An uncertainty hanging over the announcement of the 14-day lockdown for residents of some states, asides the practicality of storing up food for the period, includes how to keep one’s sanity, during this “stricter” lockdown that includes, the restriction of movement. With the aid of technology, here are some apps and hacks that can help make this lock-down more bearable:
Meditation
In the midst of all that is happening, it is important to keep your calm. While suggestions may include, you staying away from technology as much as you can, these apps prove just why technology can help you find serenity. Apps such as, Calm, Headspace and Aura, help you do just that, by teaching you to stay calm, meditate and breathe. Not only do these apps teach you that but apps like Calm, help you develop gratitude; a much needed virtue in a time like this. For instance, while you may complain or grumble about a stay-at-home order, many do not have a place to lay their heads. While you may complain about the long queues at malls due to the compulsive panic-buying, many are uncertain about their next meal. These highlighted apps, come with 7-day free trials and are available for download on iOS and Android, while apps like Omvana and Insight Timer, require no subscription.
Interaction and entertainment
We can all agree, that the hardest part about social distancing and self-isolation, is the limitation on physical human interaction with people. As it has been established, human nature exists in social groups and circles. Therefore concerns on how to stay connected during a time like this, remain valid, while video creation apps and features, compete to create some form of respite. As the weeks go by, more people have resorted to: Instagram Live, TikTok, Triller, and the newly introduced, Netflix Party, in providing entertaining content, while remotely keeping in touch with friends and family and #challenges. With a caveat of either a monthly subscription fee or substantial amount of data usage and very stable internet connection, at best, being the opportunity cost. Here’s this [now viral] Twitter user’s experience:
If you are in the same category as this Twitter user, here are some hacks for keeping in touch and entertained:
1. Now, more so than ever, you should create a WhatsApp group page with close friends you’re frequently in touch with, to share candid short videos and pictures of the #stayathome diaries, amidst other happenings. Not only does this strengthen the bond of the relationship and may serve as good company but can also be cathartic – providing some form of psychological relief in these times. You should also make good use of voice messages where necessary, as it creates, a more personal feel.
2. Use your WhatsApp video and voice calls as a platform for accountability. Those bible passages and books you’ve been planning to cover for a while, here’s your chance to do it with someone who is willing and may be in the same boat as you, by choosing a dedicated time each day. Do things #alonetogether.
3. Adjust quality settings on video apps, to consume less data. Yes, you’re used to watching top notch quality videos (courtesy, your office WiFi) but since you’d probably be spending more time online now – factoring how engrossing these apps can get – you may want to ensure you don’t spend so much on data plans. For apps like YouTube according to whistleout, the amount of data you use, depends on the quality of your video playback, and the standard playback is as follows.
It also explains how YouTube uses less data than Netflix. Stating that at medium quality, one hour of YouTube viewing will cost you 100MB vs 500MB of Netflix.
Note: These rates may be subjective to internet service providers and local telcos
4. Have fun documenting/recording yourself and your day. Getting into the habit of recording yourself and family around you, helps you create those moments, you may forever cherish, regardless of whether or not, you choose to share on social media. You may never know when it’s needed and the potential self-journey you may just be unlocking, as ideas are sometimes borne out of circumstances.
Music
If you were ever in doubt, at least last night proved just how great of a company, music is, in the two and a half hour-long, Sarz vs Shizzi “Music producer – Battle of Hits”. Music streaming services like YouTube Music, can help to do just that. The service which was recently launched in Nigeria, offers official songs, albums, thousands of playlists and artist radio, plus YouTube’s catalogue of remixes, live performances, covers and music videos. All personalised and organised in one place.
This app is useful because you get a one-week free trial and paid members can download music and listen ad-free and in the background for N900 a month without the internet. You can also get to binge-watch YouTube Originals shows and movies on its Premium package of N1,100 per month.
P.S. March 30th should be declared #WorldAfrobeatsDay