In March 2020 the UK heard the word 'lockdown' for the first time, and entered very unprecedented times. Nine months on and the UK have once again entered 'lockdown' resulting in many people feeling isolated, bored and alone.
Unable to continue with our busy lives, going to work, meeting friends and family and taking part in hobbies and interests.
This results in us experiencing a wide range of different emotions which feel different, and unusual to us. Some of these feelings might include frustration, anger, stress, fear, helplessness, lonely, depressed or very low. These feelings are completely normal and understandable at this difficult time.
There is so much outside of our control, so it is important to try where possible to regain some sense of control over our day to day lives. Setting the alarm for the same time each day, eating regular meals, going to bed at the same time each day and having a schedule for the day can be very helpful.
But what do we put in our schedule if we are in lockdown? This may be day to day jobs and tasks around the home, calls to make to friends or family, planning for post-lockdown writing lists, goals and forecasts or how about selecting something from the 101 ideas of things to do in lockdown?
We hope this list is useful.....
1. Keep a ‘quarantine’ diary / blog
2. Plan a new menu for the week with new recipes you have not tried before
3. Listen to a new podcast such as Happy by Fearne Cotton
4. Organise your photos on your phone or PC
5. Call a friend or family member
6. Volunteer with GoodSAM to provide support to others in isolation
7. Attend a 'virtual tour' of a National Trust property or through Visit England
8. Read a biography about someone who inspires you
9. Complete some mindfulness colouring
10. Watch a live stream theatre show from the National Theatre
11. Organise a 'home pamper' day
12. Organise a 'house party' quiz with friends and family
13. Learn a new skill accessing courses online through Wowcher or Groupon for example
14. Organise your finances
15. Take part in the 7 day happiness challenge from Action for Happiness
16. Complete a jigsaw puzzle
17. Reorganise a room in your house (completing a deep clean at the same time)
18. Go for a walk
19. Take part in online Yoga, exercise or cardio workouts on YouTube
20. Treat yourself with some 'online' shopping
21. Declutter a cupboard or drawer, or your whole kitchen
22. Start a 'blog'
23. Upcycle a piece of furniture
24. Watch the TED Talks podcasts for inspiration and hope
25. Write a short story - or a book
26. Learn to crochet, knit or embroider
27. Bake a cake
28. Join a virtual pub quiz
29. Join an online book club
30. Look for a PenPal online and write a letter
31. Learn a new game such as Backgammon, Crib, or other card games
32. Plan birthday and Christmas gifts for all your friends and family for 2021
33. Play games online with friends on your phone or using Jackbox Games
35. Visit the Tate Gallery online
36. Organise a karaoke night using an app such as AirConsole
37. Solve a mystery - using Reddits Unsolved Mysteries
38. Paint with Bob Ross on YouTube
39. Give yourself a manicure or practice some nail art
40. Build a Lego sculpture
41. Complete a crossword or Soduku
42. Learn to brew a new beer, or make a new flavoured Gin
43. Plant some new flowers or plants inside or out
44. Make some face masks using material scraps found within the home
45. Make a travel bucket list and research each destination
46. Complete a DIY project in the home
47. Induldge in a chocolate making class online
48. Play a Murder Mystery game online with friends or family
49. Take out a magazine subscription and sit with your feet up and a cup of tea
50. Set some new goals for 2021 and get organised
51. Take up photography and start practicing around the home
52. Learn how to arrange flowers
53. Create a mood board, using cork tiles
54. Update all your passwords on online sites
55. Learn calligraphy
56. Learn how to code using a step by step guide to computer coding book
57. Create a collage or scrapbook of your life, with friends, family and memories
58. Organise your desk, workspace or filing pile
59. Learn how to draw
60. Find a new box set on Netflix or Amazon and watch every episode
61. Design your family tree
62. Organise your diary or online calendar for 2021/22
63. Review your finances and look at money saving ideas
64. Teach your pet some new tricks
65. Learn a new dance using YouTube or TikTok
66. Clear out your pantry and donate to local food banks
67. Start a new qualification online
68. Start a side project to sell services or products online
69. Make some woolly hats for Age Concern's Innocent Big Knit campaign
70. Learn some new hair styles or make up techniques using YouTube
71. Sell all your unwanted items on Ebay to bring in some extra cash
72. Learn to bake with Bread Ahead bakery school online
73. Spend some time on your mental health, journaling or writing affirmations
74. Visit Edinburgh Zoo online
75. Learn a new magic trick to impress your friends when you see them again
76. Watch a concert on Timeout.com
77. Play Pictionary using Quick Draw with Google
78. Join Massimo Bottura on Instagram for daily Michelin cookery lessons
79. Join Joe Wicks for a daily workout
80. Check out all the virtual rides at Disney on YouTube
81. Take a virtual Harry Potter tour
82. Make a memory box
83. Learn Origami
84. Have a relaxing bath with your favourite bath bubbles
85. Give yourself a makeover
86. Organise your computer files and folders
87. Join in a range of online activities on United Response www.unitedresponse.org.uk
88. Research a charity that you like to be involved in, and how you can get involved
89. Experience the Northern Lights online
90. Join the Fullers Brewery virtual pubs and regular events online
91. Watch some Cabaret on the Hippodrome's online site
92. Explore the Eden Project online
93. Watch Treasure Island from the National Theatre online
94. Watch some live comedy
95. Join the virtual Ping Pong challenge with The Big Smoke Events
96. Join a scavenger hunt at home with The Big Smoke Events
97. Bake with Mary Berry from home entering a live baking competition
98. Host your own 'Come Dine with Me'
99. Join 'Masterclass' online to learn new skills from experts and celebrities
100. Play virtual bingo
101. Book some counselling sessions - take time for you to work on your mental health
We hope this blog has been useful and if you want any support please self-refer yourself for online or telephone Counselling sessions by contacting us on 07895 796857 or completing our self referral form www.therapycentreservices.com/selfreferral
We are here for anyone who wants to access Mental Health support during a period of self-isolation