The global pandemic we have faced this year has changed many of our lives forever, with a lot of us having completely different lifestyles to what we had before.
One of the biggest downsides of being in lockdown for months on end is the inability to travel and see the world. And this has been one of the biggest mental tolls on a lot of us.
Knowing that we cannot travel for a while, we wanted to talk today about just some of the ways you can still enjoy life during this pandemic.
Go on a solo trip
Although we cannot go for a big family holiday this year, there are some ways we can still travel even during covid. There are many options for solo travel during covid that you can take advantage of and take the opportunity to get out into the world for a few days this autumn and winter. Solo travel might seem a little intimidating at first, but being able to get away from home is a bonus!
Walk from home
Put on your shoes, wrap up warm, wear your mesh mask and start walking from your house this weekend. You don’t need to drive and park up somewhere to enjoy some fresh air, and often you’ll be able to find some lovely paths and trails close to home. Explore your local area this winter and find hidden gems you may not have otherwise seen. You’ll also be able to meet up with family outdoors and enjoy a walk in the fresh air with the people you love, even if you can’t visit each other at home.
Foster a pet
One of the best and most rewarding things you can do during the global pandemic is to foster or adopt a pet. Giving a temporary or forever home to a dog, cat, or small animal can be an incredibly rewarding experience and you’ll have a lovely furry friend to keep you company. Charities such as RSPCA will allow you to foster and will provide you with everything you need to look after an animal in need. Fostering can be great practice for you if you have been considering getting a pet and will allow you to see if your lifestyle works with a furry friend. Foster a pet and make their lives and yours more fun this winter.
Decorate the house
One of the easiest ways to spend your time as well as feel productive at home this winter is to decorate your house. There will always be small niggling jobs to do on the house and often we don’t have the time or energy to do them. But now that most of us are stuck at home for the foreseeable future, we can get those jobs done and spruce up our living space. Take a look around and think about how to change and improve your home this winter and have fun doing odd jobs.
Tidy the garden
As well as your house, your garden needs a bit of love as summer comes to a close. Now is the perfect time to trim back those big bushes and shrubs before winter and clear your beds of dead flowers and foliage. Create a tidy garden space that is ready for winter and in the spring you’ll have a lovely clean space to work with when planting new flowers and bulbs.
Learn a new skill
There is no reason to spend your days in the house doing nothing. Just because you can’t travel right now doesn’t mean you can’t do anything, and you can even take time to learn something new. If you travel a lot to France – learn to speak french! If you love artwork, learn how to draw. There are lots of fun things you can try during your time in lockdown and you’ll be able to learn a few useful skills by the time we are out of the other side.
Take a course
As well as developing your own personal skills, now is a great time to develop professional skills. You can spend this time now while at home taking online courses to further your skills and qualifications and step up in your chosen vocation. There are so many amazing opportunities for growth while at home and once you have brushed up with a few online courses you’ll be able to finally apply for that dream role you’ve been working towards.
Enjoy downtime
Making the most of your time in lockdown is always great, but also you need to consider enjoying the quiet and peace. In our lives, everything moves at such a fast pace that it is hard to keep up, but now at home, you have the chance to stop, relax, and enjoy spending time with your family. Not everything has to be productive, and sitting down for a movie is sometimes what the doctor ordered!
Pamper yourself
Sometimes the best way to spend a day off is to pamper yourself and keep your skin and hair happy. Now is a great time to up your skincare game and there are lots of little treatments you can try to keep your skin youthful and glowing. From face masks to cleansing strips, try out some different treatments and enjoy feeling fresh and healthy this winter.
Read a good book… or two
During this pandemic, many people have turned to artists. From artists to actors to writers, many of us are spending our time enjoying media in many forms to escape the real world. A good book is a must during the pandemic, and there are lots of great cosy books you can start during the winter. Take the time to head off to a far off land and enjoy the escapism of being in a fantasy world for a few hours. Get cozy on the sofa with a hot chocolate and a blanket for the perfect winter reading time.
Take on board these ideas this winter to make the most of your time at home. You might not be able to travel right now, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun!
