I’m sure most of us are still in a little state of shock/denial
of the state of the world right now but whether we like it or not, being in
self isolation for the foreseeable is unavoidable. It’s not going to be over in
a week or two, we’re in it for the long haul so the best thing we can do for
our physical and mental well-being is to try where possible to keep a positive
mental attitude and fill our time with enjoyable activities, albeit, inside.
When I was a lot younger, I used to say ‘only boring people
get bored’ and used to pride myself on keeping entertained in any situation,
okay besides at work, but that’s different! So I wanted to share some ideas
with you all on some things to keep you occupied and some things I’ll be doing
over the coming weeks to beat the boredom.
Social Media
Firstly, I wanted to say that I totally understand social
media and the news right now can be so triggering, but there’s absolutely no
harm in putting away your phone, taking some me time and limiting how much you
see on social media but muting words or phrases. We can be our own worst enemy,
wanting information yet getting obsessed with the information and it leads to
stress and anxiety when it’s not good news. Try and make a conscious effort to
notice when it’s getting too much and take a step back
Okay now for the fun stuff!
Colouring
Never underestimate the relaxation of colouring. A quick amazon
search brings up so many options of colouring books for adults, some of
which are pretty cheap and absolutely beautiful. This weekend as the sun has
been out I’ve been laying outside with my colouring book and it’s genuinely so
relaxing.
If you’re looking after the pennies during isolation, you
can take it old school and draw shapes and lines on a piece of paper and colour
them all in, or if you have a printer at home there’s so many print outs you
can find using good old Google.
Food
I know this may be a sore subject right now as the whole of
the UK for some reason thinks it’s okay to buy the contents of Sainsbury’s the
second food hits the shelves but, see it as an opportunity to cook new things.
You can search online for recipes that include food you already have and learn
to make something new. I love using Pinterest, BBC Good Food and All Recipes. Maybe there’s something you’ve
always wanted to try making, now is a good time! I’ve always wanted to try and
make bread, I managed to get some bread flour and make my own loaf yesterday
and felt really proud of myself!
You can also start some Pinterest boards of things you want
to try and make when ingredients are more readily available and have your own
inspiration board. I have lots of ideas especially on baking and desserts on my
Pinterest, with all
types of food and drinks split into separate boards so search for whatever
interests you.
Make a photobook
I think we’re all guilty of storing thousands of photos on our phones but do we ever do anything with them? Not really! During isolation I’ve started to organise the photos on my phone and I’m creating a photobook which I’m so excited to get printed. They do take a long time to do so I’m taking it one month of photos at a time and giving myself a couple of days to get each month done.
My favourite website to create photos books is Cewe. I have also recently downloaded the Once Upon a Time app which does make beautiful books but you don’t have the creative freedom to move your photos and change templates as much as you do with other programmes so I’m not sure I’m convinced of that one yet.
If you spend your time on a project like this, you’re going to have a beautiful physical photobook to look back on that will last longer than your phone once it’s dead and you lose photos. If you’re feeling generous or have any birthdays coming up, how about making a photobook for a friend or family member. This is always the most thoughtful gift they can keep forever.
Online quizzes
This is where my super geeky side comes out. For years, I’ve
done online quizzes and trivia online for fun. My favourite website is Sporcle, the world’s largest quiz website.
They have a quiz for every single thing you could think of. I won’t even list
them all as I’ll be here forever but just check them out! I love the Countries
of Europe and States of US ones – who knew there were so many European
countries I always forget about!!
If you take a quiz, let me know which one and what score you
get!!
Online Surveys for Money
When I was at University and had a lot of time on my hands,
I started doing online surveys for money or vouchers. I actually made a few
hundred pounds over a couple of months which was pretty easy for something to
do in front of the TV. That was about 8 years ago now but Money Saving
Expert has a whole post on online paid surveys with links to the best ones
so check them out!
Zoom/skype/facetime in groups with your friends
My friends and I have lived miles away from each other for
most of our friendships and this week I was surprised when I actually thought,
we’d never been on Facetime/Skype together. We’ve started doing this and it
definitely makes the days of isolation less lonely. We all participated in a
virtual pub quiz on Friday and had so much fun, my husband and I are going to
host our own one next weekend for our friends and family via zoom for everyone
to dial in to. Make the most of the wonderful technology we have and keep in touch
with your loved ones, because we’re all in the same boat.
Read
Dust of those books that might be in your cupboard or on the
shelf, or if you have a kindle treat yourself to a new book. Most of the books
I read on my kindle are between 99p and £2.99 so really cost effective. Before
I had my kindle, I used to buy used books on Amazon which were also quite cheap
if charity shops are currently closed.
Maybe ask your friends or followers on social media if anyone
wants to start a book club and read together then discuss the books. It’s a
great way to be introduced to new books and make friends.
Exercise
I know the hard part of isolation for a lot of people is the
gyms being shut, especially people who use exercise as escapism. But being at
home doesn’t mean you need to give up your routine. YouTube is your best friend!
