I've done it myself. You sit there one day saying "lockdown is going really quick, I'm never bored and it's always bedtime before you know it" and then the very next day you're sat bored trying to search the internet for things you could be doing. I thought I'd include some things that have been taking up my time whilst I've been stuck inside. Feel free to talk about anything else you've been doing.
1-Start a Depop
This definitely will take up a solid 2 days of your time that you can split over a period of time if you're the type that doesn't want to do it in all one sitting. Give your wardrobe a clean out and think of fun ways to advertise. The better your Depop looks, the more likely you are to make sales. I use the app 'Colourtone' to enhance my Depop pictures but don't go crazy on the editing otherwise buyers won't believe anything you're trying to sell. Try-on photos are also a good way to ensure sales and if you don't feel comfortable enough to take photos of yourself in outfits, find the model picture online. Its also a good use of a day because you could get all dressed up to take some photos and who knows, you could even find a good photo for your Instagram. Obviously the major bonus is the money you get to get rid of your unwanted clothes to someone who could make better use of them. If you'd like a guide on do's and don't's (spelling?), that's definitely something I could do.
2- Pick up a new hobby
It's the obvious answer, but there's so many things you can do. This blog is my new hobby. Think of something you've always wanted to try and just give it a chance. The chances are if it's something you enjoy doing, you're going to do more of it. I've come up with a few ideas to get you started...
-Yoga
-Blogging
-A YouTube channel
-Photography
-Exercise
-Hiking
-Post more frequently on socials such as TikTok
-Try your hand at makeup looks, keep them in a folder to look at your progress
-Organization (I'd consider it a hobby), pull out your draws and get everything in order.
3- Start a new exercise regime
Speaking of exercise, getting into a regime whilst we're indoors might be the thing to help you reach your fitness goals. It's something I'm still trying to find motivation to do.
I find that keeping a log of what you eat in a diary doesn't work so I've found the perfect app which makes sure you don't go over your daily calorie limit. The app 'LoseIt' on the app store has preset foods which has all the nutritional information logged into it so you pick out the foods you've eaten and it will detect positive patterns in your eating habits and you can log your favourite snacks on it. As well as this, you can sync it with other fitness apps and plans to input how much exercise you've done in a day or you can input your amount of exercise manually.
For my training, I use the Adidas Training app which gives you free 10-16 minute daily workouts and free fitness plans for the goals you're trying to achieve. It also stores your progress pictures in a folder so you can look at how far you've come. It works with the Adidas Running app which is your cardio for the week, but as I don't like going for runs, I stick to the pre-set circuits on the app. It makes you feel a lot better just to do a bit of something almost everyday. You also get a 10% discount on Adidas clothing the first time you open the app which is a bonus.
4-Start a new skincare routine
No-ones skin is going to be ideal in lockdown as you're not getting the sunlight you need on your face, especially now the weather is getting worse. A good skincare routine is a good way to keep on top of what you need, and it takes time out of your day. Nobody wants to buy skincare online that gets here and doesn't work for your skin. It happens to me all the time as I have really sensitive skin and eczema, meaning I rarely find anything that doesn't set my skin off in rashes.
Some products that I've found that are perfect for sensitive skin and don't break the bank:
Revolution Skincare X Jake Jamie Oatmeal and chocolate moisturizing face mask: £8
Can be bought from Revolution's website, Superdrug or BeautyBay
Nivea 2 in 1 Cleanser and Toner : £2.65
Can be bought from Superdrug
T-Zone Australian Pink Clay Mask: £8.95
Can be bought from Superdrug or T-Zone's website
St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub Exfoliator: £4.19
This one is a game-changer for me, I've never been able to find an exfoliator that doesn't destroy my skin.
Can be bought from Superdrug
5- Rediscover old games you used to play
I won't lie, lockdown has helped me rediscover games from my childhood. I've even pulled out the DS and had many matches of Wii Tennis with my family. As well as this, I paid for and re downloaded Minecraft and Sims 4 and I'm not even ashamed of it. They've taken up the time between the many hours of work I've had to do that's for sure and it's a great step back from social media if you need time off.
6-Get that online shopping wish list sorted
Now that your wardrobe is all cleared out, you're gonna need some new clothes for when we get out. Wishlists are the quick and easy way to make sure everything you like is in the same place. Some companies even email you pieces similar to what you've added if you subscribe to the mailing list. I've discovered a new favourite underwear brand in LoungeUnderwear as well as a new love for I Saw it First. It's safe to say my wishlists are full for both.
7-Reconnect with old friends
If there's a friend you've maybe had some bad blood with or maybe just haven't spoke in a while, now might be a good time to reach out and wish them well. It's good closure and maybe might encourage things to get back on track.
8-Find yourself a new show to watch
I won't lie, I'm not a TV series and film sort of girl and if there is TV included, it'll be reality TV. I spend most of my time on YouTube to be honest. Throughout lockdown I've definitely reconnected with classic British telly, Gogglebox being a favourite. Also I've been keeping up with season 12 of RuPaul's Drag Race on Netflix and FINALLY finished Stranger Things 2. If there's something your friend has recommended to you that you said you'd watch but you never quite got around to it, now's your chance.
9-Sort out your apps and photos
Is your storage running low? Are you sick of getting the notification asking you to upgrade? Maybe clearing out those unwanted photos and apps you never use might solve that problem. When clearing out photos I always think to myself 'Is this photo a fond memory and will I be sad if I look back and can't find it?' if the answer is no then it's maybe time for it to go.
10- Make a quarantine playlist
How amazing would it be to have every type of song you like in one place? You could include throwback songs, clubbing songs and current songs you like to ensure it's a playlist where you won't skip a single song. It's also great motivation whilst you're doing your work to have songs that lifts your mood and gets you working. I've got mine on as I'm writing this and it's ultimately a great way to get productive.
I hope these ideas have helped you, these are just what I've done but there's definitely more things I'll be doing to pass the time. Feel free to message me with things you've been doing during quarantine and if you have any questions don't be afraid to ask.
Until next time
L x