My Lockdown Activities.

 

Here we go again: another 'lockdown' but I am in my element at home.

Food For Thought - How do you look at life.... half empty or half full? I can turn any negative situation into a positive one; I am one of life's 'fixers' solving problems, who refuses to let life's challenges get me down. Having a cosy home that you have invested time and love into really helps in situations such as this as it becomes your sanctuary.

Being realistic, we all have moments when we moan or want to let off steam but that's a good strategy to have if its done in a safe and healthy way. The difficulty lies in the fact that we are being told we cannot do something and we have to change our plans and routines. We are creatures of habit and few people like change and not being in control. But if you have a minimalist environment and create a simplistic lifestyle that change has little impact upon, then you may feel at your happiest.

So here are a few activities and coping strategies that I will be doing in the next three weeks. Due to being unable to access all shops you have to be creative with the limited resources you may already have at home....that makes it all the more fun. I hope you find something here that may be useful in your home or for your own emotional wellbeing. 

Activities

GARDEN - Top up your plant pots with compost. Plant bulbs ready for the spring. Clean and asphesti the BBQ. Chop wood for the log burner. Make a composting area using old pallets or corrugated sheets. Wash the car. Install a water butt ready for summer. Cover all garden furniture to protect it over winter. Paint any outdoor items to protect them from the elements of winter. eg. shed, gates and fences. Clean gutters. Clean driveways and paths. Tidy the garden, recycle items and make a bonfire.

KITCHEN - Clean out the fridge; place half a fresh lemon inside each week to keep it smelling fresh from odours. Defrost the freezer and restock with plenty of homemade produce. Clear and clean the larder cupboard; do not throw outdated items away, it's unlikely that dried ingredients will do you any harm just make a note to use them up. Re-organise the larder using recycled glass jars, coffee containers and labels and place dried bay leaves on the shelves to deter insects. Clean the oven and microwave using a heat proof bowl of hot lemon water; the steam softens splatters, then wipe clean.  Clean out the cutlery draw; it's always a magnet for crumbs.

COOKING/BAKING - Use up any outdate larder products. It's amazing how many meals can be made using up items left over in the larder; be creative, make a one pan concoction. Batch bake homemade produce and freeze ready for Christmas. Make bread and pizza.; the smell of yeast releases endorphins (happy  hormones) in the body. Make plenty of warming winter soups. Pumpkins will be sold off cheaper as this seasonal veg comes to an end. Make jams or marmalade (oranges are coming into season) and pickles using old glass jars. Take a walk and collect wild horta, myrtle, and walnuts. Whilst food shopping buy extra non perishable food items and donate to the Food Bank at Ligia Agency. 

 

BEDROOM - vacuum and turn your bed mattress. Sort out your wardrobe of clothes. Do not throw away old shirts; make them into aprons or cut up t-shirts to recycle (see previous blogs) or donate clothes to Hazel Shaw at Ligia Agency. All proceeds go to local charities.

CRAFT/GIFT IDEAS - make a cat bed for winter strays and place it in your garden. Make homemade Christmas cards ready to post in December. Make practical gifts for Christmas such as traditional Greek food hampers or laundry/domestic hampers (wooden pegs, cotton t-towels and natural soaps). All these items can be purchased from your local supermarkets which remain open. Make boot pullers from scraps of wood or table decorations and candle holders. Dry orange slices ready for festive decorations. Take a walk and collect fir cones ready for Christmas wreath making. Sit in an evening by a cosy fire and make rag rugs or crochet knee blankets.

DIY - make a list of jobs in each room throughout your home that need addressing. Do what you can;  it may not be possible due to resources, but make a shopping list for when you can. Replace dead batteries and light bulbs, clean the bathroom grout, prepare candles and torches for winter power cuts. Clean the bathroom drains. Check your car oil/water levels and buy de-icer and antifreeze. Refresh walls will leftover paint. 

NURTURE YOURSELF - There are six ways in which to nurture yourself that aid your wellbeing. It's easy to remember the SPICES of life.

SPIRITUAL - this means relating to and affecting the human spirit or soul. Deep feelings and beliefs bringing a sense of peace and purpose. Taking part in meditation or yoga (online). Taking part in private prayer of an organised religion. Time alone in nature or quiet time pondering the meaning of life. Volunteering or involvement with charitable organisations. Self reflection.

PHYSICAL - Physical activity; walking, jogging, dancing to music, biking. being generally active throughout the day. Eating a balanced nutritional diet. Maintaining a healthy weight. Get a good night's sleep. Relax in the sun.

INTELLECTUAL - Reading books, online activities and groups, do crossword puzzles, play board games. Play a musical instrument. Online education. Listen to the radio. It's important to partake in at least one intellectual activity a day.

CREATIVE - Gardening, digital photography. Craft activities; knitting, sewing, crochet, and poetry. Painting, creative writing, pottery and woodwork. 

EMOTIONAL - keep a journal/diary. Say or text positive messages to others. Chat with friends. Arrange an area of the house together. Watch romantic comedy, feel good movies. Partake in mindfulness breathing exercises. Write daily empowerment messages to yourself on a chalkboard. Give and receive affection with family members. Use mindful colouring books. Laugh and cry. Cuddle your pet. Watch sunsets. Turn off your mobile phone. Spend time near water. Take a relaxing shower or bath.

 

SOCIAL - Create themed family meals, romantic date nights in, or movie nights. Join online groups or forums that interest you and interact with others with common interests. Have regular video chats and virtual meals with friends (dining at the same time in your respective homes). Play board games and cards. Encourage children to create a variety show and perform to the parent audience. Distance learning with other students online. Write emails/letters and make telephone calls. 

There are many activities I could add to the list but I have tried to concentrate on those that are manageable during the lockdown situation. But remember nurturing yourself should be a part of your everyday lifestyle and not just because of the current situation so embrace it and enjoy.  

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