[imagesource: freepik]

Your social life has gone one of two ways since the lockdown began.

It’s either non-existent, or it’s moved online.

This means that you’re spending an exceptional amount of time on your phone, tablet and/or laptop – or staring pensively out of the window looking for signs of life.

If you’re doing the former unproductively (there are only so many memes you can look at before your brain starts to atrophy) or the latter (no one is outside, we’re locked down), it’s time to switch things up.

CNN put together a list of apps so that you can put your phone to work and maximise your free time in isolation.

Here’s our top five:

When you need to chill – The Meditation App

Seth has spoken at length about the benefits of meditation. It’s a big part of his daily routine during his lockdown at Cabine du Cap.

The Meditation App checks in on your physical and emotional state before guiding you through some breathing, meditations or the occasional, calming compilation of cat videos.

When it’s time to upskill (because what else is there to do) – Duolingo

If you’re bilingual and you tell people about it, they’ll inevitably lament the fact that they didn’t learn a second or third language.

Now is your chance to upskill your language game and have some fun while you do it.

Duolingo turns learning a new language into a game that’s fast-paced, image-heavy and encourages you to keep going. You can even learn how to speak Klingon from Star Trek if you’re keen on never impressing the ladies ever again.

When you’d like to get some exercise in – Aaptiv

Aaptiv is a personal trainer in your pocket. The instructions are all audio-based so you don’t have to stop your workout to see what’s going on.

Personally, we prefer working out with Adriana Lima, but that’s just us.

When you want to give the window a break and socialise with a little gaming – Heads Up!

You’re probably familiar with House Party by now. It’s the app that lets you hang with your friends online for a movie evening or general catch-up.

If you click the die in the upper right corner, Heads Up! should appear on the drop-down menu. Click it, add friends and you’re on your way.

It sure beats hosting another game night with your cat.

You can’t buy hot food so you might as well cook – Project Foodie

The latest item added to the lockdown contraband list is hot food (fare thee well, sweet Woolies rotisserie chicken…).

Hot food was the closest we could get to takeaways over the past few weeks, so unless you want to live that two-minute noodle life, it might be time to hone those cooking skills.

Project Foodie supplies you with a series of videos that break down recipes and guide you through the process of making a meal, step-by-step. By the end of the lockdown, you’ll be able to surprise your friends with a meal that deviates from the usual chips and beer.

For more apps, or variations on the apps above, head here.

Then start downloading – you have a lot to do before we’re back in the world again.

[source:cnn]