In need of some entertainment to make lockdown pass by in a flash? Finding new ideas to nurture your inner self and take care of things you have been putting off is the order of the day.
The good news is that keeping yourself busy doesn’t always have to involve spending money either.
Here are 10 free things to do at home during lockdown to zap that boredom away.
Create a life plan
If lockdown has given us anything it’s thinking time. Even if the future looks a little different from the start of lockdown, it’s still a good idea to decide where your life is heading. Maybe you’ve been considering a new career, or are aiming to buy a house? Now is the time to figure out how you are going to make it happen and to put the wheels in motion. If you need a helping hand to get your life in order then an online life coach is always a good idea!
Try a lockdown challenge
Bored? It’s time to have a go at toilet roll keepie uppie or even try the latest dance craze on TikTok. Given gyms are shut right now, at least it will get you moving! Lockdown challenges are also a great way to distract the kids, especially if they are feeling pretty restless.
Rearrange your living space
Interior designer Kelly Hoppen is a huge fan of rearranging her home regularly. While it might seem like a bit of a faff, it can actually help you get the most out of the space you do have. For example, changing the placement of your sofa or moving the dining table to allow more room either side. If you’re unhappy with your current home, this technique can help you see it in a whole new light.
Research your family tree
Curious about where you came from? Family history websites such as Ancestry and Find My Past offer free trials that can point you in the right direction. Before you start, it’s a good idea to write down what you do know on a piece of paper, as this will help you identify which records are correct. You can begin to build your tree and even find pictures people may have uploaded of your relatives without having to pay.
At-home spa day
Love a good pamper? If so, you likely have a few beauty products hanging around the house. From a manicure to a face mask, and even a conditioning hair mask, taking time out for yourself can do the world of good. Self-care is closely tied with mental health, and we all need to be making sure we look after ourselves. Find some relaxing music playlists on YouTube to give your treatments the spa touch.
Give an old friend a call
We all know how staying in touch with loved ones matters during lockdown, but don’t forget old friends you haven’t spoken to in years either. Many messaging platforms exist that allow you to call people regardless of where they live for free. Make the most of the time we have to do just that. You never know, it might just make their day to hear from you.
Have a clear-out
It might not sound like the most exciting task, but if you have junk lying around or clothes you never wear, lockdown is as good a time as any to get rid of everything. Whether you send it to the charity shop or make some money on eBay, you will feel so much better when your spaces are clear and clear. The air will feel much cleaner in your home too.
Record your family stories
Every family has amazing or hilarious stories that get wheeled out at parties. But not many people think to record them as a keepsake to pass onto the next generation. Recording your family stories either through your phone or even a video camera is an amazing idea everyone should try. Once you are finished, send a copy to everyone in your family. Not only will it bring a smile to their face during lockdown, but it will provide happiness for years to come too.
Yoga
If you’ve spent much of this year working from home hunched over the kitchen table, your body is probably feeling it. Yoga isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but the reality is that even some basic stretching can help avoid any aches and pains. Back pain, neck pain and even headaches can be caused by poor posture, and yoga will help you adopt a better frame. Many guru’s upload free videos on YouTube for you to try at home.
Learn to draw
With so much time spent looking at screens these days, few of us spend time on recreational activities such as learning to draw. All you need is a pen and paper to get started which most people have lying around their homes. If you happen to have any pencils or crayons this is even better. There are millions of tutorials you can access for free online to sharpen your skills. It might just inspire your kids to become budding illustrators in the future too.
To sum up
The above ideas will hopefully give you some food for thought when it comes to keeping yourself entertained during lockdown. While this time certainly isn’t easy, with the right approach you can use it to get things done you’ve been avoiding until now, plus learn some new skills to boot.