but once you get started it can be completely absorbing, plus library staff (yes they are still on duty) are very friendly and helpful.
  
  https://help.nla.gov.au/trove/digitised-newspapers/text-correction-guidelines
  
  As someone who has to spend a lot of time stuck at home anyway I’d be most interested in your occupations (not so much on cooking I'm afraid – I’m on a diet:(
  
  Croix

[WanderingAround]

Those are awesome suggestions.

I would like to suggest learning a new Language, or improving your ability in one you already know. There are apps to facilitate - Duolingo is my favourite, there are many.

After you reach a level where you can read or listen, start trying to read your favourite books, translated to your new Language, when they exist. This is very good because you revisit an old friend (books are some of my best friends), and you will learn new words easier from the context of a story you already know.

Try listening to music in that Language from your favourite style. As an example, I was learning French many years ago and found French punk rock is awesome! (Pro tip - sing along)

Finally, with the immense amount of material in YouTube and others, you will be able to watch videos in your favourite subjects.

An advanced bonus, there are many classics written in Languages other than English. How about reading 'Discours de la méthode' from Descartes, or watching a favourite movie again understanding the original audio?

It may open new doors to you, and the way technology enables us, you don't need to spend a dollar (for the content, there are many resources free, like books that no longer have any copyright and are freely and legally downloadable).

A curious memory - As I was learning French, one of the books I read and comes to my mind in these times is The Martian, from Andy Weir. In French, it's called "Seul sur Mars". If you never watched the movie, or read the book, it's about one astronaut, stranded on Mars, by himself, for over a year. Eating only potatoes, tomato sauce and the movie makes no mention of toilet paper.

I hope this is useful. Maybe one day, after all of this is over, you can visit a country that speaks that Language and use your new skill.

Learning a new Language takes patience and dedication. You need to commit some time every day and keep yourself in touch with it, or it will slowly slip away. But don't worry. Some study will recover it easily. So set a schedule but take this as a hobby and you will enjoy it even more. Hey, maybe you will learn more than one Language.

It's a great topic. I look forward to reading your suggestions.

[Croix]

Dear All~

Thanks WanderingAround, that sounds an excellent method with a new ability to show for it that opens up further possibilities.

I though I'd turn to those for whom study or computers were not to their liking.

I was talking to a friend the other day who mentioned "Diamond Painting", which sounded rather expensive:)Then it was explained that you stick a mass of individual tiny colored glass beads on a canvas, a bit like painting with numbers using beads, however you end up with a very different sort of picture, highly attractive and changes with the light. Has anyone had a go at this?

Croix

[monkey_magic]

Hi Croix and all,

I've heard of and looked up diamond painting before but haven't done one ....yet.

Being at home I was thinking of buying canvases and creating artworks with paints.

Colouring in intricate colouring books.

At home exercises to loose weight.

Selling clothes and other things on-line.

Getting involved with online sites for eg a group where u get feedback and give feedback on people's poetry.

Writing a book.

Trying new recipes.

Buying a pet.

That's all I can think of for now.

Keep safe everyone!

[quirkywords]

Croix, Thanks for this thread. In the corana virus thread I mentioned that we could think of a project to do while at home.

My list is old school and does not involve a computer, like monkeys list.

* open at any page of the dictionary and choose a word and look at the meaning .

*sort out old photgraphs

* use excess photographs to make a collage

* use old calendars and make placemats or cards.

*sort out your sock drawer

* make a mosaic out of broken china

*sort our your plastic container drawer and see how many more lids than containers you have.

*see how many sticky tape and scissors you have

*Learn a new skill

*

[LaurieD]

Great idea Croix 🙂

- drawing & painting = there are heaps of learning videos on Youtube; Johanna Basford has Inky Art School

- set up a blog & write funny/quirky stories

- beading & embroidery = many cultures have intricate & beautiful styles

- whittle wood, carve, polish

- daydream and contemplate life

- sow fast-growing flowers eg Cosmos & sit among them

- write handwritten letters, scan & send via email (can't do snail mail I assume)

- learn how to sew, play the piano, a language, write calligraphy - something absorbing and enjoyable for you

- pick a topic of interest and research it, learn all about it then pick another topic

- personally I dislike housework but some people love to do it

Depends on a person's temperament & talents. Make friends with "boredom" and do something anyway, even if it's just watching an ant trail. Look around you and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary that perhaps was missed in the humdrum and busyness of life.

