Lockdown Life Lately

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Dear reader, how are you doing?

It's been exactly thirty-five days since Manila went on lockdown with yet indefinite plans of extension. People are still dying at an alarming rate, the government is a circus, the world has come to a halt, and it's tough to make sense of anything else when you're surrounded with other people's personal agendas and selfish ways of survival, no? Anyway, I can't tell if this is just because I have too much time on my hands to notice but it's become too obvious to be ignored anymore, don't you think?

However, I guess this should be reserved for another post. I hope you're doing well in the midst of all this chaos.

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Since we've all been cooped up for too long that even my introvert-slash-homebody self is starting to lose it,  I have listed down the different types of art/content that I've consumed recently - some even way before this ECQ started - for your perusal. From books to home workouts and K-dramas, I'm sure you'll find something that resonates with you so if you haven't already, try indulging on something new today (and everyday!)

Bookworms, unite!

My top-rated books over the years. Includes nonfiction, fantasy, self-help, poetry, and romance to cater to different preferences. I know that one of the best things is having a story sweep you off your feet or learning a lesson that transforms your way of thinking. These were some of those for me. I highly suggest you read at least one; I will be very much willing to lend you my copy.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The 50th Law by 50 Cent and Robert Greene

Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith, Jane Austen

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson

Hear me out: Podcasts

It's either an episode is too long it gets boring or too short that I can't get enough of it, there's no in between. These are the podcasts that I found entertaining and informative until the end. Perfect for listening while driving/commuting doing your household chores or having meals.

Ted Talks Daily (favorites: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Amanda Palmer, Susan Cain)

Serial Podcast (First season, since I haven't tried Seasons 2 and 3)

Wake Up With Jim & Saab (favorites: too many to mention! But on top of mind: Episodes 4, 14, and 52)

Fitness First

There is no better time to start working on your summer body than today. Make use of this extra time to train your body and discipline your mind. Build a routine. Follow through. Find what works best for you. Of course, don't forget to eat the right food before and after working out. Here are some of my staples you can easily start with:

K-Drama Fever

It's been a while since I had this much time to splurge on K-dramas and I almost forgot the feeling! I have re-watched two of my past faves + a new series in a span of two weeks, it's crazy. After all this time, I still keep going back to my OG oppa Lee Min-ho. 😭 Lucky for me, The King: Eternal Monarch was just released on Netflix yesterday! AHHH. Anyway, here are my must-try, lesser known favorites that will always have a special place in my heart:

I Do, I Do (2012) - 16 episodes

Flower Boy Next Door (2013) - 16 episodes

Boys Over Flowers (2009) - 25 episodes (until April 30 only on Netflix!)

Witch Ma (2007) - 16 episodes

Oh My Ghost (2015) - 16 episodes

The Divine Fury (2019) - not a series, but too good not to include! Imagine a Korean version of Constantine and with Park Seo Joon ;)

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Boredom is for the privileged, they say. But I think it's a crime if you don't make something out of it. Stop complaining. Dive into all the materials and activities available. Learn a new skill. That thing  you say you'll do that you've been pushing back for months? Do it now. Consume and create and consume some more. Whatever. Just do something. There's so much you can do in so little time. So if you ever feel bored af or stuck in a rut, remember to keep an open mind and try anything from this list. It may just be exactly what you need.

Got other content suggestions? Leave them below so I can check them out too. We have tentatively two weeks left before everything goes back to normal so let's make the most out of it.

And always look out for one another. X