Article by Jenny J Nam
We always wanted more time. Now we have too much. How do we use it smartly?
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- It’s Cooking Time
Many people have experienced that going to the grocery store is not that easy anymore, and getting food from a restaurant is also such a hassle due to this situation. Some people who are not used to cooking at home are panicking about what they should do. Cooking is not difficult. It’s just one of the tools for daily living. By cooking at home, you don’t have to worry about a lot of salt and sugar and MSG from eating out. At the same time, many people are in financial trouble due to the Covid-19 crisis. Just like me, lots of musicians are facing economic difficulties. So, what should we do? We gotta save money! Spend time on your healthy meals — just 30 mins to an hour a day. Kitchen is not your territory in your life? No worries, human beings are historically capable of adjusting to new environments in order to survive. This is your chance to learn skills essential for your health. There are many easy recipes, and YouTube channels you can get help from! Now, move your fingers on the kitchen table not only on your instruments!
- Open Your Personalized Home Library
I haven’t read a lot of books in years. I have to admit that. So, I’d like to ask you, how many books have you read in recent years? Most people don’t go to the bookstore anymore. I still go to the bookstore. But it’s a few times in a month. I used to go to the bookstore when I was young quite frequently. One of my pleasures when I was young was finding some interesting books at the bookstore after the school. Now, that hobby is no longer part of adult Jenny’s life. Okay, we are being quarantined. You don’t have any books on your bookshelf? Simple. Read an e-book. It’s on the internet. 🙂 E-books are now pretty common. You can easily access e-books from any public library website. Of course it’s free. Reading books enhances your critical thinking. We can boost our 5W1H skills during this time. The Arts are all connected. Reading will improve your music writing skills in music in the long term. So, let’s grab a book!
- Studying Is Charming Your Inner Beauty
I’m sure you’ve wanted to learn something new for your life even before shelter-in-place was ordered. However, you’ve been hesitating with so many excuses such as “oh, I have no time to do that” “oh, well, it costs me a lot of $ … maybe some other time!” The funny thing is, when you look at your credit card bill carefully, you will realize some of your expenses are not really essential. Then let’s sum up your spending again. Right now, we are all under quarantine. That means, you don’t need to drive so many hours on the road, you can’t go out for a drink, you even don’t need to go to your favorite stores for shopping. All you need is a pair of pajamas at home. Several people are in financial trouble and I absolutely know that pain. However, it doesn’t mean you are not able to study something for yourself that you’ve desired for. Some say that crises hide opportunities – I believe this old Korean saying. There are so many great free websites on many subjects. From YouTube channel to https://www.jstor.org/ there are many great courses you can get. Regarding music-related studies, I can be your helper. If you want to learn music theory more deeply, go for it. I can let you know where you can find the right sources without commercialized junk.
- Enjoy A Moment Of Solitude
Stay calm and look back on yourself. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? I’m in the middle of that. If I have to choose one of them to describe myself, I like to say I’m a secret introvert. Some people are really sociable, including several of my friends — they are literally social-creatures. They love to always hang out with friends, enjoy being introduced to the new people at a party or social gatherings. If you are one of those, this is the hardest time for you, NOT going out where you want to. However, this will pass soon. We all know that. Why don’t you give some time to yourself to cleanse your inside and outside? Solitude is not the same as loneliness. This society is just pushing us to keep running every single day. Sometimes, from my observation, people don’t know what they are chasing after. We forget what we’ve done in the past and why we’ve made the decisions we have. From time to time, I look back on myself – what I have done to others and to myself. What makes me happy or what makes me not happy. Often, I ask to myself “why”. This is how I use my moments of solitude on a regular basis. For now, you have absolutely more time than usual. Why don’t you try it out right now? Maybe today? Before going to bed or early in the morning with a cup of tea is the best time, at least from my experiences.
- Get In Touch With Your Family
Share time with loved ones. Thanks to the internet, you can get in touch with people who are not living right next door. Like my parents, who are in So. Korea. My father, who is still not familiar with technology, nevertheless texts me often. I now feel much more closer to my father than before. I was so glad that he learned how to text me through ‘messenger’ and we can share some thoughts even though I can’t see him in person. At the same time, several friends that I haven’t spoken to in years also have messaged me from Italy, Japan, Thailand, Canada, and So. Korea. Every time friends around the world talk to me, I feel reconnected with them. It warms my heart. So, I’ve learned another life lesson again: Get in touch with your friends whom you haven’t spoken to in a while. It’s showing your affection to your friends and your family. They may be really glad when you reach out to them.
- It’s Cooking Time
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