5 things I’m Learning in Lockdown

If being alone with my phone and my thoughts has taught me anything these past few weeks, it’s that my thoughts are not very interesting.

So, rather than spending 8+ hours online, I’m trying to develop some new skills and hobbies so that I can leave lockdown a more well-rounded person. Or just rounder; I’ve been eating a lot…

So if you’re struggling for a new hobby have a look at my list and see what takes your fancy!

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1. Self care is high on my list. It’s something I definitely didn’t do enough of before lockdown. Now that I’m feeling powerless and even more stressed than when I was working a full-time job, I, like many others, feel my skin taking the hit. So, I’m making use of the skincare gifts I got for my birthday (in quarantine) and am looking after my skin with different creams and serums.

READ MORE: My quarantine skincare tips

I’m also taking care of myself by keeping up with my regular exercise routine and healthy eating – although snacking is definitely still happening. I’m trying not to feel too bad every time I eat and entire bag of popcorn though – lockdown is a testing time…

2. I love cocktail hour, so is it any surprise that mixology is a skill I’m learning? I’ve managed to perfect my mojito and pina colada recipes, but the pornstar martini is definitely lacking… If you’ve got any fun drinks recipes, please do share! No more Quarantinis though!

3. Reading is high on my list, too. But only because my goal for 2020 was to read at least 2 books. So far, I’ve read Jini Reddy’s Wanderland which is a travel and nature piece that takes the reader all over the British countryside. I’m now part-way through The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni which is a retelling of an ancient Indian epic, The Mahabharata, but from the point of view of the female protagonist – I’m all about South Asian women’s voices being heard. I fully recommend both as excellent ways to escape the monotony of both lockdown and general life.

READ MORE: ‘Wanderland’ is a literary journey through nature

Plus, you could try joining or setting up an online book club so that you have a group of people to enjoy your new-found literature with.

4. Adventure is out there, but we’re stuck inside. So, I’ve put together a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, which we play remotely. Now, this is no fleeting hobby so be warned – it takes a lot of work, whether you’re creating the fantasy world or just a player within it. But it’s a great laugh and provides hours of boundless entertainment.

5. I plan on leaving lockdown with at least one new skill (and it’s not going to be baking…) so I’m focusing on the art of threading. Beauty parlours up and down the country are closed, so I’ve been learning how to thread my eyebrows. It’s slow going but I’m getting there, and definitely propelled by all the money I’ll eventually save on salons!

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So these are some of the ways I’m keeping busy during quarantine, but do not underestimate the importance of sleep and Netflix.

I know a lot of people are insisting that we all come out of this with amazing new skills and a fully-fledged side hustle, but I’m perfectly content with passing the time doing things I enjoy, and catching up on my sleep.

I’m taking this time to relax and recharge, because once the daily grind comes back, it’ll be a whirlwind. How about you?

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