WATCH A DOCUMENTARY SERIES ON NETFLIX
This activity is a potential trap. Whilst watching a stimulating TV series on Netflix passes time, it can do so in an unproductive manner and you might find yourself binge-watching programmes that won’t really help you in any way, other than waste the free time you have. I’d suggest that, alongside your normal TV watching habits, invest time in watching documentaries and learn about your favourite subjects. You may choose to watch a documentary series on Netflix which you have never taken an interest in before, which is great. The cost of a Netflix subscription is minimal and there are many factual programmes which you can get stuck into during quarantine.
KEEP A BLOG/JOURNAL
Keeping track of your thoughts, activities and learnings is always a good idea – and a highly productive one at that. You might look back at this time and process your memories or even process your thoughts for the day or the week that has passed. You can do this privately on your computer, mobile or even better in a notebook. Consider going a step further and set up a personal blog that takes those daily experiences and turns them into weekly or monthly posts for others to read and learn from. Either way, putting pen to paper once a day could be 15 minutes well spent.
MEDITATE
It’s important to be mindful of your surroundings as well as your wellbeing whilst in quarantine, and meditation might help you get a bit of peace of mind in times of uncertainty. Find a quiet space, light some candles and clear your mind with some therapeutic meditation music – more info here. Meditation is one of the best things you can do right now to relieve stress and improve your wellbeing. Aura and Headspace both offer help if you are new to meditation and mindfulness.
GET ARTISTIC
DIY and gardening not quite right for you, but you’d like to do something creative? Art and crafts is a great way to express yourself, learn a new skill, and help you see ordinary things in a whole new way and channel your creativity. You can paint canvasses, doodle in a sketchpad or draw in adult colouring books. Go a step further in this respect and take up knitting, candle-making and jewellery-making. Explore the various websites that offer starter kits and ideas on arts and crafts activities you can undertake during this period of increased downtime.
GO WALKING
Take advantage of the countryside that might surround you. Daily exercise and sunshine are two of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health and providing that you are not breaking self-quarantining rules – such as walking in groups and not staying two meters away from others – you should set aside this as one of your primary routines. Doing so amongst nature will really make you a happier person, which will also help you boost your immune system, reduce anxiety as well as improve your athletic performance.
LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE
How many times have you said that you’d like to learn a new language? I’m sure you have many times over the years. Well, now you have time to do so. With apps like Memrise and Duolingo, you can do so easily and at no cost or you can consider hiring a private tutor on a platform like Preply.
FORM A ROUTINE FOR YOUR NEW ACTIVITIES
Finally, and perhaps most importantly… be sure to write down a routine (with timescales) of the activities which you will be doing and trying for the first time on a weekly basis. Stick to your routine and form the habits to keep your working and keep you productive during this lockdown.
