It may be challenging to always stay happy and positive amid a pandemic, let alone a resulting lockdown. With no blueprint, you may wonder how you can get through a lockdown. The good news is that there is always a way!! Life doesn’t have to be gloomy, frosty and miserable. NO! That is why the “10 Minute Steps to Survive Lockdown” is here to offer you a good roadmap on exciting activities that can help you to effectively cope with lockdown. Adopting a “positive lockdown mindset” involves staying positive and there are plenty of activities that you can still do to keep upbeat during a lockdown. You can enjoy the simple things in life and enjoy a positive life, even throughout the current pandemic, COVID-19, and the recurring lockdowns.
The first step is to create and keep a good routine – this pandemic is one of the unfamiliar seasons that everyone has found themselves in. The lockdown does not have to alter your daily routine entirely. Keep a structured day, and if you have children, try to structure their day with a similar routine as before – keep family rules, similar sleeping/waking time, same family mealtimes etc. For children especially, a routine is a great way to make them feel in control of their environment, feel safe, secure and comfortable because they can predict what’s coming next. Research backs this up too. An article done by SAGE Journals in September 2018 on Routines and Meaning in Life, indicated that “Living a life characterized by routines was found to be associated with higher Meaning in Life. Life is not only made meaningful through extraordinary experiences but also in its daily living.” For families, a good routine increases family functioning. Family routines are really helpful in the development of social skills and are critical for family resilience during times of crisis.
Necessity is the mother of invention – this is a well-known proverb that comes in handy at a time like this. When it comes to activities, remember that when the lockdown takes away some outdoor activities from you, you can innovate fun activities to do alone or with family during lockdown. Variety makes life interesting – stave off boredom and a low mood by picking a variety of fun activities. There is always plenty to do even during lockdown.
Take a walk ~ you can take a walk and sing (even if you hum softly) while you are at it. A brisk walk has plenty of benefits for you – its uplifts your spirit while keeping you moving and fit at the same time. It’s a great way to de-stress and protect your mental health. If lack is on your side and you have a backyard or garden (even though small), enjoy the space You can walk indoors as well, just add some tap-dancing while you are at it – just makes it all the more fun. You can walk up and down the stairs as well – give you a daily fitness dose. If you have a backyard or garden (even if it is small), make the most of it in good weather – it’s a good way to soak in some good measure of vitamin D when there is a bit of sunshine outside. And we all know that a little sun does also boost the mood.
Listen to a podcast ~ listening to a podcast while walking, working around the house or relaxing at home is another great way to unwind and reduce stress. Pick a good inspiring podcast and get down to listen – it has to be a motivational podcast though. During this time of COVID-19, whether you are just looking for a word to uplift your mood or expand your knowledge, a podcast is probably one of the great ways to do this.
Learn a language ~ this would in the end help you in many ways. Imagine what knowing how to say hello in a few languages would do. You get to interact better with people from diverse places around the globe. You would make friends, expand your network and who knows help you interact easier with others if or when you travel. So go right ahead and spend some of those few minutes each day learning a language.
Learn sign language ~ This is a great way to also get to interact with others besides learning a language. It would open you up to the world of those who are differently abled. Can you also imagine what that may do for them – you would make them feel appreciate and have a sense of belonging. And as the saying goes, “what you give, come back to you a hundredfold.” You likely would get a hundredfold of appreciation back and that would bring fulfilment.
Learn to play a musical instrument ~ we all enjoy some good music. But it would even be more fulfilling when we realize that we can make the music too. During lockdown, the instrument you learn to play may bring joy to those around you too – even in the neighbourhood, as they listen to you play. This would be good therapy for you and those around you. Never underestimate the power of music, especially when you are the one creating the joyful sounds. Many great platforms offer free lessons to learn any instrument. So, if you had that piano or guitar stacked up in the artic, go get it, dust it and get going creating great music. Or now may be the time to buy a favourite instrument if you had not bought one before.
Grab a favourite book ~ who can finish listing the benefits of reading? You gain knowledge, learn about new things or places or people or cultures – you even get to relax, just by reading and improving your vocabulary, while at it. There are plenty of book options from online libraries, if local libraries are closed to borrow during lockdown and there are some good online reads as well, on various platforms.
Start enjoying photography ~ even with your regular phone, sometimes you can capture great pictures from your balcony, window, or when taking a walk or having a jog outside. It would also be a great way to capture memorable moments with loved ones or nature’s therapeutic beauty. It’s a fulfilling fete to realise you have the capacity to capture beautiful and memorable images.
Learn a new recipe ~ and you get a healthy home-cooked meal out of it. Cooking can be joyful for those who love trying out new exciting recipes. It can be for you too. It’s a great opportunity to cook some healthy food too. A good healthy meal will boost your health and mood – good health gives peace of mind.
Get gardening ~ gardening (if you have the space for it) is a great way to unwind, enjoy nature and find fulfilment in seeing your garden blossom. There are numerous plants that you can plant around the house too.
Connect with family and friends virtually or online ~ with numerous platforms offering free calls virtually, why not connect with loved ones you haven’t had the time to connect with for a while. A good catch up down memory road, is always a great boost to your mood. It might be a great way to maybe also encourage someone else who may be in low spirits or mood at that moment. It’s a two-way reciprocity.
Get some good activity routine……..
Do you know what else to remember ~
this is not a permanent season.
Nothing lasts forever.