There is no right or wrong way to quarantine. Unfortunately, government guidelines state we have to do it!
And while there are lots of things we miss, such as socialising with friends, meals out, holidays and festivals to name but a few, there are plenty of new hobbies that we’ve discovered in lockdown, some of which we have come to love…
1. Indoor gardening
If you miss the outdoors, creating an indoor garden is certainly one way to bring a slide of nature inside. From pot plants or herbs to vegetable gardens, there are a number of plants available suited to indoor environments.
From watching online tutorials to taking inspiration from Pinterest, quarantine has really brought our green fingers out! Watching plants thrive due to our own efforts is extremely rewarding too.
When it comes to choosing plants for the home, it’s a good idea to do some research first, as they’ll require the correct environment and care in order to thrive.
As well as bouquets, a number of online florists also stock house plants, which can be perfectly suited to a number of rooms in the household. Many of these plants also boast air-purifying properties – an asset to those stuck indoors for long periods of time.
2. Getting our chef on
Ordering a takeaway every evening can be tempting, but in an effort to keep spending in check, many of us have decided to spend more time in the kitchen getting our chef on in quarantine, learning new cookery skills.
From organising themed foodie nights with the family to conjuring up cuisines that remind us of faraway destinations, cooking up an array of taste-tantalising dishes is something we’ve all tried in quarantine, and is an activity many of us are learning to love.
Asides from breaking up the day, it’s a chance to change out of our PJs and sit down to a hearty meal with the family. If you close your eyes, you can even pretend you’re in your favourite restaurant!
3. Getting creative
If you’ve always fancied yourself as a modern-day Lowry or Turner, or want to follow in the footsteps of Tracey Emin or David Hockney, quarantine is the perfect time to turn this fantasy into a reality.
When you paint indoors or in the garden, there are many mediums to choose from, including pens, acrylic, watercolour and oil paints. You can opt to paint on paper or really push the boat out and order a canvas online.
Asides from whiling away a few hours, painting is very therapeutic – just the sort of relaxing activity we all need in quarantine! You may even find that you have uncovered a new talent, enabling you to start a side business post lockdown selling your work!
4. Meditation
Being indoors for too long can take its toll on us, which is why many of us have learnt to meditate in quarantine. Whether you do this alone or watch a tutor online, taking some time out of your busy (or quiet) day is a great way to get through uncertain times.
Meditation can help to relieve stress and keep you calm, plus it’s a low-cost hobby as you only need a quiet room to get started.
5. Learning a language
Instead of watching Netflix on repeat, many have taken it upon themselves to learn a new language in lockdown. Whether it’s brushing up on GCSE French or Spanish or trying a completely new language like Russian or Japanese, learning a language is a great way to pass the time, plus it also makes us feel like we’ve achieved something when time stands still.
If you’re struggling to pick up a new tongue by yourself, you could always enrol in online classes and join others as you look to progress.
6. Virtual book club
If you’re used to attending a weekly book club, this doesn’t have to stop in quarantine. Instead of meeting at the library, a friend’s house or a coffee shop, simply host a book club online. Those in lockdown have revealed this has helped them to stay connected with friends and family whilst they have been unable to see them in person.
It’s also a great opportunity to brush off the literary classics that are sat on the shelf or to discover new writers, especially if downloading books on e-readers and the like.
7. Flower arrangement
Asides from brightening up the home, arranging flowers can be a fun way to pass the time in lockdown and is another thing many people have learnt to love during the quarantine. Ordering blooms online is an easy way to satisfy this hobby, especially as there are an array of flowers to choose from in a variety of hues, shapes and sizes.
Many of these are available with same and next day delivery too, meaning you won’t have to wait long to brighten up your inside space. From creating table arrangements to vase displays, this is a very healing hobby.
Sources: vogue.com, health.com, mayoclinic.org
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