With Coronavirus restricting many of us to our homes, we wanted to share some ideas on how to make the most of your time by taking up a new hobby or learn a new skill, with that being said here are some suggestions on what you could try.
Learn a new language
Although you might not be able to travel to a sunny destination this year, how about learning their language? There are some fantastic online courses available to learn with a variety of different languages. https://www.duolingo.com/ is a great free website to use with a selection of languages available; from Spanish, French & Italian, to Korean, Arabic, High Valyrian and many more. Just think, but the time we’re able to travel again, you could be fluent in their language.
Learn to crochet
We’ve all got that extra bit of free time at the moment, so why not get creative? Crochet is something that can fill your time while you’re watching a tv series for the third time and can create some lovely gifts. Take a look at https://knittycritters.co.uk/ who have kits to make your very own animal teddys, they come equipped with the yarn, hook, stuffing and an instruction kit on how to make it. Mind you, it might be worth doing some practice YouTube lessons first, and be careful to make sure that you learn the UK version and not the US version.
Stretch out
With all that’s been going on, we’re all getting a bit tense. With leisure centres and massage parlours closed, it might be worth concentrating on your wellbeing, and it’s free! You can find a number of youtube channels that offer free yoga classes or stretching exercises to untangle those knots in your shoulders. Check out Adriene’s youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene/videos?app=desktop or Bob & Brad’s 60 second vi deo to stretch out the knots https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBpYx1XsMqg
Cook A New Dish
Jamie: Keep Cooking And Carry On will broadcast every evening for five days, starting Monday 23rd March. The British chef Jamie Oliver is making a fast-turnaround cooking show for Channel 4, in which he solves culinary conundrums for people who are self-isolating during the coronavirus crisis, the show will run for 5 days and will feature the chef making dishes with ingredients most of us have at home, encouraging the public not to be rushing to the shops and panic buying.
Grow it yourself
There’s no need to be rushing to the shops when you can be growing it in your own garden. Country Living offer some fantastic information on what vegetables; to pot or to plant, and information on how to look after them, even when to sew them, so now there is no excuse for panic buying, you can grow your own tasty vegetables in your back garden. https://www.countryliving.com/uk/homes-interiors/gardens/a20120884/most-cost-effective-vegetables-grow-home-garden/ Just think, this combined with Jamie’s meals, you could create some really tasty dishes.
Spring Clean
The government is advising that we wash our hands frequently for at least 20 seconds each time. But what about our houses? If we’re spending so much time at home over the next few weeks, lets keep it squeaky clean. Now could be a great time to get into all the nooks and crannies of the house and even have a bit of a clear our (though be careful as waste removal services may get limited). Why not pull everything out the kitchen cupboards, give the shelves a good scrub down and put the essentials back nice and tidy. Get the kids involved; Give them an opportunity to earn some extra pocket money by clearing out the spare room or running the hoover around. With the shops still open and home deliveries still available from retail shops, you’ve got no excuse to not pick up a couple of cleaning products and a duster.
Dig Out The Board Games
We all know where they are, because we only had them out a few months ago at Christmas. Why not get competitive with the family and play some board games. It’s always good to take a step back from electronics from time to time, and a game of Cluedo or Monopoly is a great way to do that.
Virtual Museum
Thank you to the internet, you can now explore museums from the comfort of your own homes. What a lovely way to escape to the world of art and history: https://artsandculture.google.com/partner?hl=en
Netflix & Den
Not to suggest spending your entire time in isolation watching Netflix, but how about changing it up a bit. Grab cushions, bedding and chairs to create a den for the kids to hide out in front of the TV to watch their favourite film with some snacks.
Pamper & Prepare
I’m sure lots of us have bath bombs we were gifted at Christmas that we’ve still not had the chance to use. Why not make the time now. Run yourself a nice hot bath, have a relaxing soak, put a facemask on, do your nails and why not even shave your legs. Don’t let all this time at home get you out of the routine of looking after yourself, we still need to feel good about ourselves. You may not be able to go out and get your nails done, so why not pull out the nail varnishes again?