I have been reflecting on the “side effects” of the social distancing being practiced across the world: people are working from home with nowhere to go, no pubs, no bars, no restaurants, no cinema , no theatre and no socializing. WOW ! That is big!

To add to this, fewer flights , fewer cars on the road , less industrial pollution – perhaps Mother Earth is healing.

I wanted to write this post to offer some suggestions to people who are not used to being at home all the time and are in a dilemma about how to stay productive. If you are not used to it, it can be challenging to stay disciplined enough to be productive. However, this situation also could present a great opportunity to do those things that we never otherwise get the time for.

As for us, it is good to see Manoj at home now, though he is working most of the time with his conference calls and desktop big screen installed on the dining table. But it’s good to see him around all day and I try to make the most of the time that we get together at doing things for which Manoj never had the time or gave any attention to, like looking at family videos and pictures.

This is coming from my experience of being at home for the past few years. After you are through with Netflix and other binge watching, you might need something else to do.

Here is what you can try:

1. Dig out old home videos and watch them with the family – they could even be running in the background while you work or take a break from work at home.

2. Cast pictures on your phone on the TV screen. Trust me, you will enjoy it. Your family and any companion at home may have never seen these pictures ever.

3. Find out where all the board games are hiding in the house. I can assure you, this will be the quality time with the family that you have not had in last many months.

4. Think of what you always want to do if you were not working full time or having to go for work each day. Do it now.

5. Try your hands at things you have never done, maybe cooking , some Arts and crafts, abstract painting, gardening at home, growing plants in water or jars or make some lamps out of used wine bottles. Pinterest actually has lots of great ideas. I am sure you will find something very interesting for you to do and you will be proud of yourself when you make something out of nothing.

6. Read the books you never got time to read.

Remember this opportunity of being at home with the family with nowhere to go may not ever come back again (not that it should come back, at least not in this kind of medical scare situation), so make the most of it.

Bonding does need some time and undivided attention for all.