10 Must-Have AI Tools Every Business Professional Should Use

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  1. Introduction As we approach 2024, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools into business practices is becoming increasingly essential for professionals across all industries. From streamlining workflows to improving productivity, AI tools offer countless benefits that can give businesses a competitive edge. In this blog post, we will highlight 10 must-have AI tools that every business professional should consider using in 2024. Whether you're looking for free AI tools online, AI writing tools, or tools to create online courses, we've got you covered. Stay ahead of the curve and optimize your business strategies with the best AI tools available. 2. Understanding the importance of AI tools in the business world In today's fast-paced business landscape, understanding the importance of AI tools is crucial for professionals seeking to stay relevant and competitive. AI tools have proven to be game-changers, enabling businesses to harness vast amounts of data, au...

50 Free Things You Can Do During Lockdown

50 Free Things You Can Do During Lockdown


Run out of things to do in quarantine? We've got you covered with 50 fun, free ways to keep busy during the coronavirus lockdown.

So you’re in lockdown. You’ve completed Netflix list and you’re tired of talking about the news with your flatmate.
Don’t fret, there are still plenty of free things left to do.
We’ve collated a list of 50 fun and free things to do using your internet connection or items you already have lying around to get you through the weeks of lockdown. 

1. Watch a film

Netflix and Amazon Prime aren’t your only options, and you don’t necessarily have to pay for a subscription to watch plenty of excellent films. 
Openculture has a great list of 1150 free films you can watch online right now. If you have an eligible university or library card, you might also have access to Kanopy which offers thousands more film options for free.

2. Watch a documentary 

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more cerebral, there are a few websites that give you access to free documentaries.
Whether you’re into sharks, revolutions, or serial killers, you’ll find something interesting to watch during lockdown. Some great sites include Documentary TubeTop Documentary Films, and Documentary Heaven

3. Write a novel

Is it time for you to create rather than consuming?
If you’ve always wanted to write a novel but never found the time or inspiration, this is your chance. Apparently Shakespeare wrote King Lear in isolation during the plague, so maybe this lockdown is when you’ll write your opus.
If you’re not really sure where to start, we have a free course on how to start writing fiction to get you on the right track. 

4. Tour ancient Rome

You may feel cut off from the rest of the world, but you can time travel. 
Current technology means that you can explore other cities and even other times online, such as this virtual tour of ancient Rome which takes you through the forum, capitoline hill, and famous monuments. 

5. Write a play or short film

Perhaps your work is better realised by actors rather than staying on the page? You’ll be pleased to know that the BBC is on the hunt for original scripts about self-isolation that they can turn into short films. 
If you’re daunted by that task, you could try out our free screenwriting course to learn the ropes and (hopefully) catapult you into stardom after your first film is made. 

6. Paint with Bob Ross

Have any paint and brushes lying around? You’ll be pleased to know that 403 episodes of the timeless Joy of Painting have been added to YouTube so you can listen to his soothing tones while you paint happy little trees and enjoy the beauty of imperfections. 

7. Write a song

If you have a musical persuasion, you could channel your current emotions into a song or even an entire album of them. 
If you’re not sure where to start a songwriting course could get you into the right frame of mind, and you can even start making some Spotify playlists in the meantime to get inspired. 

8. Visit the MoMA

A huge number of art galleries and museums around the world have digitized their collections and are now offering free virtual tours.
New York’s MoMA is just one of the incredible galleries that you can visit from your own sofa, where you can enjoy Pollock and Monet without the crowds.  

9. Explore the Uffizi

If you prefer Botticelli to Pollock, you can tour the Uffizi in Florence, arguably one of the best collections of Renaissance art in the world. 
You can take your time looking at Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Caravaggio’s Medusa, and Titian’s Venus of Urbino without even getting on a plane. 

10. Enjoy the Musée d’Orsay

Experiencing these venues from your home does mean that you can visit multiple galleries from different countries or even different continents in the same afternoon. 
Paris’ Musée d’Orsay is home to an incredible collection of Van Gogh and Cezanne’s artistic masterpieces. Take a look around online. 

11. Pop into the Tate

Perhaps once you’ve enjoyed Florence, New York, and Paris, you can come to London to see the Tate Britain for free. 
Although you’ll miss out on the lovely river walk to the gallery, you can drop in at any time and see your favourite pieces from the comfort of your own home.  

