I think it’s far to say that lockdown is beginning to get to us all; even if you’re usually the most mentally stable person being trapped inside for weeks on end, possibly by yourself or with the same set of people, is no doubt going to affect you, so I thought I’d share some different things to do to keep you going. These are all things I’ve incorporated into my daily routine, or hobbies I’m planning to take up, and they all make me feel calm and mindful, so I hope they help you too.
Knitting
Knitting is an age old way of unwinding, and although it may seem a bit silly to be knitting something with all this good weather we’ve been having, there’s no denying that knitting is calming. Plus, by the time we’re out of this it might even be winter, who knows! I’m planning on beginning to knit a scarf, because despite being a fashion student my knitting skills leave a lot to be desired, so I thought I’d start with something simple. I’m planning to do some Instagram lives, or some Chlo-Vid 19 videos, where I simply sit and knit in front of the camera whilst we have a little chat, so if you want to knit along with me make sure to grab yourself some needles and wool from LoveCrafts and join in. Another big bonus to us knitting our own scarves, or something more advanced if you feel like it, is that we’re helping the slow fashion movement, and there is truly nothing like wearing something you’ve made with your own two hands.
Journalling/Writing a Diary
Bullet journalling is one of my favourite ways of keeping track of my life, staying organised and being creative, which means it is a great way to keep a routine going, and also do some doodling, whilst in lockdown. Even if you don’t have a bullet journal, using any old notebook or piece of paper to plan out your day, or week, and decorating it with some pretty drawings is bound to brighten your mood. Make your bullet journal layout as simplistic or detailed as you like!
On a similar note, why not keep a diary? We are living through something that is historically significant, so how awesome would it be to have a record of it to look back on in years to come? I’m not forcing myself to write in my diary every single day, but I am using it as a way to let out my thoughts and write down key facts or figures that I feel are important to record.
Reading
Most people I know love reading, but can’t seem to find the time to fit it into their usual busy lives. Why not use lockdown to switch your phone off and curl up with a good book; I’m currently making my way through the works of F Scott Fitzgerald, and I’m close to finishing The Beautiful and Damned. If you’ve got any good book recommendations please do let me know!
Gardening
If you’re lucky enough to have access to a garden at the moment, then why not make use of your time and the good weather to get cracking on the garden. My family and I are in definite need of a good weed and re-do of our garden, and if any of you have been watching my Chlo-Vid 19 videos you’ll know that I’ve been attempting to have a go at digging up parts of the garden. If you’re looking for a laugh I recommend giving that a watch!
Some other good ideas…
– Do a virtual pub quiz with your family (Jimmy Carr is uploading quizzes daily on YouTube and there is an hour long quiz every Thursday evening at 8:15pm on the Virtual Quiz channel on YouTube)
– Go for a walk; obviously adhere to the government guidelines, do not go out more than once a day and try to stay clear of others.
– Paint/redecorate a room
– Sketch something
– Play a board game (or a virtual one!)
– Play Animal Crossing (or the free version on Animal Crossing Pocket Camp)
– Sort out your wardrobe; charity shops will be looking for donations once all of this is over!
– Do some baking
– Write a blog post, or if you haven’t already got one, start a blog!
– Create a pretend Casino in your house and have a cards night with your family
– Have a duvet day (Netflix and snacks, yes please!)
– Learn something new; there are plenty of free online courses available at the minute!
– Sunbathe, but make sure to wear SPF
– Learn how to cook a new dish
– Buy something from an independent brand or Etsy seller
– Paint something
– Do a face mask
– Make a photo album
– Buy some flowers and do some flower arranging
– Facetime your friends and family
– Paint your nails; why not try a fancy pattern?
– Sew something
– Play on the Wii (if you’re currently staying in your childhood home, then chances are there’s a Wii lying around somewhere!)
– Build a house for a hedgehog in your garden
– Do an Instagram photoshoot around your house
– Do a creative makeup look
– Learn how to do a new hairstyle
– Learn a TikTok dance
– Make a YouTube video
– Make new outfits with your existing wardrobe
What are you doing in lockdown? Tell me in the comments below!
Love Chloe x
Thank you to LoveCrafts for kindly gifting me the wool and knitting needles.
Some great ideas x