I personally love the PopSugarFitness
channel and have loved it for about 6 years now. They have exercise tutorials
of all types, duration, from beginners to experts. Most of them need little or
no equipment too which makes them super easy to do at home.
If you are a regular of a gym class, have a look on YouTube
if that class has been filmed. I love Les Mills Body Pump and have some body
pump equipment at home so I have been using these videos every day to do the
classes I would usually do either in my living room or in the garden. I’ve purchased
dumbbells and a kettlebell from Amazon which weren’t too expensive and were
delivered quickly.
If you’re willing to spend some money, you can always sign
up to a programme like the Body Coach, Results with Lucy and Les Mills Online Classes
and there’s a whole wealth of programmes on there. If not, YouTube is just as
good and how I’m personally still working out.
Walk
Social isolation may mean you won’t be meeting your friends
for a picnic in the park, but you also don’t need to be completely confined to
the four walls of your house. If you’re able to go for a walk locally, take the
chance. As long as it’s not in a busy easy and preferably doesn’t mean you need
to touch anything for example gates, then get out there and get some fresh air
Keep blinds open and crack a window
I know this sounds like the smallest most insignificant
thing you can do with your time but trust me, it will make you feel so much better.
I know it’s tempting to stay in bed with the blinds shut but it does make you
feel more awake and upbeat having the blinds/curtains open and having the
window open to get some fresh air circulating. Don’t underestimate the power of
small things
Take 5 minutes to acknowledge what you’re thankful for that
day and what good thing has happened that day
This is something I’ve started to do every day. Some days I
write them down, and others I don’t, but I do consciously stop for 10 minutes
each day to think about what I’m thankful for and what good thing/s have happened
that day. Today I’m thankful for my energetic dog and the bright sunshine and
blue skies that allow us to be out in the garden playing together. Taking 10
minutes to appreciate these things will help you remember the important things
and the good things, concentrating on positives.
Practice mindfulness and/or meditation
This isn’t something I’ve personally got into yet but I know
for many people, mindfulness and meditation genuinely changes their mood and
mindset on a daily basis. There are loads of YouTube videos to help you and I have
heard from so many people that the Calm app is good too!
Sleep
Never feel guilty about taking some time to get some extra
sleep. Most likely, with all the stress right now, your body will need it!
Indulge in that Sunday afternoon nap and don’t feel guilty about it! I laid
down for what I thought would be an hour yesterday after a big lunch and turned
out it was 4 hours but hey, who cares. I felt so great when I woke up because I
clearly needed the sleep and I absolutely didn’t feel guilty for taking some me
time.
Pamper yourself
On the subject of ‘me time’, now is a great time to relax
and indulge in a bath and a face mask. Okay I don’t really like baths myself
but I have taken the time to sort out my skincare routine and have regular
facemasks, relaxing on my bed with the window open and fresh air difting through
in the breeze and it’s genuinely my most relaxing times… until my crazy dog
realises I’m trying to relax and tries to jump on my face.
Learn a craft on YouTube
If you feel like you have a lot of time on your hands, why
not learn a craft on YouTube. There’s so many tutorials on almost everything
you can think of. I’ve been watching DIY party décor tutorials and balloon walls
ready for when this whole isolation business is over and I can throw a big
party. You could learn origami or calligraphy? You never know when it might
come in handy and it’s a cool thing to say you can do, not to mention a good
use of time as our social lives are currently on hiatus.
Games
I absolutely love old school games and it makes me sad they don’t
make really great boardgames any more because technically has taken over. But
anyway, what about a game of monopoly with the people you live with? I know
that can get a little heated so if you’re looking for something a little less
stressful then Uno? Card games? Or even go totally old school and play paper
games like boxes? My husband is currently resisting the old school games but I
feel like I’m going to win this battle in the end!
If you live on your own, or don't want to play physcial games with the people you live with (I get that!), download some free games on your phone! I have recently downloaded Sonic, Solitare, Spider Solitare and BlockuDoku which I play when I need 10 minutes to myself to relax and clear my mind
Make a bucketlist
I’m sure most people will agree that even if we didn’t go
out too much before social distancing was put into place, we sure realise now
as soon as we’re not allowed to go out, we want to! Now you have all the inspiration
of places to go and things you want to do, make that list and keep it ready for
when all of this is over. It’ll be a great bucket list for the rest of the
year.
Check in with an old friend or family member
Most important of all, take the time to check in with
friends and family members. Maybe this is a good time tor reach out to an old
friend you haven’t spoken to for a while. Now is a better time than ever. Take
the opportunity and keep checking on your circle, ask if they’re okay. I’m
making a conscious effort to check in with my friends every couple of days or
so because everyone handles these situations differently.
I hope some of these ideas help you get through the next
weeks/months of social distancing or isolation. If you use any of them I would
love if you let me know.
Please please keep safe during these times and try where
possible to remain positive. We will come through this and I hope we come
through it with a greater appreciation for our key worker staff who are keeping
things going while the rest of us are home, and an appreciation for our freedom,
our health and our life.
Take care, stay home and keep positive.
Love Lauren xxx
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