12. Experience the British Museum

The British Museum is home to incredible artefacts from around the world and is still open to virtual visitors. 
Exhibits that are usually packed are free to roam around at any time, so you can brush up on your Egyptian knowledge, see the controversial Parthenon Marbles, or just wile away a few hours. 

13. Go to 500 other museums or galleries 

If you’re still looking for more galleries or museums to visit, Google’s arts and culture collection has virtual tours of 500 top attractions around the world, including national galleries from around the world, individual artist museums, and even the Eiffel Tower. 

14. Have a karaoke night 

Missing karaoke night with your friends? You can still do it from home. 
Apps like AirConsole let you turn your smartphone into a mic, and sing your favourite hits with the usual gang and practice new songs to sing at the bar once lockdown is lifted. 

15. Brush up on the latest publications

If you’ve always been fascinated by academia or a specific area within it, this is a great time to read the latest publications and get up to speed on the latest developments with your area. 
JSTOR is allowing free access to thousands of journals during lockdown.

16. Try a fitness challenge

Missing the gym? There are plenty of fitness challenges you can try out from home, so you can emerge from lockdown fitter, leaner, or stronger. 

You could try the 100 pushup challengesquat challenge, or just doing a 30-day bodyweight workout challenge to stay healthy at home for free. 
Just make sure that you don’t push too hard early on, and warm up thoroughly before you do any exercise. 

17. Arrange a Houseparty 

If you still want to meet with your friends – do it at a virtual Houseparty
The app allows for large group video chats so you can get together for a drink, a chat, or just to see some friendly faces for a couple of hours. 
couses to do bored at home banner

18. Get a penpal

You probably fell out of contact with your highschool penpal from French exchange but that doesn’t mean you can’t try again. 
Connect with people around the world and see how the lockdown is playing out in other countries (or ignore coronavirus entirely and chat about the weather). 
You can find penpals online and get started straight away to broaden your horizons and make new connections. 

19. Try amigurumi

New hobbies don’t get much cuter than amigurumi – the Japanese art of crocheting small creatures or characters. 
It’s a cheap hobby to start, and if you already have yarn lying around you can find plenty of free patterns online, like this one to create a tiny Freddie Mercury. 

20. Cook something new 

One good thing about being home a lot is that you can finally spend time cooking things from scratch.
You can find great recipes online, even if you’re on a limited budget. Jack Monroe’s recipes are specifically created for people on strict budgets or relying on food banks, while Miguel Barclay is best known for his one pound meals. 

21. Play a board game

Board game lovers will be pleased to know that there are ways to play your favourite games online, so you don’t have to wait for the lockdown to end to try out your new Scythe strategy or to finally play Terraforming Mars with a friend. 
Websites like Tabletopia have free accounts for players, but you may need to pay to play some of the more popular or newer games. 

22. Learn a language

Always wanted to speak Italian? Intrigued by Norwegian? Think that Mandarin will be useful for work, or perhaps German
Lockdown gives you plenty of time to dedicate to learning a new language, brushing up on vocabulary, and testing out pronunciation. 

23. Go to the aquarium

It’s almost impossible to recreate the strange grace and tranquility of aquariums but not entirely.
Although they’re closed to the public, Monterey Bay Aquarium have added a number of live cams to let you keep an eye on the jellyfish, kelp forest, coral reef, and even the penguins, completely free. 

24. Visit the opera

Escape from the news cycle by immersing yourself in the drama of an opera performance, without even leaving the house. 
After the closure of non-essential businesses, multiple opera houses like the Met Opera have started streaming performances. Perfect if you’re a long-time opera lover or even someone who’s never been to the opera but has always been curious about it. 

25. Deep clean your house

Between dusty skirting boards, dirty tiling, and stained carpets, your home can offer days of distraction if you feel like doing that deep clean you’ve been putting off. 
There are plenty of online cleaning guides if the task looks too big, and focusing on one room at a time will help you divide up the work. 

26. Declutter your home

Being stuck at home can make you rethink how much of your stuff you really need. 
Do you really wear all the clothes spilling out of your wardrobe? And do you think you’ll really re-read those GCSE essays sitting in a box upstairs? You can decide what to donate and what to throw out, ready for a full clear out when the lockdown is lifted. 

