Learning new skills at home!

The over two-month-long lockdown has disrupted school schedules, and confined the young powerhouses of energy to their homes, but it is difficult to keep the creative instincts locked down. Even while staying at home our enterprising school students have kept themselves occupied and productive whether it is learning new skills or working on their hobbies. The present situation has given them a chance to explore their talents in a better way. The School Tribune brings glimpses of the activities taken up by some of the students during the lockdown period. Read on for inspiration:

Balance is must

Srishti, BCM School, Basant Avenue, Ludhiana

As quarantine/lockdown has been extended, I've been trying to find a good balance between relaxing and rejuvenating whilst also being productive. With summative essays, final exams, and dissertations still on the agenda for May and June, I still have a lot to do. Here are a few of the things I've been trying to do to stay productive during this unprecedented time:

Set myself a weekly goal

Since I still have a few essays left to finish, and final exams to prepare for, I try to set a goal for myself each week outlining which assignments I want to work on or submit. This way, I'm still getting things done, but not trying to do everything in one week and then burning out or submitting work that's not my best.

Read

I love to read but find that during term time I don't always want to pick up a book after spending hours reading for class. But now that I've got so much free time I am really enjoying getting back into reading for fun. If you want to learn something new try a non-fiction, or, if you want to be entertained but have run out of Netflix shows, try a good novel. Mystery and crime novels are my go-to at the moment.

Declutter

I've decluttered everything from my closet, my kitchen, and my computer during lockdown so far. I love getting rid of things I don't use and donating what I can (when this is all over), especially clothes that are still in a good condition. Nothing makes me feel more productive than a clean room, clear workspace, and decluttered computer. And you'll appreciate all the work you've done once this is all over and you don't have the time to do it anymore!

Exercise

Getting into a good exercise routine during quarantine can help you stay motivated once we go back to our normal schedule. Do what you can in these conditions, but definitely take advantage of our one walk per day. Getting out and enjoying the weather can put you in a good mood and break up your super productive day!

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An opportunity to concentrate better

Japkirat Singh, Class XII, BCM School, Basant Avenue, Ludhiana

The lockdown orders, issued in wake of COVID-19 outbreak, have been a great distress for all countries of the world. It has brought various economies of world down in economic slump. A large number of deaths have been reported from all around globe. Everything from small factories to large industries , from schools to universities, from local shops to mega marts and malls , have been closed yet human beings need to utilise their time in productive activities .

Running along the same lines, I too tried to use the lockdown period in the best possible manner. Lockdown has been unable to bring the learning process to a halt. This lockdown has been an opportunity for me to devote more time to my studies and that too with greater concentration. Virtual classes have been initiated by all schools so that students stay gripped with their studies. I feel that these classes are quite different from those in school and many students may be uncomfortable with online study but this is the most feasible option during these difficult times. Now, I am free to study at any time I feel convenient. Studying at favourable time has boosted the ease with which I understand and grasp the concepts. I also prepared a time table for studying due to which I am able to give proper time to all subjects.

I have also employed my time in thinking about career prospects and future plans in life as prior planning is better than on the time decisions because you get more time for analysis of alternatives in case you have already planned that what you want and how to get it. I also gave time to self introspection so as to find out my interest and aptitude which would serve me in making right career choices in my life. I also attempted to identify my weaknesses and strengths in academics so that I can work on them accordingly which would come handy in scoring better marks which would eventually give me an edge over others in this arena of competition.

The period of lockdown is beneficial for students to pursue their hobbies. Likewise, I also picked up my hobby of reading books. I have read many books, including five books of Harry Potter series. The lockdown period has given me time to pursue this hobby. Besides, I also learnt to cook some things though cooking is not my hobby but it would certainly help me at some time in life. Another thing is that I got to spend more time with my parents which intensified the intimacy of my bonding with my parents. In my opinion, to be free to talk with your parents is very crucial for being successful in life as they are our first guides and our closest relations. Thus, I would like to conclude by saying that the lockdown had a severe impact on humanity yet it has produced some positive outcomes for students like me which will surely help us to excel in life.

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Always trying something new

Muskan Garg, Class X, Atam Vidya Mandir School, Sahnewal

The government's lockdown to contain the novel coronavirus has completed two months. The schools are still closed. First, it seemed enjoyable, but as the time passed by, it got a bit boring. Now I'll discuss about activities like exercise, plantation, photography, etc. that I had been doing in this period.

I begin my day by doing yoga, meditation and pranayama. Exercise has improved my strength, flexibility, agility and mobility and most importantly, my immunity during this pandemic. Meditation and pranayama helped me to de-stress my life. It also helped me to inculcate a lot of energy and boost my stamina.

I planted saplings of Tulsi and Aloevera and also grew vegetables. I did all this plantation work with the help of my mother.

Also, I printed all my favourite pics and made a collage out of it, courtesy my printer which helped me in this exercise. I also watched TV series like, 'Man vs. Wild', 'Destination Truth' and 'How it's made' etc.

I also managed to do some photography (my favourite hobby) in this lockdown. This helped me to spend my time in an exciting way.

Last, but not the least, I shared my pictures and stories on social media by explaining how I spent my day.

Besides online studies, I managed to pursue everything I wasn't able to do in my routine life. So without getting bored, I always try to do something new staying at home. SO, STAY HOME, STAY SAFE!

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A homemade sanitizer!

Ridhima Sharma, Class IX, Angel's Convent School, Dehri, Kutkana

The lockdown has given a chance to people to learning something new. I am also trying to learn new things such as cooking, painting, dancing, singing and gardening. All of us are using sanitizers, handwash and soaps for our safety. So, I thought of making a hand sanitiser at home. Yes, a homemade sanitizer. I made it from alum, water and half a tablespoon white salt. I am trying to learn some more things that will help me increase my creativity and my knowledge.