10 suggestions to make the most of Covid-19

The global pandemic we have been experiencing since the end of 2019 is affecting almost every aspect of our everyday lives. Activities and habits that we took for granted are now longed for and loneliness is with us more often than ever before. Every day new rumors arise about the possible cure, the tightening of preventive measures or the future quarantine, only to be revised again immediately afterwards. In this chaos, we, the students, find ourselves in a difficult position. Some of us have lost our jobs. Others have just moved to Berlin to spend the best years of their lives with great parties and friends. We miss face-to-face events, the cafeteria, the library and many other places where we normally hang out and meet other students.

Although we unfortunately can't do anything about the pandemic (other than wearing masks and staying at home), we can still use the time to do something good for ourselves. I would like to give you a few suggestions on how you can spend your time productively and maybe even try something completely new!

1. The classic way – read a book!

Yes, it's 2020 and Instagram, WhatsApp and TikTok may be a lot more exciting than a book, but hang in there for a moment before you post about the crazy tutor on your story! In a world where we spend so much time in front of the screen and are constantly under pressure, we need to give ourselves a break every now and then. Reading books requires a certain amount of time during which you focus on nothing other than the adventure within the pages. And there are books about EVERYTHING! Adventure, horror, romance, lifestyle or science are just a small selection of the endless possibilities. In addition to giving you fun and relaxation, books can also improve your language skills, give you new ideas and ways of thinking about life, and provide inspiration

2. Move your body

However, if books aren't right for you or reading makes you fall asleep, you might want to get some exercise. Whether outside or in the gym, exercise has many benefits and is not just a nice way to pass the time. Sport is healthy, influences the chemical composition of hormones in the body and thereby improves your mood. Who among us couch potatoes hasn't tried to convince ourselves that we unfortunately don't have time to exercise on this day/week/month/year? Now is the time when there are no more excuses! Do yourself a favor and just try it. Who knows, maybe you like it so much that you can no longer imagine life without sport?

3. Discover new music

OK, OK, no books and no sports. It's not something for everyone. But what do you say about music? When using Spotify or YouTube, have you ever had the idea of ​​listening to that PARTICULAR album or artist again later when you have time? Is it also the case for you that you don't usually do that? Then this would be a good way to take your time! Relax, turn on the stereo or headphones and sink into the music with your eyes closed.

4. Learning a new language or improving one

Did you always find French so romantic? Do you think that with better English skills you can be much more successful in your future career? Have you always loved Russian but never had the time to learn the alphabet? This is where the pandemic can benefit you! Since almost everything is online these days, you don't have to waste so much time traveling back and forth, you can use it to learn a new language! Of course, this also counts for practicing and improving the languages ​​you already speak other than your native language. A little tip from me: you don't have to enroll in an expensive course or buy expensive books. Back then, I learned German via Duolingo as well as films and series and that may not be enough for a C1 level, but it subconsciously builds a strong foundation for you that will make your life much easier later on in the advanced language learning levels.

5. Try a recipe from abroad

For the great cooks among us (or even for the people who manage to burn pasta - (I'm not judging anyone!) I can only recommend this to you: Try cooking a new dish from abroad! There are so many various delicacies from other cultures and traditions, the idea of ​​which makes me hungry even as I write this sentence. Go to Chefkoch.de and choose a random country in the categories. I always like to say that foreign cultures are the best through their food! And what's more, if you're not allowed to go abroad, you can invite foreign countries to your home. I once chose a recipe for a Spanish potato salad and Portuguese prawns to serve on the balcony to Spanish guitar music and I can only recommend eating wine – make it a celebration.

6. Thecall me

Yes. Now. You have enough time.

(Or Grandpa. Or Mom. Or Dad. Or your siblings. Or your friends. So the most important people in your life who love you more than anything else in the world - show them how important they are to you!)

7. Volunteer

It may be that the pandemic has barely affected you. Unfortunately, this statement doesn't apply to everyone. Feel free to support the elderly in your neighborhood by posting an ad at the local supermarket and offering to help with shopping. Even if no one needs your help in the neighborhood, this campaign creates a good feeling and moral support in your neighborhood. Even without Covid-19, there are enough people and animals who could use your support. Give it a try. I promise you, you won't get such a good feeling from anything else.

8. Arrange things

Whether it's sorting out the old clothes from the wardrobe or organizing the stacks of university documents in the file folder, putting the files on the PC in the right folders or finally disposing of the Mate bottle from the university bag - we all have one certain organizational activity that we always postpone until the next day. Be brave, you can do it! I believe in you!

9. Try a new online game

Whether you already play an online game regularly or are a total noob, the number of possibilities is endless! There is a wide variety of online games of all types and you can always find a game that is just right for you. There are even games that are completely free! For example, in my free time I play “League of Legends” (free), “Overwatch” (20 euros) and “The Sims 4” (please don’t ask me how much money I’ve already invested there). Shall we see each other there?

10. EFeeding squirrels and birds in Charlottenburg Palace Park

Finally, I would like to tell you my secret. There is a section in Schlosspark-Charlottenburg where the animals are so friendly that they will eat out of your hand or even sit on your lap (but you have to be VERY quiet to do this). Bring some nuts and live out your Snow White fantasy! But I really ask you: be respectful to the animals!