It is important to stay calm at this uncertain and troubling time. We hope everyone is ok!
In light of everything that is happening, we wanted to reach out with a few positive ideas to help you keep busy, healthy and feeling good. We know at the end of the day everyone still has bills to pay and food to put on the table, but hopefully this will send out some positivity in all this chaos.
1 - GET CREATIVE
If you are deciding to stay home and self-isolate, our positive spin to all this madness is that you can find a little time in your day to ‘get creative’. There are lots of companies like @craftboxclubuk and @theworkbenchldn who offer creative packages straight to your door. @artnight_uk are also looking into virtual classes to keep the creative juices flowing.
Alternatively, find a few items from around your house that you would like to draw. If you you have a sketchbook, great, if you don't, grab a bit of paper instead - the back of a used envelope/newspaper/printer paper will do. All you need now is a writing implement. Once you have collated all these things, you are ready to start. This is also a nice activity to do with others if you are isolating with your family. Encourage yourself to keep to your specific style and to understand that there is no right or wrong when creating art.
2 - GET COOKING
Or if you’re not the creative type, what about putting your hands to good use and cracking on with some new recipes you haven’t had time to try yet. This is a great way to relax and produce something that will hopefully put a smile on you face. If you are cooking for others, like your family, you could suggest a game where they choose a type of cuisine or a specific recipe that you have to cook. This way, they have fun giving you ideas, and you have fun cooking different things.
3 - GET STUCK INTO A BOOK
With our crazy fast paced lives, we often don’t have time to pick up a book. Got one on the shelf you’ve been dying to read - now is the time to start! Or head online to buy a new read...what about Stay Positive: How to Unlock Your Inner Optimist by Sophie Golding.
4 - GET LEARNING
Jealous of those that speak another language? Now’s your chance to learn one...
5 - GET ON TOP OF YOUR TAXES OR ACCOUNTS
Something that most of us try and avoid until the last minute. Get ahead of the game...you’ll appreciate it when January comes around.
6 - GET MINDFUL
Set yourself a time slot and quiet place within your home. Get comfortable. Breath. Relax. Try a bit of yoga or Pilates. If you are involved with ClassPass, they have some videos included to keep you active. Otherwise there is PilatesAnytime - offering a 15-day free trial. There is also the option to search through YouTube and find some great free videos online.
7 - GET SHOPPING (if you can afford to)
Keep supporting small businesses at this vulnerable time. Buy something in time for Mother’s Day or a future celebration. Nothing like a good bit of retail therapy to calm those nerves.
8 - GET HELPING
If all these options seem out of the question, why not give back. Help an elderly neighbour with their grocery shop or offer your services in the local community networks such as @nextdoor or @olio_ex.
Let’s think outside the box here, and try put others ahead of ourselves.