27. Build a medieval city

If you loved Sims and Game of Thrones, why not combine the two by building your own medieval city. It’s a great way to generate fantasy maps for gaming, writing, or just to wonder whether your walled city should have circular or square guard-towers. 

28. Scare yourself in a creepy library

If you’ve always been fascinated by the inspiration for Lovecraft, horror films, and far too many conspiracy theories, you can now read a library of 1,600 digitised horror and paranormal books online
The Ritman Library has allowed free access to these pre-1900 books focused on alchemy, astrology, and magic, thanks to a generous donation from Dan Brown himself. 

29. Walk through Paris or London

You can’t jump on a plane, but you can still see some of the world’s most famous views thanks to Google street view
Feast your eyes on Paris from the Sacre Coeur or take a look at the Thames from the top of the Shard. You can even take a walk along the river and see if Google’s cameras captured anything unusual. 

30. Watch a gig

If you’re itching to go to a gig or think you’re going to miss festivals this summer, you can actually watch plenty of them on YouTube. Watch classics like Nirvana UnpluggedRadiohead’s Glastonbury set in 1997, or Portishead accompanied by an orchestra and enjoy your own personalised lineup.  

31. Go to a national park

Long walks and open scenery feels like a thing of the past, but you can still enjoy the view. You can now take virtual tours of America’s national park (or parks a little closer to home). 

32. Stretch out with a yoga class

If you’re trying to de-stress and stay healthy during lockdown, you’ll be pleased to know that plenty of yoga studios are now streaming online classes for you to join in with. 
A lot of studios are still running paid classes, but others, such as Digme Fitness, run free live sessions on social media. Perfect for some low-cost self care. 

33. Go to the theatre

When you can’t go to the theatre, let the theatre come to you. 
Recorded performances are nothing new, but some platforms like Marquee are offering free trials so that you can see whether it’s something you’d want to watch on a more regular basis. 

34. Visit a mystery house

Even more esoteric attractions are now offering virtual tours – you may not have heard of the Winchester Mystery House, but it’s certainly one of the stranger homes that you can explore online. 
Built by Sarah Winchester after receiving instructions from her deceased husband (and a changing cast of other ghosts), the former-7 storey mansion is an architectural oddity and has plenty for you to see. 

35. Have a work out

Keeping active will make a big difference to how you feel during lockdown – physical activity should help you sleep better and lift your mood, even if you’re stuck in the same room for most of the day. 
You don’t need any equipment for a good workout, and there are plenty of free online videos to take you through a routine. Check out Joe Wickes’ 7 Days of Sweat to get started. 

36. Solve a mystery 

True crime fans can immerse themselves in mysteries or even start solving them. There are plenty of online communities like Reddit’s Unresolved Mysteries, where mystery fans get together to swap theories and combine information to try to get to the bottom of old cold cases. 

37. Volunteer 

Sometimes the best way to get out of your head is to help other people. You may have some local groups that are focused on helping the vulnerable or isolated during lockdown. 
If you’re quarantined or would rather reduce your contact to the absolute minimum, you can volunteer as an online listener with schemes such as 7 Cups to help other people through this tough time. 

38. Start a blog

This could be a great time to build your audience, especially if you have relatively cheap, indoor hobbies that you can share. 
Interest in pastimes like cooking and board games has shot up over recent weeks – if your hobbies are trending, why not set up a blog and share your knowledge? You can set up a WordPress account and blog for free, and take it from there. 

39. Learn first aid

It’s good to be prepared for an emergency, especially when urgent care centres are overwhelmed or you may not want to leave self-isolation for a relatively minor injury. 
You can learn basic first aid online, for free with FutureLearn. 

40. Discover your roots

Wonder where your family was in the flu pandemic of 1918? 
Tracing your family tree can unearth lost memories or even distant relatives. Start by learning about genealogy and you can discover more about yourself and your background.  

41. Understand nutrition

Comfort eating during lockdown is understandable, but won’t help you enter summer happier and healthier. 
Understanding nutrition and how food affects your body, health, and mood, will help you make better decisions for your overall wellbeing and even better use of your current food cupboard.
Our Food as Medicine course is one of our most popular courses and has helped thousands of people better understand how what they eat affects how they think and feel. 

