Millions of people all over the world are being encouraged to stay at home. If you’re looking for ways to keep busy and make the most of your time, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some ideas to while away the hours.
Expanding your culinary repertoire
You only have to look on social media to see that lockdown has inspired a generation of amateur chefs and bakers. While restaurants are closed and take-outs are off the menu, what better way to spend your time than trying out new recipes and whipping up a storm in the kitchen? If you’re not a maestro just yet, don’t worry. There are hundreds of accessible recipes available online, and you can select the ingredients you want to use based on what you’ve got in your larder. If you’re missing your favorite eateries, take inspiration from the dishes you order every time and try to recreate them at home. From vibrant stir-fry dishes and tasty bowls of pasta to a punchy enchilada sauce recipe, you’re bound to find something that takes your fancy. As you hone your skills and you become more confident, you can expand your repertoire and look forward to hosting dinner parties and showcasing your talents when restrictions are lifted.
Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/food-plate-dinner-lunch-4253128/
Working out
A lack of time is the most common excuse for inactivity. At the moment, many people have got more spare time than they’ve had in years, and this presents an excellent opportunity to be more active. Exercise is a very constructive use of time, it breaks the day up and it makes you feel better. When you work out, your body releases endorphins and the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain increase, giving you a natural high. Exercise can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, and it may also help you sleep if you’ve been struggling. There are several ways you can become more active, including going for daily walks or bike rides, doing home workouts and joining virtual exercise classes from your living room.
Getting creative with arts and crafts
Many of us complain that we don’t have enough hours in the day to indulge our hobbies and interests. Staying at home provides a perfect opportunity to pick up old hobbies and try new activities. Creative pursuits, for example, drawing, painting, writing, sewing, crocheting, knitting, making cards and gifts and designing clothing or jewelry are enjoyable, and they also offer mental health benefits. Being creative encourages you to express yourself, and it can be hugely cathartic, especially if you’re feeling stressed or anxious. You could also use your creative talents to set up a side hustle if you’re keen to boost your income during lockdown.
Picture from https://pixabay.com/photos/painting-pencils-pens-watercolour-911804/
The world may seem a little strange at the moment, but for many, the pandemic has afforded opportunities to take a break and enjoy spending time at home. If you’re starting to get bored, or you’re keen to vary your daily routine, why not try these ways to keep busy?