How to pass the time if you’re self-isolating
Now we’re confined to our homes, we’re in dire need of something to keep our minds busy and stave off boredom. We’ve put together our favourite things to pass the time...
Get a workout in.
Gyms can be a notorious hot-bed of germs, but staying home doesn’t mean you need to miss a workout. If you’re starting to get sick of the sight of your living room, take your workout into the garden for some fresh air. Download a new app, or try an exercise that you haven’t tried before. There are thousands of great online classes and videos that’ll help you get a sweat on and keep active without having to head outside.
Call your loved ones.
Even if you’re stuck at home alone, you don’t need to miss out on human contact. Set up a FaceTime with your parents, share a glass of wine with your other half on Skype, or call your best friend while you both watch an episode of your favourite show. Keeping in touch with your loved ones helps you stay connected, and is something that all too often we put off when we’re busy.
Find a project.
Self-isolation doesn’t mean you can’t get things done (unless you’re poorly, in which case take care of yourself!). Maybe you’ve been meaning to upcycle your old dining room chairs or been have been putting off sorting out the spare room. Now is the perfect time to do so. Get stuck into a project that you’ve been putting off for ages. The time is guaranteed to fly by, and by the time you’re done you’ll be feeling extra smug that you’ve got a big job off your to-do list.
Take up a new hobby.
There are plenty of hobbies you can do at home. Jigsaw puzzles, knitting, learning to paint or journaling are all perfect for passing the time and helping keep your mind distracted from the anxiety of what’s happening on the news. Let your creativity reign and have fun with it! These are also perfect for doing with your kids. Learning how to make salt dough animals or teaching them how to make cupcakes mean you can spend your time in a meaningful way together.
Get into podcasts.
Podcasts are great. They can be listened to while you’re cleaning, cooking, walking the dog or even just sat on the sofa having some down time. Whatever you’re interested in, we guarantee there’s a podcast for it, and they’re amazing for learning something new and taking your mind off whatever’s happening around you.
Do your Spring cleaning.
Spring cleaning is one of those jobs that we always put off every weekend because, let’s face it, there’s plenty of other things we would rather be doing. However, if you’re stuck in self-isolation for the foreseeable future, now is the perfect time to get everything sparkling clean. You’re probably already hyper-aware of cleaning down surfaces, so why not tackle the rest of the house and get everything immaculate? You’ll feel amazing once it’s done, and you can spend the rest of your time at home enjoying other things whilst basking in your Instagram-worthy clean house.
Try cooking something new.
Eating the same food over and over again can get really boring really quickly. While you’ve got some spare time, have a look through one of those recipe books you rarely touch and find a dish that the whole family can get involved in making. You can even have a themed night to make it extra special; try making some delicious Mexican food and enjoy a night of sombreros and Mexican beer, or have a go at making some Japanese sushi – you can have sake for the adults, and find a great manga cartoon for your kids. It’s the perfect chance to teach them about different cultures and enjoy doing something as a family.
Take care of yourself.
Lastly, but most important of all, look after yourself. Whilst there are many hidden benefits to self-isolating, it can also make you feel anxious and lonely. Make sure you’re doing everything you can to take care of yourself physically and mentally. Keep on top of hygiene and ensure your family is staying healthy with fresh food and plenty of fluids. It can be tempting to want to stay on top of every news article, but this can have a negative effect on you emotionally too. Try to limit your news consumption and don’t get too bogged down in everything that’s happening. Instead, focus on enjoying the self-imposed time with your family or with your own company. Make time for yourself and take advantage of the opportunity to try new things and catch up on sleep.
Over the coming weeks we will be providing you with more and more content to entertain, educate and support our readers and their families. Look out for practical workbooks, recipes, beginner’s guides and mental health support. Follow us on social and subscribe to be kept up-to-date.
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