42. Meditate

Meditation and mindfulness doesn’t just help people stay calm – practitioners around the world rely on it to help them focus, remain present, and appreciate what they have. 
It’s a simple concept that can be hard to master, but you can start now, at home, and see if it works for you.

43. Plan a holiday

If you’re lucky enough to have a job that lets you work from home for this time, you’ve probably saved money on your commute and buying lunch each day. 
Why not calculate how much you’ve saved through the lockdown and put it towards a holiday? 
You can plan a staycation at home, catching up on all the things you’ve missed, or go further afield to experience something new. 

44. Have a kitchen dance party

You can definitely have too much screen time. If workouts aren’t your thing or you just miss a good dance, put together a list of your favourite songs and dance around your kitchen. 
Don’t worry, nobody’s watching! 

45. Sew a teddy bear

Recreate a favourite childhood toy or just upcycle some old clothing by sewing your own teddy bear
As long as you have some fabric that you can use (perhaps some socks or an old t-shirt) and a small sewing kit, you can get started.
 

46. Improve your communication skills

Worried that being home by yourself is eroding your communication skills
You can actually improve them while you’re at home to help you smooth over workplace tensions, excel at group work, and add in-demand soft skills to your CV. 

47. Upcycle old clothes or accessories

Got a wardrobe full of clothes that you hardly ever wear? Or lots of basic staples that lack personality? You can update, reuse, or upcycle everything from old t-shirts to shoes and garden pots. Just figure out what you’d like to use and find a project on Upcycle That to get started. 

48. Read or listen to a book 

If your new year’s resolution was to read more, you can definitely achieve that this year. 
You can finally tackle the huge stack of novels next to your bed or (if your bedside is actually pretty tidy) you can find something interesting on Many Books. If you prefer audiobooks, try out Audible for free. 

49. Start a virtual book club

Want to chat about your book afterwards? Start a virtual book club! 
You can agree on free books and get together for a chat and yet more recommendations. It’s a great way to stay in touch with friends or make new ones. 

50. Try bird watching 

You might have heard that nature is taking back cities on lockdown, from wild boar in Italy to goats in Llandudno. If you want to get a little closer to nature, you can start with your own back garden (or balcony). Resources like eBird can help you get started. 

1. Learn a language 

learning-a-language
Remember all those times you said you'd learn Italian, Spanish or French but just couldn't find a spare minute? Here's your chance. With a wide selection of YouTube videos and online tutorials at your disposal, why not use this time to learn a completely new language with Duolingo?

2. Practice nail art

nail-art
With the coronavirus pandemic closing beauty salons across the UK, it's time to get creative and learn how to give yourself an at-home manicure. From glitter to stickers and gems, choose from plenty of glam accessories and designs. In need of inspiration, head to the Essie website for tips and tricks. 

3. Organise your wardrobe 

organise-wardrobe
Most of us have at least one dress that we know we'll never wear again or a pair of jeans that just don't fit the way they used to. It's time to declutter your wardrobe and get rid of those sad pieces that no longer see the light of day. Either pass them onto friends and family, donate them to charity or at the very least, find your nearest clothing bank and recycle.

4. Organise your photos

frames
Guilty of printing out your holiday photos and leaving them in a drawer? Get nostalgic and organise your snaps into either a scrapbook or frames. Taking a trip down memory lane might just put a smile on your face. 

5. Learn to make cocktails

cocktail-making
Try your hand at mixology, courtesy of Taste Cocktails. Offering a three-month subscription, each month a new DIY kit full of premium ingredients and recipes will be sent your way. Find out how to make the following drinks: Espresso Martini, Margarita, Old Fashioned, Manhattans, Bramble, Long Island Iced Tea, Gin Martini, & Mojitos. Once lockdown is over, you can impress your friends with your new bartending talents. 

6. Make a bucket list

scratchmap
Think positive and look ahead to sunnier days by making a bucket list. Rather than wallowing in your pyjamas for the fifth day in a row (we've all been there) change your outlook and reflect on all of the things you'll be able to do once lockdown restrictions are lifted. Looking to travel more? These scratch-off maps are perfect for planning your next adventure post COVID-19.  

7. Learn sign language

sign-language
A unique language in its own right, sign language may seem like an intimidating skill to learn, but with a number of easy step-by-step guides at your disposal, you'll be signing like a pro in no time. 

