Get The Best Out Of Your Me-time

The end of lockdown is almost in sight, but we’ve still got some time before we get there. So what can you do to make the most of your time right now? We caught up with NCS Grad Alice who gave us her ideas on getting the best out of your me-time... 

We all know how easy it is to spend every day of lockdown aimlessly scrolling through social media or binging Netflix shows with a bag of Doritos. And while that isn’t the worst way to spend time, it can lead to feeling bogged down, lethargic and even trigger mental health issues. 

So, here are my ideas on one person activities you can do to keep yourself busy and feeling inspired! Try to do one or more of these activities every day so that you feel productive, have a routine and have things to look forward to.

Arts and crafts

There are so many crafts to choose from, and with YouTube tutorials you’ll be able to find something you love in no time. Why not look up origami, colouring, knitting, embroidery, calligraphy, or more...the list goes on and on!

The world and their mother have decided they’re the new Mary Berry right now...and we’re here for it! So why not give baking or cooking a go. 

A lot of people are doing more online shopping during lockdown, but did you know you can easily revamp the clothes you already have by cropping your old t-shirts, embroidering flowers onto jumpers, or doing some tie-dye.

If you’re missing your friends and want to relive your past adventures, you could make a scrapbook or a memory box by collecting your tickets, photographs and postcards and making a collage. Or, make a vision board of all the things you want to do and achieve once all of this is over!

As well as Zoom calls with your friends, try going a bit old school and send them letters. It is really touching to receive handwritten letters in the post!

Using technology positively

While most of the activities so far allow for a nice break from looking at a screen, here are some ways to make the most of the resources online.

Find live streams that you are interested in – such as The Shows Must Go On musical livestreams and National Theatre livestreams if you like theatre! Watching live streams rather than regular videos online helps you have things to look forward to throughout the week.

We all have that one show or film we’ve been meaning to watch forever but never got around to and now is the perfect opportunity. For me, it’s to finally finish the Harry Potter series!

If you like playing games, I suggest The Sims. You log on with the intention of playing for an hour then suddenly it's three hours later and you are still building the same house! It’s also a great way to live vicariously through your Sims’ non-restricted life right now! Or, if you’re looking for something a bit trickier, play some online escape rooms (or set up your own!). 

Skills

It is so important to keep your brain active while you’re unable to go to school, university or work, and picking up new skills can help with that. 

Why not start a new research project. Find a topic you are interested in and educate yourself; this could be anything from Black Lives Matter to climate change, there are thousands of resources online. (How about taking on the Zooniverse?)

Apps like Duolingo make learning a new language super easy, and will give you something to do every day for a certain amount of time.

If you have an instrument in the house that you haven’t touched before, teach yourself to play! Just maybe leave your primary school recorder in the attic...no one wants to hear that!

You could also do things that will keep you active, like digging out your old roller skates or skateboard, doing a 1000 piece puzzle, learning how to juggle or learning how to french braid your hair.

Self-care

Stress levels seem to be high for everyone during lockdown, so it's vital to look after your mental health and your body.

Lockdown is a great opportunity to perfect your skin care routine! Research into your skin type and order some new products that are suitable for you. I find pampering myself with a facemask while watching a movie a great way to relax in the evening.

Another great way to relax and feel more connected with your body is through yoga, meditation or working out. There are thousands of videos on YouTube you can follow. It might feel like a lot of effort once you first start out, but you’ll quickly see yourself making progress and begin to enjoy it.

Take a break from screens for a while and do some reading. It stimulates your imagination in a way that TV shows and films do not and it’s a great way to detox from technology!

I know lots of people have been rearranging the furniture in their rooms, but how about also setting yourself a challenge to get rid of, or sell, old clothes and items that you no longer need. Being in a tidy room rather than a cluttered one will help you become more productive!

Thank you for reading and remember to look after yourselves and the people around you and know that this restricted lifestyle is not forever.