19

Starting 18 March 2020 until at least end of the month, all non-essential activities are to be put on hold, as the world battles the Coronavirus (COVID 19). This is as per announced by the Prime Minister of Malaysia. To date, as reported by an English language daily, 60% of Malaysians are following the order. So unless you’re on the go, it is likely that you’re reading this from the comfort of your home. Well, you would not want to get into trouble with the authorities for disobedience.

Anyway, here are five activities and things you could do to make the most out of the movement control order (MCO).

1. Colouring – yes, for adults.

I remember my ex-colleagues going crazy when adult colouring books were trending and became available in the market in Malaysia in 2015. Colouring for adults is said to reduce stress. There is a certain level of joy and satisfaction that comes with seeing a page transform from one without colour to one with colour. Do keep in mind that the colouring is meant to be done part by part, especially if you cannot finish colouring a certain piece/page in a day. Hey, it’s also one way to make you forget the online/digital world for a bit.

2. Read as many books as possible.

Reading has always been my favourite thing to do. I’m currently into the first few pages of Tash Aw’s The Harmony Silk Factory. I finished reading the translated version of I Can Hear Your Voice by South Korea’s Kim Young Ha last week. I’m also hoping to finish reading The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon soon.

3. Attend webinars – look for free ones, if you can’t afford paid ones.

If you have access to the Internet and are looking to develop your professional knowledge, you could look into attending webinars. Some are paid ones, but for now, I look for free ones. Who knows, you may find something useful from these webinars. Oh, by the way, webinars are web-based seminars or workshops. Usually, if you can’t attend it at the scheduled time (especially because you’re in a different timezone), there is usually a re-play or recorded version. So, be sure to ask about this.

4. Pick up a musical instrument.

The last time I was at the black and white keys at home was three months ago. Perhaps I should go revive my piano-playing days. Hey, but you want to make sure that whatever instrument you’re playing, it’s clean and not dusty.

5. Dance – especially if you hate exercising.

If you have been sedentary all this while and dislike exercising, you can try dancing instead. You can always dance indoors – unless of course, space is an issue.

But of course, before doing all these, you would want to check whether your hands are clean. Additionally, make sure that the surfaces that you come into contact with are dust-free and dirt-free. After all, you must always practice good hygiene.