How to (attempt to) keep it together during lockdown

I never thought I'd write my first post during a situation like the one we are currently experiencing, but I guess that this is what happens when an easily bored person suddenly finds herself confined inside and with lots of time on her hands, so here we go.

Due to the covid19 pandemic, many countries have resorted to measures such as a lockdown or quarantine period in an attempt to prevent further spreading of the virus. Going from a busy everyday schedule to being confined at home is a huge change in lifestyle for everyone and I'm pretty sure after the first week or so of "well this isn't too bad, I can sleep in and binge-watch tv series" a lot of people are feeling slightly disoriented (I mean, I can't be the only one..right?).

Here are a few things you can do to fight boredom and make lockdown/quarantine more bearable.

Set up a daily routine

As we have all probably realised by now, being at home all day long can turn even the most productive person into a cross between a zombie and a sloth. Why bother to change out of pyjamas? Why bother getting out of bed at a reasonable time? Unless you are stuck at home with someone who thinks that getting up later than 9 am should be punishable by law, you will probably be tempted to give in to laziness which is why building a daily routine is a good strategy to use in order to keep some structure in your life. There is no need to set up a strict daily schedule (especially since not everyone can stick to something like that), even getting up around the same time everyday and making sure you change into "day clothes" and make your bed can be a start.

Schedule your work time

As many of us now have to work from home, it's important to include a "work time" window in our day to avoid being sucked in an endless procrastination loop. The advantage of working from home is that, meetings aside, we are free to choose our work hours. I personally try to schedule my work time during the part of the day when I know I will be most productive in order to get as much done as possible. Having a tidy work space as far away as possible from distractions (phone, tv, etc.) also does wonders in keeping serial procrastinators like myself from getting distracted.

Get your daily exercise in

Being forced to stay inside has a huge impact on how much we move throughout the day, which is why it is important to dedicate at least some time everyday to a kind of physical activity. There are plenty of apps or online videos dedicated to yoga or workouts that can easily be done at home with little to no equipment necessary.

Keep in touch with loved ones

The lockdown is also changing our social lives and the deriving isolation can have a huge impact on a person's mental health, which is why it is important to keep in touch with family and friends, especially those who live alone. In addition to video calls, the are now plenty of platforms that can be used to play games online for free with your friends.

Experiment in the kitchen

As difficult as it can be to find all the groceries and ingredients we are looking for in a time like this (please do not go out shopping for groceries more than you actually need to!), a lockdown is the perfect chance to try out those new recipes we found online months ago and put off because "it just takes too long to prepare" or rediscover old family favourites (bonus points if you prepare it with the over-the-phone instructions of your grandma)!

Take time to look after yourself and do things you enjoy

Most importantly, take the time to look after yourself and relax. This situation can be stressful, which is why everyone should make sure they dedicate some time to self-care. Read a book, have a cup of tea or coffee, try a new skincare routine, play an instrument, meditate. If you want to be creative you can start journalling, writing poetry or fiction, knitting or drawing. Basically any lockdown-approved activity that will bring a smile to your face.