8. Repair your clothes

sewign
Been meaning to sew up that hole in your favourite coat? Need to fix that zip on the back of your dress? It's time to pick up a needle and thread and get to work. Just a few minutes of hard work and concentration could breathe new life into your wardrobe. Stop 'finding' the time to work on the smaller things - start now. 

9. Learn to play an instrument 

piano
Dust off that keyboard you got for Christmas last year, re-tune that guitar you've had for god knows how long and begin to fill your days with the sound of music. With so much free time, it's never been easier to pick up a new skill. 

10. Become a wine connoisseur 

wine-glasses
Discover which wines you like and why, read about the journey from grape to glass, and build on your understanding of wine tasting. 

11. Update your CV and professional accounts 

professional-accounts
Before lockdown, the idea of updating your CV, cover letter or LinkedIn profile might not have been very high up on your priority list. Rather than putting it off any longer, why not give all of your professional documents and accounts a total makeover? Use this present period to work towards an even brighter future. 

12. Write a novel

writing-novel
The idea of writing a novel is one which can often seem daunting. How many of us have opened Word, stared at a blank page for a while and then admitted defeat? Enough is enough. Writing can be an incredibly therapeutic practice and one which can help to pass the time. Who knows, you might even be the next J.K. Rowling? 

13. Start a blog

writing-blog
You can never go wrong with writing a blog. Whether you're using it as an online writing portfolio, a space to share your passions or as an opportunity to try something new, it's time to get those creative juices flowing. 

14. Get fit

workout
Missing the gym? Working out at home can be just as beneficial for both your mind and body. Why not try out different types of workouts over the course of the next few weeks and find that workout that really works for you. 

 15. Do some gardening

gardening
Sick of spending all your time indoors? Transform your garden into a tranquil space so that you can venture outside for some much-needed R&R. In need of inspiration? Take a look at our round up of the best gardening buys for spring. 

16. Upcycle your furniture 

paint-brushes-diy-z
Can't stop staring at that annoying chip in your side board? Desperate to give those bookshelves a new lick of paint? Why not try your hand at a spot of DIY and transform those tired piece of furniture into something your friends will be jealous of. 

17. Learn to code

coding
In an increasingly digital age, the ability to code can put you at a major advantage. Ditch those technophobic tendencies and teach yourself how to master this highly sought after skill. 

18. Learn Calligraphy 

calligraphy
Bored of biro and pencil? Go one step further and transform your writing into a work of art by practicing calligraphy and lettering. With an array of tutorials and expert guides available online, you’ll learn the tricks of the trade in no time - all you’ll really need is a calligraphy set and the willingness to turn off Tiger King. 

19. Write a journal

journal
The great thing about journaling is that you can write whatever you want, whenever you want. Jot down your best ideas, doodle, write about your day or even create a list of goals, the choice is yours. Who knows, you might even find yourself inspired. 

20. Clear out your kitchen cupboards

kitchen-cupboards
Do a Stacey Solomon and organise the entire contents of your kitchen cupboards. Check the expiration dates on those canned goods at the back, clear out that junk drawer you’ve been avoiding or go the whole hog and colour coordinate your spice rack! You know what they say - tidy kitchen, tidy mind. 

21. Wash your makeup brushes

makeup-brushes
Been meaning to wash your makeup brushes for a while now? Besides bacteria, your favourite beauty brushes can also accumulate dead skin cells and oils over time, so it's pretty important that you keep them fresh and clean. Avoid makeup streaks and patches by painting your face with a smoother, more streamlined brush.

22. Buy a loved one a gift

gifts-isolation
Staying connected with the ones you love during this tough time doesn't have to involve social media. Make someone's day by sending them a heartfelt gift through the post. In need of ideas? Check out our roundup of the best gifts to shop during isolation.

