How to Keep Yourself Occupied During Lockdown

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been forced to stay indoors for the sake of our health; however, it has been almost 12 months since we have been allowed to live our life as normal. You may be feeling completely isolated, bored, and struggling to find ways to spend your time wisely in lockdown at this stage. Without the constant human interaction and freedom that we have been used to and taken for granted for our lives, it is completely natural for your mental health to be suffering. Why is it extremely important to keep yourself occupied in lockdown to prevent your mood dipping and having negative thoughts? In this guide, we are going to look at just some of the ways you can keep yourself busy during lockdown – you are sure to come across some ideas you may never have considered before.

1. Catch up on TV

You may never have the time to sit down and watch TV shows that have been recommended, so why not allow yourself to catch up on the most recommended shows each evening – this will not only keep you entertained and be used as a form of escapism from your worries but will also add structure to your day. Purchasing a large bean bag from Comfy Sack is ideal for chilling out in front of the TV with the freedom to sit in a comfortable position for you.

If you are currently struggling in lockdown, we hope this guide has given you some useful tactics to consider on keeping occupied through the following weeks and months until you are allowed to carry out your usual activities. Remember, do not be afraid to reach out if you need someone to talk to.

2. Stay in touch

As you are unable to see and friends and family as usual during these uncertain times, it is crucial to try and remain in close contact with loved ones to keep your mental health in check. During times of stress and worry, staying connected with those you consider close to you will allow you to feel supported and less alone. Thanks to the developments in technology, it is now easier than ever to do so. Here are just some ideas on how you can stay in touch with your loved ones:

Video calls

A video call is a perfect way to see a friendly face when you are feeling down. Although it is different from seeing your loved one face-to-face, it is the next best thing. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or PC and a stable internet connection to carry out a video call. Keeping in touch via video call on the likes of WhatsApp is much easier than you may expect.

Chat rooms

If you have not got any close family and friends that you can keep in contact with, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people online. Forums and chat rooms are based on certain hobbies and interests that are perfect for connecting with like-minded people. However, if you are dealing with certain issues, there are specialized charities you can instantly seek help from if you are struggling.

3. Take a course

If you are interested in boosting their knowledge, skillset, and career aspirations, you could consider taking an online short course. Most courses are free of charge. However, those from recommended institutions may have a charge. Doing so will not only keep your mind active for several months, but you may complete the course with a certificate that can be added to your resume.

4. Exercise

Keeping active in lockdown is important for both your physical and mental health. Research has proven that exercise boosts your wellbeing to help you feel much more upbeat, calm, and energetic, which is essential during such an unprecedented time. You may discover that after just 30 minutes of exercise per day, you will have a better night’s sleep and feel more alert the following day. There are many ways you can stay active while isolating at home, including the likes of yoga, gardening, a brief walk around the neighborhood, and following workout routines on YouTube.

5. Start a podcast

Are you a comedy genius? Or perhaps, you have a lot of interesting stories to tell? Why not start a podcast? Podcasts have hit their height of popularity during the pandemic, with individuals looking for any form of entertainment while stuck indoors.

It is a good idea to choose a niche that you feel best represents you and the topics you wish to talk about – remember, it could be listened to by hundreds or even thousands of people, so your choice of branding will become your identity. Before getting started, it would be wise to read a beginner guide to podcasts to understand the basics of how to get started.

6. Mindfulness

During periods of heightened anxiety, you could practice mindfulness to change your way of thinking. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by the past or future, you will retrain your brain to focus on the present moment and your current surroundings. Mindfulness takes a great deal of time and practice to master, but there are several ways you can get into the habit, such as the following:

  • Meditation
  • Writing a journal
  • Yoga

7. Pamper

With our everyday lives’ hecticness, you may have completely overlooked taking care of your own needs. However, it is important to do so for your mental health and wellbeing. It is easy to neglect yourself when you have several responsibilities to keep on top of on a day-to-day basis.

Now that you are unable to carry out as many of your usual responsibilities while in lockdown, you can spend more time looking after yourself. This may include cooking your favorite meal, painting your nails, or even taking a bath complete with fragrant candles. Aromatherapy has been shown to anxiety and depression, which could, in turn, make you feel much more relaxed and get a better night’s sleep.

 

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