10 Things To Do During Isolation

Finding things to do at home when bored has become a leading challenge we didn’t exactly account for when making 2020 plans. Still, we’ll keep doing our bit to help make self-isolation bearable, and keep you safe, as we all ride out these challenging times together. That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 fun things you can do at home to make this time a little bit more exciting.

1. Stay active and improve your posture

We all know that the amount of time we spend sitting down in our daily lives is not doing our bodies any favours. We are all doing our best to get some fresh air and exercise, but we must keep our spines moving too. If you don’t regularly stretch during this period of inactivity at home; you are more likely to suffer from aches and pains. Dr Sarah has created a simple and short routine which will help you to keep yourself flexible and strong.

Dr Shawn has also given you three lower back exercises that are simple to do and can be done in the comfort of your own home. Click here to watch McGill’s Big Three.

Alternatively, you can download a fitness app or workout with YouTube. Even if you don’t own any equipment, there are many ways to improve your fitness at home.

The Nike Training Club has free workouts as well as paid premium workouts and programs led by trainers, you can find this on your phone’s app store.

2. Read a book or listen to a podcast 

Whether you have time off work or simply find yourself with more time on your hands, there’s no better time to curl up with that book you’ve been meaning to read for months. Here is a list of more than 65 of the best new releases in 2020. This list includes something for everyone – fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, short stories, memoirs, thrillers and many more.

Podcasts have truly brought moments of joy to otherwise mundane chores or spells of boredom. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or simply laugh out loud, this list has got you covered.

3. Go green and do some garden work

Being confined to the house doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. It’s important to get your daily dose of vitamin D by spending time in the sunshine. So, get out in that garden! 

This is the ideal time to paint the fence, trim your hedges or mow your lawn. Do something fun and start a vegetable patch or herb garden. Grow fresh fruits and vegetables, plant flowers like carnations and honeysuckles and grow herbs like rosemary, basil and oregano to add some colour to your dinner. Going green has so many health benefits.

4. Put your thoughts on paper 

If you’ve been putting off writing that great novel that’s been generating in your mind, this might be an opportunity to start. Or simply, refine your writing skills. You can never go wrong with writing a blog. Whether you’re using it as an online writing portfolio, a space to share your thoughts and opinions or as an opportunity to try something new, it’s time to get creative. 

5. Learn a language

Whether you want to order pasta in Italian or ask for directions in French, there are many online courses that you could take advantage of. 

Duolingo combines free learning with lots of online games. It closely monitors your progress and scores you for your development. It’ll help you read, write, listen and speak your choice of more than 100 languages.

6. Plan for your future 

We have been given the unique opportunity to evaluate our lives and think about our future. Re-evaluate your finances, consider opening your own business or start planning your six-month voyage around the world. This level of planning will definitely keep you busy. 

For those of us who are self-employed, use this opportunity to do all those things you’ve been meaning to but have never got around to doing: 

• Writing blogs
• Creating amazing social media content
• Networking over a video call
• Re-designing and revamping collateral

7. Do an online course

Another incredible bright side to this halt in routine. We have time. Time to finally work on our self-improvement and harness our skills by enrolling in some amazing online courses! All you need is either a laptop, tablet or mobile phone, and you’ll be on your way.

8. Declutter and DIY 

Give your space a makeover by giving it a thorough deep clean. Put things away, re-organise and make your things shine. It’s the perfect opportunity to sort through your old clothes, over-filled cupboards and drawers. Remember, creating a clean and tidy space will help reduce anxieties and stresses.

9. Cook and bake

While we all know that cooking food is beneficial to our bodies, there’s evidence that cooking itself can benefit our minds as well. Cooking and baking soothe stress, reduces negative thoughts and builds confidence. When you cook, you focus on following recipes and nothing else. You certainly do not have time to think about being bored.

Try something you wouldn’t usually have time for, go vegan, bake a three-tiered cake or make a meal that’s completely from scratch.

10. Stay connected 

Finally, there is no reason why you shouldn’t still be in touch with your friends and family and have something to look forward to on the weekend. We are surrounded by incredible levels of technology that we can use daily to stay in touch – video calls being just one of them.

Use Zoom, Facetime, Houseparty or Skype to have a dinner party, host a pub quiz or even do an online workout with your gym buddy.

Eager for more advice? We’ll be posting daily workouts and health tips on our YouTube, Facebook and Instagram page to ensure that you stay the best possible version of yourself.