The corona virus has its firm grip on the entire world and has everyone engulfed in a panic-like state of apprehension and apocalyptic grimness. However, the situation also sheds an interesting light on how people behave in extreme situation, and how it carves the best and worst out of people. Here in Austria we're trapped in a strict lockdown, but one reason to leave the house is "to help others". Neighbour communities have sprung up where younger people offer to do the shopping for the elderly and vulnerable so they don't have to leave the house. Musicians give free concerts at specific times from their windows to cheer up the people and many organisations offer their online courses for free for a limited time. 

However, it sadly also goes the other way. Denunciators spread like a wildfire, always on the hunt to call the police on someone who sneezes sidewards or dares to leave the apartment for a walk - as if the police didn't have enough on their plates! Politicians blame other countries for how they handle the situation instead of making the best for their own countries and some people don't seem to care that they could interrupt the chain of infection by simply staying at home for a few days (or weeks...or months...or years???). 

The Corona Virus has officially reached Austria. The situation here is simply crazy. Sold-out stores, closed museums and theatres, people are advised to stay inside...it's apocalyptic to say the least (though I wouldn't have thought the apocalypse came with so much pasta and toilet paper). 

But could there be an upside to the whole situation? I think so. Maybe it's a good self-exercise to explore what your house holds for you and what you can do while staying safely inside. My husband and I have decided to stay the entire weekend in and not engage in any social encounters, but what is there to do when you're "locked" inside? Well, as a freelance writer working from home, I know a thing or two about locked-in-syndrome, but these 10 things to do could help you get over the quarantine and enjoy it, too.