In these unprecedented times that we now find ourselves, the itch to keep busy is nigh. With schools and public transport intending to shut and the tirade of negative news catching every screen, it’s hard to keep level headed, let alone know what news to digest.
Here at The Harrington Collection, we believe that when life brings you lemons (a sour global pandemic), you make the best possible lemonade. Now that we’re being encouraged to spend time indoors, self-isolating and social distancing, let’s make the time creative, fun and productive.
To help keep cabin fever at bay, we’ve made a to-do list that will keep you busy from dusk to dawn. The only certainty at the moment is that we are all in this together so let’s keep calm and carry on.
Walking and running
Until (and if) lockdown is enforced, please make sure you’re keeping your distance from others. Currently, it’s not advised to run in groups, so schedule in your runs/brisk walks accordingly. Think of it as ‘me time’, but done safely.
Podcasts
Unlike watching TV, a movie or flipping through your preferred reading material, podcasts are totally hands-free entertainment that you can take with you anywhere you can pop on your headphones. There are so many fantastic podcasts readily available, and more importantly, they’re free. For pure indulgence, light a few candles in the bedroom, sit back and relax.
Exercise at home
Now is as good a time as any to give home workouts a try. You can use YouTube to source free videos, most of which require no equipment. Better still, the kids can even take part in this one. Joe Wicks, The Body Coach has announced that he would be leading classes kids can do from their homes to make sure they are still getting some exercise. The 30-minute workouts, designed to be done indoors, will be live-streamed from Joe Wicks’ YouTube channel.
On Monday 16 March the government advised that the public should no longer be making non-essential trips which includes places like the gym. In regards to gym memberships, you will have to check with your provider, however, a few fitness studios such as Equinox, Barry’s, Core Collective & David Lloyd have come up with a creative solution to keep you moving: live-streamed and recorded digital classes you can join from anywhere.
Cooking
Now that you’re not travelling to and from work, you’ll have more time to prepare home-cooked food. If you’ve had your eye on testing out a new bake or savoury dish, raid your cupboards and get going. Again, this is one the whole family can enjoy together – pizza night anyone?
Pun pen to paper
Whether you’re a budding wordsmith, or you just fancy venting some frustrations, now is the time to write it down. Creative writers may take a shine to online writing courses, perhaps to finish that novel you’ve had on the back burner. They say that when Shakespeare was quarantined during the plague, he wrote King Lear and some of his greatest works. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your inner prose.
Books
Do you remember that New Year’s resolution you made to read more books? Now is your time to shine. We all have shelves full of books that we always intended to read but never got around to. Batten down the hatches, get cosy and delve into your unread books.
Facetime
One of the major downsides to social distancing is the lack of physical communication between friends and family. While safety is are the forefront, it’s important to stay connected. Schedule in regular video calls, or if you want to try something new, download the Houseparty App, it’s like Facetime, but it’s built with games for everyone to enjoy.
Gardening
Mother Earth is the best cure in a time of high anxiety. Daily news and social media can really play havoc with our minds. One way to destress and feel calmer is to get outside to plant new seeds, grow a plant, or just keep one alive (granted, you’ll have to have a garden/patio for this one)!
Online shopping
Supporting independent businesses at this challenging time is so important, especially as they need us the most. So if you have a few birthdays coming up, it might be a nice touch to get a boutique-feel gift for someone you loved.
Be kind
You may already be well aware, but the Coronavirus hits the elderly the worst. So please make sure that you’re checking in with neighbours or ask if you can pick up their shopping. It’s the little gestures that matter most.
It should also go without saying, but let’s all be considerate in supermarkets. There really are enough supplies for everyone if we just put a halt to panic buying.
Order a Takeaway
Lots of local restaurants are now offering a takeaway service so get involved! You can pay online, and they can drop it at your door so you can keep your social distancing in place. Just be sure to wash your hands after receiving anything at home.
- For health information and advice please follow the NHS.
- Learn about the government response to coronavirus on GOV.UK.
- Keep up with the latest on BBC News.
Remember we are all in this together. We’d love to see how you’re getting creative and spending your time at home. Make sure to keep us up to date and tag us on Instagram @theharringtoncollection
Written by Jenny Conlon