Whether you’ve returned from overseas, feeling a little under the weather or are just doing your bit to contain the spread of COVID-19 we’ve got the perfect suggestions to make sure you don’t go totally bananas with all that time indoors!
1. Learn a new skill
Nearly all of us have that one thing that we would just love to learn – but if only we had the time! Well now you do. Learn how to use that design software you’ve always wanted, try out that language you’ve always wanted to learn and pick up that pencil and start drawing. Now is the time.
For those of you who like the idea of learning something new and aren’t sure where to start, there are plenty of online options like Skillshare that can help inspire you to learn something you may never have thought of. This online community has thousands of classes available. You can opt for a free account or sign up to unlock your true potential.
2. There’s nothing quite like getting your nose stuck into a good book
Nearly all of us have a book laying around home that we never read, there’s the one you were going to read on that summer holiday, the one you got for Christmas, the one you bought because you thought you’d replace Netflix with a book for a while. For those of you that already have that book in mind… go grab it!
For those of you who don’t have a book laying around and can’t go out to get one, fear not! It’s 2020 and a few years ago, we discovered that we don’t actually need to leave home to get what we want. Kindle offer a free app for iOS, Android, Mac and PC. All you need to do is download the app and then jump onto Amazon and find the one you want to sink your teeth into!
With more than 5 million eBooks available on Amazon you’re bound to find the right one for you. If you’re looking for a little inspiration about what to choose, head to Amazon’s Best Sellers page. Updated hourly, this page will be sure to show you what’s trending right now.
3. A not-so-guilty Netflix binge
There’s no denying the guilt you feel when you curl up on the couch and watch Netflix all weekend long. Well now, you don’t need to feel guilty! Get that cosy blanket you love and start scrolling through the endless movies, documentaries and TV series.
Not sure what to watch? Let me help!
Towards the end of 2019 Netflix released their most watched for the year based on viewership.
For a TV series to really commit to try:
· Stranger Things
· The Witcher
· The Umbrella Academy
· Dead to Me
· You
· When They See Us
· Unbelievable
· Sex Education
· 13 Reasons Why
· Raising Dion
If you’re just looking for a good movie try:
· Bird Box
· Murder Mystery
· Triple Frontier
· The Perfect Date
· Tall Girl
· The Highwaymen
· Secret Obsession
· Always Be My Maybe
· Otherhood
· Fyre
4. Get the blood circulating with an at home workout
Being stuck indoors always seems like the dream scenario, but for many, when that becomes a reality, they might just find that they go a little bit crazy not being able to move around like they used to.
If you start to feel a little couped up, try a couple of indoor exercises! Not sure where to start? Kayla Itsines has built an empire on at-home workouts, you can find the perfect exercise for you here or try this 7-minute workout you can do anywhere.
5. Mindful colouring in
Go find that old pencil case and sharpen up those coloured pencils, it’s time to chill out with a bit of mindful colouring in. This may be particularly good idea if you’re starting to feel a little bit anxious about what’s going on in the world. Mindful colouring encourages you switch off all that external chatter and focus on the task at hand.
If you haven’t already got a book handy, you can print one off for free here.
6. Create a new morning routine
Your morning routine has so much potential and right now you’re in the best position to perfect it! Try getting up and getting ready as normal, then start to introduce those morning rituals you’ve always wished you could. Only now, you don’t have the anxiety of not knowing you’ll still get out on time.
Whether you want to practice some morning meditation, a mini workout or even a bit of reading before you get out of bed, now is the time to figure out how to add that into your routine.
7. Relax with a piece-full jigsaw
All puns aside puzzles are great for a whole lot more reasons than just a bit of fun! Puzzles can help improve memory, encourage better problem-solving skills, improve attention to detail and can even increase our brains production of dopamine each time you get a piece in the right place.
For an extra challenging puzzle, ditch the picture and see if you can solve it without the visual.
8. Spring clean your space
We all have that one cupboard/room/draw that we just pray no one ever sees, well, now is the time to change that. Free yourself from the shame of clutter and use your time to clean out the space around you.
By cleaning your space, you’ll have one less thing to stress about when you’re on your way back to normality.
9. Call a friend
Life gets crazy, and sometimes we forget to touch base with the people who mean the most to us. Who knows? They might be in the exact same position as you, isolated and feeling a little alone. Pick up the phone and give them a call, this simple little act could go a long way for lifting both yours and their mood.
10. Start a journal or a blog
There’s no time like now to get your thoughts out there. Not only is it easier than ever with all this technology, but with all that’s going on at the moment I’m sure you’ve got a lot to say!
Put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and start creating content that’s for your eyes only or for the world to see! This virus will go down in history and who knows, maybe what you have to say will too.