With Covid 19 still very much present within not only the UK but the world, we are being asked to 'Stay Home' as much we possibly can. With entertainment venues such as cinemas, restaurants, coffee shops etc still continuing to stay closed, staying home for most of us is inevitable.
It is a rarity, having so much time at home, and for some it comes as a gift, but for others it is a struggle. After several weeks in, and several more to go, finding something to do and to keep busy with is increasingly difficult. But you will find that there are many, many things to do and keep busy with during these troublesome times. Staying busy can be good for the body as a lot of activities keep us moving, but it is also good for the mind. Plus the busier we are the quicker time passes so before you know it, weeks will have passed, you will have achieved more than you thought possible, those 'round the house' jobs will have finally been completed, you will have learnt something new and hopefully the virus will have passed us by.
Speaking of 'round the house' jobs, it's a great place to start (if you haven't already).
- Deep-cleaning, top to bottom, getting into all those nooks and crannies that usually go a miss on your weekly wipe round.
- Painting and decorating. Giving your home a freshen up, a new coat of paint, or paper a feature wall. Or maybe the outside needs a spruce up with a fresh paint job or even that fence.
- Gardening. We have seen some glorious weather in recent weeks, a truly warm spring, so why not spend some time on the garden, or even making that balcony a little roof-top garden style haven.
- Cooking. With supermarkets at a stretch with resources, and social distancing restrictions make 'popping to the shop' that bit harder, why not take the time to get cooking more. Plan your meals and prep them for the week. Find new recipes to use up items you wouldn't normally entertain and reduce wastage.
- Have a good sort and clear out. We are all guilty of keeping things we should have thrown away years ago. Which usually results in jam packed attics, full to the brim garages and even stuffed sheds. So why not use this time to finally giving those a good sort and clear out. Or maybe you have a storage unit full, with no more room for anything. Well we are still open to customers with units who are more than welcome to come along and sort their unit out, or even fill it up if you've cleared your garage out. Just please make sure to maintain social distancing practices if you do.
One of the most important things to do right now is to take some time out for ourselves, some 'me-time'. If not now then when? Not sure how to take some 'me-time'? Maybe we can provide you with some inspiration.
- Meditation is a great way to really time some time out for yourself and help you to relax and reduce your stress levels. It doesn't take much and with a little bit of practice is something that can become a integral part of your daily life. Not sure where to begin or how to start? Try this https://www.headspace.com/meditation/meditation-for-beginners
- Yoga and Fitness are an important part of life as a whole, but even more so now gyms are closed until further notice. There are many ways to keep fit while at home, and with the current UK lockdown restrictions we are able to get out an about to help keep fit, in fact it is actively encouraged. A good walk or run is a great way to keep moving and keep fit. If you are not a runner and want something a bit more challenging then there are tons of at-home workouts available for free online. But please remember, when working out, to stretch. Stretching is super important and helps to prevent injury, which is where yoga comes in. If you haven't tried it, I encourage you to give it a go. Yoga is all about stretching the muscles and focusing on your breathing. It increases your flexibility, strengthens your core and is a great way to relax, so what are you waiting for, give it a go. If you're not sure where to start, like fitness workouts there are many free resources online and even guided apps/youtube videos to help you get started.
- Reading. There is nothing better than getting lost in a good book. Travelling to another world and experiencing a different life through the power of words alone. It's a great way to really chill out, unwind and take some me-time.
- Arts and crafts. You either love arts and crafts or you hate them, it's a bit like marmite. But for those who love a bit of arts and crafts, now is the perfect time to get lost in some. You can stick to your go-to craft or branch out and learn something new like knitting which is making a bit comeback among the younger generation.
- Writing. You don't have to be a writer to enjoy the cathartic release that writing brings. Whether it's a story, a work of fiction, poetry, music, a blog, or even just a personal diary. Sitting down and just letting words spill out of you onto the paper can really help unload the mind. So why not give it a go, spend half an hour to an hour just writing down whatever comes to mind.
- Colouring is a practice that has come into light more in the recent years as a great way for adults to relax and chill. It is another one of those practices that can help clear and calm the mind. And with a large abundance of 'adult' colouring books on the market these days you can be sure to find one that works for you.
So with what is likely to be a few more months before things even remotely start to get back to 'normal', make sure to use this time wisely. Get those jobs off the list, get fitter, learn something new, read more, and take time to chill and enjoy that all important 'me-time.'
