Load Shedding - Share the Load

Load shedding is a reality in many countries around the world, whether it is due to power outages, natural disasters, or government regulations. While it can be frustrating to be without electricity for extended periods of time, there are still ways to stay busy and remain positive during load shedding.
Even if it is a difficult time, it doesn’t have to be a negative experience. By staying connected, taking up a new hobby, staying active, and getting organized, you can stay busy and remain positive.
Fortunately, there are a variety of activities and strategies that can help you make the most of load shedding and keep your spirits high. Here are some tips to stay busy and positive.
• Catch up on old hobbies: During load shedding, it can be hard to find the motivation to stay productive. But that doesn’t mean you can’t spend your time doing something you love. Take this opportunity to revisit an old hobby or pick up a new one. Whether it’s painting, dancing, learning a language, or playing an instrument, having a creative outlet can help you stay busy and positive during dark days.
• Get outdoors: The winter months can be especially difficult for those who live in cold climates. But getting out into nature can be a great way to stay positive. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore your local parks and forests, and get some fresh air and sunshine. Whether it’s a short walk, a bike ride, or a hike, get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Since everything is also getting extremely expensive, invest in planting your own veggies, herbs and fruits. Sure plan to keep busy and cut costs.
• Read a book: It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but load shedding is the perfect opportunity to take a break and relax with a good book. Reading can help you escape into a new world, learn something new, or simply take a break from reality. Go old school and write a letter to someone special.
• Get organized: Load shedding can be a great time to get organized. Take the opportunity to declutter your home, clean out your closet, or finally tackle that backlog of paperwork. We all have that one space or closet that is dreadful to walk past, like a kid running in the hallway to escape an imaginary monster. Sort it out!
• Socialize: Although socializing is difficult during load shedding, there are a variety of ways to stay connected with friends and family. Maybe retreat back to basics, Invite friends, family and neighbors over for board games.
• Exercise: Exercise is a great way to stay busy and boost your mood. Try going for a run, doing yoga, or playing a game of basketball or soccer with your friends. Dust off the Trojan bike in the corner and sweat the frustration of load shedding out of you!
• Meditate: Meditation can be a great way to stay positive and take a break from the stress of everyday life. Take a few minutes each day to practice deep breathing and mindfulness. Although this sounds like every other GIF or post you see, the actual science is also there to proof, this is a concrete way to manage all the extra stress that build up due to load shedding.


• Invest in a Generator: Having a generator to make up for the loss of electricity is a great way to make sure you’re not stuck in the dark. Generators come in a variety of sizes and can be used to power a variety of appliances in your home such as refrigerators, air conditioning units, televisions, and computers.
• Get Creative with Lighting: When the power is out, you don’t have to be in the dark. Get creative with your lighting by investing in battery-powered lanterns, solar-powered lights, or even candles.
• Make the Most of Natural Light: If you don’t have access to any artificial light sources, make the most of natural light by opening the windows during the day and taking advantage of the sunlight. In many shops there are small solar panels available that can work perfect in the sun to charge phones, torches etc.
• Invest in a Backup Battery: Having a backup battery is a great way to make sure that you’re not left without access to electricity. Investing in a backup battery can help you to stay charged and connected when the power is out. Use a UPS: A UPS will also protect your equipment from power surges.

• Stay informed: Keep track of when load shedding is scheduled to take place in your area. There are a few ways to do this:
-Download the Eskom app: This app will allow you to see when load shedding is scheduled to take place in your area.
-Visit the Eskom website: This website will also allow you to see when load shedding is scheduled to take place in your area.
-Follow Eskom on Twitter: Eskom often tweets when load shedding is scheduled to take place.
-Find out about Whatsapp community groups where you can track and report power outages and problems.


With a little bit of planning and creativity, load shedding doesn’t have to be so daunting. Humans have survived this long and evolved to this point because we can endure and adapt. We don't give up.