As a second nationwide lockdown looms menacingly on the horizon, from Thursday 5th November households will find themselves spending more and more time cooped up inside during one of the most dismal and dreary times of the year.
While many of us are in the throes of pandemic fatigue already, ill-prepared for another lockdown, and dreading the unknowns of a pseudo-Christmas, now more than ever it is important to dedicate time to doing things for sheer enjoyment. So, what can we do in the face of another lockdown, facing the winter struggle and an interminable amount of time spent indoors? By Holly Battye
Invest in those positive relationships. While we all may be sick of Zoom and other online platforms, now is not a time avoid contact with loved ones. While virtual interaction is far from ideal, it is important to check in with family and friends and make sure no one is feeling alone during the winter months. Arrange a time to chat, share screens and watch a Christmas film together, make each other a cheesy holiday playlist: nothing revolutionary, but nonetheless important ways to stay connected. If you can’t bear another interaction online, spend time writing a handwritten letter and send it to someone special!
Do more of the things that make you happy. For me that means baking baking baking. Add a festive twist to brownies and cakes, fine-tune the most delicious hot chocolate (mint and chocolate orange, I’m looking at you), or get decorating with Christmas themed icing. Not only do you get to make something, but you also get to eat it too!
Learn something new. Try coding, take up a new language, take courses in photography: many of these things are available for free online, and are great ways to stay motivated, set goals and feel satisfaction and pride from your activities. Better yet, take up a new activity with a friend and motivate each other!
Get into podcasts. Whatever your interest, there’s a podcast out there for you, from true crime, to technology, career development, to celebrities chatting about dating! Spotify has a huge range of materials, many of them for free, and Apple podcasts offer loads of interesting programmes that can keep you entertained for hours. Check out Wired’s list of the best podcasts for Curious Minds.
Make your own advent calendar. As we edge closer to Christmas, it’s all about advent calendars and counting down to what promises to be one of the strangest Christmases yet. Why not combine craft-making with Christmas fun, and make your own? Knit, cut, stick and fold your way to DIY advent heaven, or, alternatively, buy an empty one and fill it with homemade trinkets or snacks!
Feng Shui your home. Feng Shui, or the Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment, is surprisingly easy and beneficial to embrace. With so much time being spent indoors, take some time to re-arrange your living space, brighten up the areas where you are working or relaxing, and let the good energy flow.
Make an indoor fort. Ok, throwback to childhood here, but who doesn’t love the idea of transforming your living room or bedroom into a fun fort, using chairs, blankets and fairy lights. Make a cosy hideout, and shelter away from the outside world, just for a day. Trust me, a short-lived regression to simpler and more innocent times is a great way to unwind and have fun, especially (but not exclusively) if you have kids!
And finally, while not technically an activity to do at home this winter, now is the time to wrap up and get outside, get some fresh air and sea breeze, and blow away those cobwebs. Getting active and out in nature is a great way to reduce stress, improve your mood and take time to feel more relaxed. From walking the dog for 15 minutes, to hiking up a mountain, no matter the length or intensity getting out into nature is a great way to benefit both your mental and physical health this winter.
