I’m bored! What can I do…
We’re one month into quarantine and it looks like it will be at least 3 more weeks before restrictions are lifted. Perhaps you’ve started writing a novel, finished everything on Netflix and learned how to bake the perfect cake (whilst studying that Spanish phrase book)… these are just some of the many things people have started (or threatened to start) with the ample spare time that’s been imposed upon us.
Today I’ve been looking through a mixture of blogs, apps and suggestions on how to fill your time. I’ve noted some of my favourites here, some of which I’ve actually done! let’s take a look. Feel free to send us your suggestions on our facebook page or tweet us.
1) The cereal box game. This is really simple, but really fun. You can play alone and challenge yourself, but it’s perfect to share with your flatmates and help create some friendly competition. Very simply, gather your flatmates (remember, only those you live with during the lockdown) and grab an old cereal box. Take it in turns to pick the box up using only your teeth! You can only pick the box up without laying, kneeling or sitting on the floor (and no resting on your elbows!). You’ll need to be quite flexible so be sure to warm up beforehand! After each round, cut a few cm off the top of the box so it gets smaller and smaller. Before you know it, you’ll be performing an awkward leg split or a hilarious limbo dance (I got myself into the most unusal positions!). Check out a video here or the full rules and other games here.
2) Nothing beats a good documentary. There’s a huge range of programmes out there to keep us entertained … in fact we are spending more time in front of our screens that ever. If you’d like to expand your cerebral capacity and engage with something a little more broadening… have a look at these great sites which offer free documentaries. Documentary Tube. Top Documentary Films, Documentary Heaven and BBC Documentaries on iplayer.
3) Ready, Steady…Bake! No matter your ability, we all have time to do a little more in the kitchen. I’m a keen baker myself and I’m using the opportunity to try some more challenging recipes. BBC good food has thousands of free recipes to keep your mind active and your bellies full. Check out their recipe for a chocolate and chestnut truffle torte. You can see my finished cake in the picture on this blog (yes, that’s really mine!) Be warned… it’s corona free but not calorie free!
4) The Squat Challenge – I can’t lie to you, but this isn’t necessarily going to be the most fun task, certainly compared to eating that chocolate torte! My legs were so tired afterwards.
However, breaking down a challenge such as this, is a great way to work towards something positive. Exercise has been show to lift your mood, not to mention your physical wellbeing. Coachmag.co.uk has lots of challenges and has detailed how to safely execute them. Pick one and build up your stamina, slowly but surely. Good luck!
5) Make some origami! From planes and trains, to boxes and cranes! Origami is a great activity for quieting the mind and taking a breather from hours of that Netflix serial! It’s quick, easy and very relaxing. There are lots of free websites you can use, with simple instructions on how to create your first piece of 3D art! Share your results on our Facebook page!
Hopefully these examples will give you a nice varied approach to tackling some of the spare time you may have acquired during lockdown. Here are some additional websites I found which also make some great suggestions. Futurelearn.com, mirror.co.uk, hello magazine.
By Adam Humble
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