It’s interesting how we have become so dependent on electricity for all aspects of our lives and there are so many things that we have forgotten to do or due to the business of our lives, we have forgotten to breathe, enjoy or do something completely off the grid.
Don’t get me wrong, I love binge watching movies and series as any other telly addict does, but the hours slip away and the addiction just grows. The research is out, lots of telly makes you dull and “doff”. It’s the easy option but its value diminishes with every minute spent. Words like “couch potato” echoing in my mind and on a quick search for a synonym for the phrase, words like “slug”, “drone”, “snail”, “bum”, “loafer” and “slouch” are listed- there is substantial “proof” that this may not be the life word I want to live by.
Of course, during the work day, my boss would definitely not appreciate me seeing every loadshedding stage as an opportunity to follow my passions other than do the work I get paid to do. (posts on how to work during loadshedding - yes it is possible - will be following soon).
However, if like me, you sometimes desperately look online to find that “list” of “things to do for free around Cape Town on your birthday” or “things to do with children on a rainy day” - then this is the list for you!
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Read a book: Loadshedding can be the perfect opportunity to catch up on your reading. Pick up a book that you’ve been meaning to read for a while and lose yourself in its pages. Whether you prefer fiction, non-fiction, or something in between, reading can be a great way to pass the time and escape the darkness.
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Play board games: Gather your family or friends and play some board games. This can be a fun way to pass the time and bond with your loved ones.enjoy a fun game of monopoly, scrabble or any other board game.
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Take a walk: Use the opportunity to get outside and take a walk around your neighborhood. This can be a good way to get some exercise and fresh air.
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Cook a meal: If you have a gas stove or a charcoal grill, loadshedding can be the perfect opportunity to cook a meal. Try making something new and challenging.
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Have a picnic: If the weather is good, grab a blanket and some snacks and have a picnic in your garden or a nearby park.
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Write in a journal: Use the time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings by writing in a journal. This can be a therapeutic way to process your emotions and experiences.You can use a traditional notebook or a digital device to keep your journal.
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Do some crafts: Get creative and do some crafting. You can try your hand at knitting, crocheting, drawing, or painting.
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Listen to music: Loadshedding can be a great opportunity to listen to some music that you love. Create a playlist and enjoy some quality time with your favorite tunes. Take out your acoustic guitar or ukulele and play some songs.
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Meditate: Loadshedding can be a good opportunity to slow down and take some time to meditate. Find a quiet space, sit down, and focus on your breath.
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Spend time with loved ones: Loadshedding can be a great excuse to spend time with your loved ones. Talk, laugh, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
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Work on a puzzle: Puzzles can be a great way to pass the time and exercise your brain. Whether it's a jigsaw puzzle or a crossword puzzle, you can spend hours working on it.
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Learn a new skill: If you have always wanted to learn a new skill, now is the time to do it. You can learn a new language, a new instrument or even try your hand at drawing.
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Have a conversation: Load shedding can be a great time to have a meaningful conversation with your friends or family. Use the time to catch up, share stories, and strengthen your relationships.
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Practice mindfulness: Use the time to practice mindfulness and meditation. Find a quiet spot and focus on your breath or try a guided meditation using an app or a website.
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Take a nap. I find the 6pm to 8pm time the worst especially as we head into autumn or winter. It’s getting dark, cooking is out of the question if you need a stove. It’s an opportunity to get that extra rest you need.
- Head to the gym. Most gyms these days seem to have some kind of backup and though you can’t necessarily use the fancy electrical equipment, you can definitely.
Having a UPS in our house which keeps our TV, computers, printers and phones powered up does make the move away from technology a lot less of a pressure. However having the ability to continue with very little interruption does not mean that taking a break in the face of a breaking power utility like Eskom, isn’t something that one shouldn’t do.