Laurie xo

[Croix]

Dear All, but specifically:

Dear MM~

I think your suggestions are pretty good, however there's one that stands out head and shoulders above the rest: "Write a book" (if it is not harmful to you to recall). Not being on this forum would allow you more latitude, and you could still preserve your anonymity.

I've known you since you first came here and from the references you made to your past together the the things you have endured since your words and experiences would make a handbook that could be used in may professional organizations as well as to the ordinary reader.

Dear Quirky~

Only you could suggest "open at any page of the dictionary and choose a word and look at the meaning". Your love of books, literature and words shines through, and is a great thing. Please don't think I'm trying to be funny, quite the opposite, I share your enthusiasm exactly.

Dear Laurie~

The 'art' of letter-writing is being eroded fast as email and texts from hte keyboard or dictation overtake it. For pure efficiency I guess htat is the way to go, however in the process effort, style and time to ponder can be lost. A hand-written letter is something special, denoting the writer cares and is prepared to take the time to speak.

So you have though of everything, including the difficulty of actually sending it!

Thanks

Croix

[Quercus]

As always Croix, this thread is a God send.

Thank you and thanks to everyone sharing ideas.

For parents like me (who have school aged kids) learning to homeschool is an occupation in itself.

I've rearranged the lounge so the kids have desks to work. Organised craft supplies and books etc. Hubby printed all their work the school sent. Have to work out how to use my phone for their online work but it's all stuff to keep me busy I guess.

Craft has been a blessing. I make up any activity I can think of every day. We did paper mache Easter baskets. Made castles out of boxes for the dolls. Painted rocks. Made a marble run out of LEGO.

Also...So what if you don't have kids at home? Google images of DIY kids crafts and activities and go for it. Search for upcycling ideas and hopefully you can reuse stuff you already have so no shopping is required. YouTube has amazing craft ideas using household stuff.

Kids toys and games are worth considering at any age too.

LEGO is amazing and challenging. I like it more than my kids do now. Something I look forward to is buying some LEGO for myself one day when we have money.

Then there are mechanical puzzles, magnetic games. Jigsaw puzzles.

Outdoor games like totem tennis are great. Handball in the driveway. Chalk on the concrete.

We play board games. Hubby taught us to play dominos. Challenge yourself to build a card Tower. Solitaire.

DIY projects you've put off. I washed the windows. Washed the dogs. Am sanding the door frame ready to varnish the wood again. Gardening.

Check for nature apps to try. There are projects all the time wanting people to provide data from around Australia. Take photos and identify your backyard plants or insects. See if your local area has nature groups with websites to contribute on. Our local nature group has a page where you send info and photos of plants or animals you see. I sent photos of a burrowing frog on our block. People send wildflower sightings too.

There are so many activities to enjoy out there. Sometimes I think as adults we have learned to always be too busy to allow ourselves the time to have fun.

[Croix]

Dear Quercus~

I think you have mentioned on of the things that is going to keep people more occupied tan they really want.Trying to interface with the school and help children to do their lessons is an enormous challenge.

It can be quite wearing for both parties and a fair degree of humor plus give and take may well be needed

A close family member has been allowed to work from home due to no school, however its a pretty big ask, supervising a child and still trying to give the same concentration to work as if you were there.

Maybe it's practice.

Has anyone found a good balance?

Croix

[Guest_1055]

Hello all

Quercus I homeschooled my son right up until year 6. It was by choice. It was one of the best times of my life. Think you grow closer as a family. Also siblings often learn to be good friends and can grow closer together.