The days seem to blend into one when you are in lockdown and to keep ourselves from being bored or going mad behind the four walls we have made things, played with things, exercised, relaxed with family,
gone shopping for essentials, and scrolled endlessly on our phones and have reached a stage where we have run out of ideas. If you are looking for a handy list of fresh ideas to bring back some fun, here are a few tips for you.
Green fingers
Planting flowers or vegetables to keep you busy is something to consider. Remember to plant something that will be easy to maintain, indigenous to your area and will not require you to dig your whole backyard. Starting small and gradually building is the way to go. If you live in a small space with little to no yard space, consider creating a vertical garden. Not only is gardening relaxing, but it is also something that can be aesthetically pleasing once your babies are in bloom.
Start documenting your day or interests
Journaling during this time can be one of the most stress-relieving things you can do. Be it journaling things you are grateful for, things that are currently frustrating you, a business or a creative idea, or things you wish you could do once the lockdown has ended. It is yours to use as you see fit. Not a fan of writing down your thoughts?
Consider starting your own podcast through voice recordings or setting up a podcast page. You could even shoot mini videos on your phone and upload them as a vlog. Be creative in how you choose to document your day, thoughts, and interests to keep you busy.
Brain exercise
Challenge your mind by learning a new skill or educating yourself on free short courses that you can find online or through the Khan Academy which is suitable for the whole family. You can also use the app store to download mentally challenging games. Keep in mind to take a screen break by doing other household tasks or exercising.
Embrace being bored
In a culture that constantly wants us to be busy, being in a state of inactivity almost seems like an illegal thing to do. However, research by psychologists revealed that embracing your bored state can help you come up with creative ideas to entertain you and even perform better at tasks. The aim is to focus on the present by being fully present and observing what is happening in and around you. You can do this through meditating or breathing exercises as you sit still in a place without distractions such as the tv or your phone.
Take time to explore and create whatever it is that you have been wanting to do, but just never had the time to do so. It is also an opportune time for parents to partner up with their child by creating games and activities that create meaningful experiences.