As someone who’s addicted to her phone and Netflix, when the power goes out and with it the WiFi, there’s a good chance you’ll see me have a meltdown—I snap at people, get irritated, and most likely, tend to be an utterly unpleasant person to be around. And no, I’m not proud of this. That said, while I speak for myself, it’s not presumptuous to make the statement: I’m not alone in this bad behaviour.
Given that no too long ago, a large part of state of Maharashtra was left powerless—quite literally, when the city faced a major power outage in the morning, and the work-from-home day couldn’t begin. So what did I do to pass the time? Seeing that my phone battery was low, I decided to go back to bed. And trust me when I say, it was one of the best naps I’d taken in a while.
Now if napping is not something you’d want to do, here are five fun activities to keep you engaged:
Read a book: Perhaps you have a few book gathering dust on that book shelf. Now’s the time to begin reading it, considering it’s something you’ve been meaning to do but couldn’t find the time to do it.
Take a walk: We often tell our children to go out and play with other kids as it’s a great way for them to enjoy their childhood. The same can be applied to your busy lifestyle too. Step out for a walk and some fresh air. There’s a lot you’ll notice when you’re not busy staring into your phone.
Play a board game: Given that uninterrupted quality time with the family is rare, perhaps this is the best time to get out those board games and indulge in some family fun.
Catch up on some correspondence: And no, we don’t mean an email. How long has it been since you’ve put pen to paper? Perhaps you could send handwritten letters to family and friends that are far away, or you could even encourage your kids to write as well. Besides, someone will appreciate the effort that’s been put in.
Raid that refrigerator: Whether it’s that tub of ice-cream that you know will melt, or some Chinese food that will go bad if left uneaten, it’s time to raid that refrigerator and consume foods that you know won’t last. This will also give you a great idea for meals to make, so that you turn things into something new and interesting, and those leftovers won’t spoil.
And remember, a power outage isn’t just affecting you, so be kind and polite if someone reaches out for help.