Happy Sunday lovelies!

It is the UK’s sixth week in lockdown and as we wait for the next briefing, I wanted to share six things that have kept me going through lockdown.

1. Virtual Socialising

In addition to WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Skype etc. many people have been using Zoom video communication to their full advantage, either for work purposes or to catch up with their friends and family. It has helped tremendously as the next best thing until we can physically be within 2-feet of each other’s presence again. Staying in touch is beneficial for your well-being as it strengthens your relationships and increases your feelings of joy and connectedness.

It was my birthday last month, and truthfully, leading up to the day I had been feeling disheartened as what I had originally planned (prior to lockdown) could not obviously be executed.

But not ones to disappoint, my parents surprised me with a Zoom party/video call with my closest family members and boyfriend. Seeing all their faces in one place was the best gift. The video was also recorded so I can keep the memory forever. My parents took the time to decorate the sitting room with buntings, balloons, and cooked up a storm in the kitchen. Overall, we celebrated better than I could have imagined.

2. Music

God bless Spotify and all of its playlists. In the past few weeks, I have been listening to a range of different playlists and songs while writing and working, which has helped to make the days feel like they’re going faster. Most specifically 80s music, I’ve been enjoying the tunes of Michael Bolton, Cher, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Foreigner, Aerosmith, and many more.

Are you familiar with the song, ‘I Should Have Known Better’ by Jim Diamond?

If you got any songs or playlists that you recommend, let me know in the comments below.

3. Online Shopping

Do you know someone who has been feeling down recently and needs a pick-me-up, or you just want to show your appreciation or that they are in your thoughts? Then I suggest sending a little something to their house i.e. flowers, cards, food or drink. I still got to spoil my boyfriend, friends and parents with presents while in lockdown for their birthdays and anniversaries.

One gift was delivered to my best friend who is a nurse in the NHS and has been suffering from an ear infection in the past week. To help cheer her up as she recovers, I sent a gift box of Cadbury Chocolate to her front door.

If you would like to do the same for someone special, GettingPersonal is a great website as orders are typically dispatched within two working days.

4. Walks

Even in the current climate, it is still good to get some fresh air and do some exercise when possible. Personally, I’m not much of a jogger nor do I own a bike, so as an alternative, I like to go for walks. Taking advantage of the 1 hour of exercise permitted daily, I try to explore different areas near my home. Most of the time, I walk down lots of cycle paths and hidden paths to see where I end up.

After each walk, I always feel more calm and relaxed. Soaking up the Vitamin D away from other people and spending some time in nature is great way for de-stressing the mind.

5. Streaming Films and TV Shows

This is the most common mean of distraction and entertainment during the lockdown. With Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, NowTV, Amazon Prime and more available at your fingertips, the possibilities of which new TV show or film to uncover are endless.

Some titles that I have enjoyed recently or caught up watching are: Killing Eve, Dead To Me, Friends, Jurassic Park, Brave, and Daddy’s Home.

If you got any films or TV shows that you have been watching and want to share, feel free to leave a comment.

6. Organising

Like the saying goes: “A clean home is a happy home.”

If you’re looking for a useful way to spend your time during social distancing, then why not get organised and clean out your crowded closet? Chuck away or donate some old clothes or items that you no longer fit or don’t use anymore.

I have cleaned and reorganised my bedroom drawers from top to bottom removing all my old and worn pieces of clothing. After doing so and seeing it decluttered and with more free space for new things, it felt as though a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Procrastinating is easy as this isn’t the funnest activity to do, but the payoff is certainly worth it. It helps you feel more in control and eases any sense of unsettledness and anxiety.

There you go…six activities that I have been doing to keep busy during lockdown. Thank you for reading my post, I hope you enjoyed it! So, how have you been staying sane? Leave a comment below or better yet, create your own post and list the things that have helped you get into the flow of lockdown.

Stay safe!