Abi's World

This lockdown isn’t what most of us wanted, but think of it as a break; to get on top of all your chores, do things you have wanted to do but never got round to, and just spend some time alone relaxing. Every cloud has a silver lining, right?

But if you find yourself feeling bored – which you inevitably will at some point after the first week of blissful Netflix-binging – here are some fun ways to spend this social isolation period.

Play a board game – this is a great way to spend time with those around you (and see their competitive side come out).

Have a pamper day – filled with relaxing music, mani-pedis, face masks,  and ending with a nice long bath.

Games and quiz apps – you can play alone, with your household, or with friends anywhere in the world. My favourites include, Buddy Meter, Quizup, 5 Second Rule and Heads Up! as well as everyone’s new favourite app, Houseparty.

Do a Workout – with all the apps, and Youtube videos available these days, you don’t even need to go outside (although this is recommended, at least every couple of days). I didn’t think I’d be raving about exercise, but honestly, once you get into it, it really is quite fun and completely worthwhile.

Learn a new language – I recommend the Duolingo app.

Get into a podcast – Spotify has a HUGE range; there truly is something for everyone.

Learn a new instrument – or master one you already know and have lost touch with…time to dust off my clarinet, I guess!

Have a song and/or dance party – dance like nobody’s watching, sing like nobody can hear you. Play your favourite tunes and just let loose!

Video call a friend – Whatsapp, Zoom, Viber, Skype, even Google Hangouts; the options are endless.

Start a virtual book club – Get your friends together via one of the apps mentioned above, and start a book club together.

Start a scrapbook or photo book or vision board – there is plenty of inspiration online.

Try a new recipe – put on an apron, create a chef’s hat, find a delicious recipe – wash your hands properly(!!!) – and get cooking!

Work on your bucket list – or start one.

Journal – keep a diary of the events currently taking place; it’ll be a great read for your grandkids!

Redecorate your room – and while you’re  at it, why not spruce up the whole house?

Do a big ol’ spring clean – dust, polish, and glisten up your home.

Spruce up your garden – get that green thumb out.

Write a letter to a loved one – or, at the very least, an email.

Research your family tree – find out where and who you came from. It’ll be like your own version of Who Do You Think You Are?

Learn the basics of First Aid – in America this is compulsory, and I don’t understand why it isn’t the same here. All I know is the things I’ve learned on TV. It isn’t good enough. It’s a great and valuable life skill to have and this season is a great time to learn.

Experiment with new hairstyles – or why not even dye it a crazy colour? It’s the best time to do it, especially if it doesn’t look as good as you thought it would…

Start that blog, vlog or even podcast you’ve always wanted to – it’s easier now than ever before, so go for it!

Put together a time capsule – bury it in your garden – or less messily, the back of a closet – and open it when you move out!

Sort through your clothes – keep what you need and love, donating the rest to charity or giving them to someone you know will love them.

Stage a photoshoot – with your family, with your pets, or just with the abstract objects around you.

Colour – purchase an adult colouring book or print some sheets online, and get to colouring. Give it a try…it really is relaxing!

Knit – have a go at making a piece of clothing. Who knows, you might have a whole new wardrobe by the end of it?

Research charities – and save money every month to donate to your chosen charity.

Listen to a new genre of music – and give it a real shot.

Watch a classic film that you haven’t before – the films people always talk about,and you swear you should watch one day. Well, now is the perfect opportunity. Try Casablanca, It’s A Wonderful Life, The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, Forrest Gump, The Sound of Music and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Have a watch party – Pick a movie that you love and have a themed watch party, filled with details from the movie. For ideas, check out the premiere party I held for To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You here.

Read a classic – Little Women, The Great Gatsby, Pride and Prejudice and Emma are a great place to start.

Make a whole three course meal – starter, main course, and dessert. Maybe have a themed dinner party! Fun!

Create an artistic masterpiece – it doesn’t matter if you can’t even colour within the lines; it’s all a bit of fun.

Make plans for life after the lockdown – never again will we cancel plans…well at least not for the rest of the year!

Do a puzzle – if you have the patience! And if you don’t, try one with less pieces.

Try sudoku – get those brain cells active again

Do a crossword – ditto to the above point.

Read this blog 🙂 – I’m sure you will find something that interests you. If not, let me know what you would like to read about (contact details on the About Me page).

Print this list – and cut out each activity. Put them all in a small jar, and everytime you are bored, pick one out at random and do it!

Above all, have fun, stay safe and make the most of the unique times we live in!

With Love, Abi X