10 Things to Do to Fight Loneliness and Boredom In a Lockdown By Huma Qureshi

With life coming to a social standstill, the actor opens up about how she’s making the best use of her time indoors—and it doesn’t involve spending hours on social media (okay fine, only a few). From indulging in self-care, revisiting old hobbies and learning new skills, to reaching out to others in need, connecting with loved ones, and more here’s all that she’s been up to…

Cosmo: You’re a fan of keeping a journal. How has that helped you and do you encourage others to try the same?

Huma Quershi: “I highly recommend it! I think everyone should do it. It’s such a great way of putting your thoughts together and planning better, and also emotionally connecting with yourself. Once you start doing it, you’ll realise the beauty and magic of it.”

Cosmo: You’re also working out regularly, even at home. What is your regimen like?

HQ: “I’m doing a lot of free-weight exercises….lightweight, with a lot of repetitions. Thankfully, I have some weights at home, but those who don’t can use anything that they have lying around—a water bottle, a heavy book, etc. Also, being indoors, because I’m not moving as much, I do functional workouts as well.”

Cosmo: Among other things, you also recommend self-care as a good way to keep busy in this period…

HQ: “Since everyone is home nowadays, it is a good time to indulge in some beauty and hair care. You can do this using ingredients that are easily available at home. Like honey and besan…mix them and use as a face pack. Or, lemon—if you think you’re tanned, it’s a great home remedy. As an actor, my skin and hair go through so much when I’m shooting, so I’m using this period to pamper them with some nice masks and routines.”

Cosmo: Are there any online courses that you’ve enrolled to learn something new?

HQ: “Yes, I’m doing a scriptwriting course online—it’s a good way to expand my understanding of reading and writing scripts. As an actor, it is something that’s really important and will be helpful.”

Cosmo: Tell us about a book that you absolutely love.

HQ: “Oh, I am a reader…so there are many! I love reading autobiographies, and Mohammad Ali’s— The Greatest: My Own Story—is one of my all-time favourites. Currently, I’m reading

Elon Musk’s biography, and The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Robert Allen Iger, and really enjoying both.”

Cosmo: What are some of the things that we can all do to be more sensitive and kinder in these times?

HQ: “Think about empathy. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and realise that these are very difficult times, and a lot of us have to make some really tough decisions. It’s very important. Reach out to friends—over a phone call, or a video chat—and check up on their emotional health. Everyone’s indoors these days—some of them will be dealing with confusion or angst, even fear, or just boredom. The human mind, when left alone, can go to some really dark spaces. So staying connected with each other and asking after each other can go a long way. If you know someone around you who is having issues procuring essentials like grocery, or someone elderly who may need any kind of help, reach out to them. Even these small acts of kindness can make a huge difference.”

Cosmo: What are some hobbies/pastimes that you've reconnected with courtesy of self-isolation?

HQ: “Chess. It’s a great mind game—and keeps the mind sharp. I’m loving it! I usually play with my brother, but when he’s busy, I go online and play.”

Cosmo: How much time do you spend on social media every day now?

HQ: “Honestly, I’m making a conscious effort to put my phone away or on silent. You know, because you’re home, everyone thinks they can just call or message you when they want. There are like 10,000 videos, forwards, memes and GIFs on my phone! So when I’m doing other work like reading or writing, I make sure I don’t have my phone around. My own social media consumption has also increased relatively, but I’m trying to restrict that, too.”

Cosmo: So what’s the most bizarre thing you’ve read or seen on the Internet recently?

HQ: “Trying to find humour in these tough times, I’m tripping over all the COVID-19 forwards I’m getting these days. My favourite is a video someone sent me, of these chubby babies touching each other’s jiggly bellies and laughing, and the caption said, ‘You meeting your friends after the lockdown’. I thought that was really funny!”

Cosmo: What are the first three things on your list once the lockdown is over?

HQ: “My mum and dad are in Delhi, and I miss them. I’ll first go and see them! Then, I want to go watch a film…in a theatre, with lots of people around! And, I’d like to go out with my loved ones for a nice meal.”

Cosmo: What’s your favourite thing about yourself?

HQ: “I’m a fairly positive person, so even in adverse situations, I try to keep my head above water and think positive.”

Cosmo: And least favourite?

HQ: “I am hyper-critical. I wish I was a bit less critical.”

Cosmo: Tell us about a cause(s) closest to your heart, and why?

HQ: “Girl child education. I believe it’s extremely important to give everyone equal opportunity and send our girls to school.”

Cosmo: If you could give your teenaged self a piece of advice, what would it be?

HQ: “I’d say: Don’t worry, it’ll all work out!”