23. Paint a picture

painting
Channel your inner Bob Ross and try your hand at painting a picture. A great way to keep busy, develop your artistic skills and create something that you can be proud of. New to painting? Amazon has plenty of paint by numbers kits to kickstart your progress. 
With this coronavirus making people spend more time at home, either with their loved ones or on their own – here are a few suggestions of things to do.
  1. Read a book – a real book or download on Kindle – lots of free ones!
    Maybe now is the time to revisit those printed books that you never got around to reading or maybe re-read some of those books that you have read before.
    Amazon’s Kindle is a fantastic way to read classics and new works – whether you buy a new book or download one of the many free ones. To check out the free ones – and there are many classics! To find the freebies – Search for books in the Kindle Section – using either one of the category names or use your own initiative – “Classics” “Crime” “Romance” etc – and then ‘SORT BY PRICE LOW TO HIGH’ – The free ones are just below the sponsored ads. Visit Amazon Here.
  2. There are a LOT of free books here!
    https://www.gutenberg.org/
  3. Watch a film or tv series
    There are so many films to watch either on your subscription services or free ones.
    Suggestions:
    BBC iPlayer – there are quite a few box sets of different genres
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer
    http://www.openculture.com/freemoviesonline
    https://rakuten.tv/uk/lists/free-all-free-movies
  4. Find something to watch on YouTube – there is so much great content on youtube.
  5. EXERCISE – Find some music to move or dance along to – or even check out an exercise programme – YouTube is great for finding free resources.
  6. Watch theatre or performing arts
    Watch Theatre Online or at Home – Musicals, Plays, Drama, Opera, Ballet
    Lots of links to resources…
  7. Learn a Language
    Learn a language for free. Forever.
    https://www.duolingo.com/
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
  8. Do some gardening – go for a walk if advised by government guidelines.
    If you have a garden – or even a window box – or maybe consider getting yourself an indoor plant or two?
  9. Explore online virtual tours
    Stuck at Home? These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours
    How to explore London’s top museums from home
  10. Arts and Culture
    https://artsandculture.google.com/
  11. Five Minute MumTalk to someone you live with or pick up the phone, chat online or Skype. Don’t be alone.
  12. Have a tidy up
    Okay, not everyone’s choice – but it can be a feelgood factor – a sense of achievement.
  13. Sit and relax
    There are times when you just need to sit down and do nothing – rest the mind and body.
  14. Watch and listen to some nature programmes.
    If you can’t go out and see nature the find a nature programme to watch – there are so many free ones either on tv or online. Or maybe listen to sounds on Youtube or elsewhere – birdsong, streams or the sound of the sea.
  15. Listen to your favourite songs – and maybe sing along!
    And maybe even get out your air-guitar, even it is a bit dusty.
  16. Play a board game or cards with family?
  17. Relax with Yoga!
    https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene
  18. Try out Origami – There are many resources online
    https://www.origamiway.com/easy-origami.shtml
  19. Make a model bird – these are awesome!
    https://www.johanscherft.com/
  20. Play chess with a family member a friend online or against a computer
    https://www.chess.com/play/computer
  21. If you have a pet then spend some time with them. Chill out together.
  22. Play Sudoku
    https://sudoku.com/
  23. Play an online game – Just search for “Online Games”
    https://www.games.co.uk/
    https://www.arkadium.com/gb/free-online-games/
  24. Free Online Courses
    http://www.openculture.com/freeonlinecourses
    10 Creative Online Courses You Can Take for Free Online
  25. Here Are All the Live Streams & Virtual Concerts to Watch During Coronavirus Crisis
  26. Celebrities Share Their Musical Gifts to Help You Get Through Self-Quarantine
  27. Remember to eat, drink and sleep to keep healthy.
  28. Visit our Amazon page here for some more ideas
  29. A list of free, online, boredom-busting resources!
  30. Free books on Audible
  31. Lots of free programmes https://archive.org/
  32. New online ideas from comedians to help with the lockdown boredom.
  33. The Skills Toolkit Free digital and numeracy courses to build your skills. 
  34. FutureLearn: Explore online courses to continue studying, build professional skills, and connect with experts.

Make quarantine fun for kids: All the things you can do to spend lockdown at home in peace

This can be a tough time for children because of the lockdown. Here are some ways to keep your kids engaged.

