Written by Marie from the Youth Trust Mental Health Taskforce (Under 18s).
With lockdown set to continue, it’s understandable if you’re starting to get bored and running out of ideas on what to do. But never fear because here is a list of seven things to do while in lockdown.
1. Virtually visit galleries
Lots of museums have started to offer online gallery and exhibition visits. On the Google Arts and Culture website, you can take virtual walk-arounds in many famous museums as well as sometimes view specific exhibitions. Of course, art exhibitions aren’t all there is. There are also famous historical or geographical sites that you can look at, as well as architectural wonders and even things about music. Obviously, it’s not the same as walking round a real museum but if you’re bored and have nothing to do, then it’s a good way to keep yourself occupied and learn something new.
Photo by Klaudia Piaskowska on Unsplash
2. Watch online shows
Many organisations like theatre houses and national ballets are releasing some of their shows for free online. Which means, if you’re a bit of a performing arts addict, you can watch -legally- loads of shows at no cost. If you’re looking for a place to start the Royal Opera House’ Youtube channel has ballets and shows such as The Winter’s Tale and Anastasia. Another Youtube channel called ‘The Show Must Go On.’ has some other good options including, a new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical posted every Friday, before being taken down in 48 hours.
3. Read
Some people love reading and others, not so much. Not sure which category you fall into? Well then why not find out by reading a book and seeing if you like it?. Even if you’re not usually a big reader, you can still try it out. There are so many different books out there, there is bound to be something out there for everyone.
Photo by Alice Hampson on Unsplash
4. Be creative
Lockdown is the perfect moment to get your creative juices flowing. Why not start learning a new arty skill? There are so many options like painting, crochet, sewing, papier-mâché, the options are endless really. Even if you don’t own that many supplies, you can just get a pencil and a piece of paper and do some drawing. If you’re stuck for ideas on what to create, Youtube and Pinterest are your friends -they’re amazing to get reference videos or images.
Photo by Koushik Chowdavarapu on Unsplash
5. Watch a movie/Netflix
I agree that watching TV or Netflix may not seem like the most productive thing but it’s okay sometimes to do nothing and just relax -especially during this time. If you have nothing else to do, why not sit down for two hours and just watch TV while eating a snack.
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash
6. Get cooking
Cooking doesn’t have to be hard. It may sometimes seem like it, but it just depends on what you choose to do. There are tons of easy -and healthy- recipes out there like stuffed peppers or banana bread or homemade pizza. As a side note, I’m a pro at making homemade pizza, you can put whatever you want on it and don’t have to pick off whatever you don’t like. It’s a win-win!
7. Grow something
Once again, the options are endless here. You could plant some flowers and vegetables in your garden, or if you don’t have a garden or have a small garden, you could plant some flowers in a pot and put them indoors. Many vegetables (including courgettes) just have to be put by a window to gain enough sunlight and that’s it. You could try growing some cress or similar things sprouts. All you need for that is a tissue, some water and the seeds which can easily be bought from any supermarket while you’re out buying essential items.