SEX-AND-RELATIONSHIPS Updated: Apr 18, 2020 07:38 IST
Ruella Philips
Ruella Philips
Hindustan Times

Keep kids entertained during this lockdown (picture for representational purposes only)
Keep kids entertained during this lockdown (picture for representational purposes only)(Photo: Shutterstock)

     
The lockdown is making us do all kinds of things like cooking and organising our homes. But when it comes to children, it becomes a tricky area. Especially during this time, when ideally it would have been their summer vacation, you would want them to be engaged in productive activities. It sure gets difficult, as parents, to manage household chores, and office work, along with having to tends to children’s needs, which is a full-time job in itself. And if quarantining is making life difficult for adults, it must be the same, if not more, for kids. “Kids’ mental health can be affected by quarantine and social distancing, and can lead to certain phobias. It’s very important to keep life as normal and a routine will be helpful,” says Kavita Mungi, psychiatrist.
With the lockdown now extended till May 3, and with most of us losing our patience as the days run by, we wonder whether there is some balance that can be struck that enables parents to maintain their sanity while ensuring their kids’ mental health while also taking care of the recreational activities for kids. “The key is to not get desperate. Find a rhythm. We all need personal space and togetherness. This rhythm between chores, ‘me-time’ and family time can help parents,” says Swati, a clinical counsellor.
She further explains, “Children of different age groups need different things. Their daily routines and mood cycles can help parents decide the activities they wish to undertake. Avoid making these times about getting things done. Find more time for fun activities. Some children like to read, some like to watch movies, others like to dance, while some like to talk. Indulge in activities the child enjoys and make this a full blown vacation.”
Chores for children
Don’t let the guilt in on this one. It is true that teaching kids to do household chores builds character and independence. Kids love playing outdoors and unstructured activity is a need for them. With the quarantine, it can be very difficult to manage them and tempers can run high owing to frustration! Parents can surely organise things to make it easier on both themselves and their children. Here are a few tips by psychiatrist Mungi:
1. First and foremost make a daily plan of activities and make a calendar
2. Plan board games such as scrabble, carrom, monopoly etc
3. This is the time to plan activities that include all family members such as the elders of the house.
4. Help children to pick up a hobby with online lessons such as singing, dancing, drawing or playing a musical instrument

Make quarantine fun for kids: All the things you can do to spend lockdown at home in peace

This can be a tough time for children because of the lockdown. Here are some ways to keep your kids engaged.

SEX-AND-RELATIONSHIPS Updated: Apr 18, 2020 07:38 IST
Ruella Philips
Ruella Philips
Hindustan Times

Keep kids entertained during this lockdown (picture for representational purposes only)
Keep kids entertained during this lockdown (picture for representational purposes only)(Photo: Shutterstock)

     
The lockdown is making us do all kinds of things like cooking and organising our homes. But when it comes to children, it becomes a tricky area. Especially during this time, when ideally it would have been their summer vacation, you would want them to be engaged in productive activities. It sure gets difficult, as parents, to manage household chores, and office work, along with having to tends to children’s needs, which is a full-time job in itself. And if quarantining is making life difficult for adults, it must be the same, if not more, for kids. “Kids’ mental health can be affected by quarantine and social distancing, and can lead to certain phobias. It’s very important to keep life as normal and a routine will be helpful,” says Kavita Mungi, psychiatrist.
With the lockdown now extended till May 3, and with most of us losing our patience as the days run by, we wonder whether there is some balance that can be struck that enables parents to maintain their sanity while ensuring their kids’ mental health while also taking care of the recreational activities for kids. “The key is to not get desperate. Find a rhythm. We all need personal space and togetherness. This rhythm between chores, ‘me-time’ and family time can help parents,” says Swati, a clinical counsellor.
She further explains, “Children of different age groups need different things. Their daily routines and mood cycles can help parents decide the activities they wish to undertake. Avoid making these times about getting things done. Find more time for fun activities. Some children like to read, some like to watch movies, others like to dance, while some like to talk. Indulge in activities the child enjoys and make this a full blown vacation.”
Chores for children
Don’t let the guilt in on this one. It is true that teaching kids to do household chores builds character and independence. Kids love playing outdoors and unstructured activity is a need for them. With the quarantine, it can be very difficult to manage them and tempers can run high owing to frustration! Parents can surely organise things to make it easier on both themselves and their children. Here are a few tips by psychiatrist Mungi:
1. First and foremost make a daily plan of activities and make a calendar
2. Plan board games such as scrabble, carrom, monopoly etc
3. This is the time to plan activities that include all family members such as the elders of the house.
4. Help children to pick up a hobby with online lessons such as singing, dancing, drawing or playing a musical instrument

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