With lockdown only a press conference or breaking news report away, if the inevitable happens again or if you are reading this in a lockdown. Keep occupied!

12 ways to keep entertained during the lockdown

We have come up with 12 great ideas to keep you up and active and to give you focus during what can be a frustrating and challenging time. Lockdown has knock-on effects for us all both physically and mentally so being as positive and motivated as we can is more important than ever. Our dozen things in a dozen days challenge is designed to give you something to aim for, a target, a goal, a reason to get out of bed. You don’t have to stick to it religiously and if you want to mix things up then that is your prerogative. It is a bit of fun and a reference point for tips and guidance. There are no prizes, no rules just make sure you have fun when completing them. At the end of the 12 days, you can repeat or alternate depending on your personal progress and preferences.

Get Tech-Savvy

Practise makes perfect so with a bit of time on your hands you have the opportunity to upgrade your technology IQ and I.T skills. It can benefit you socially in terms of impressing the youngsters with your flashy filters and engaging zoom calls or professionally as most companies now place a huge emphasis on social media or remote advertising and marketing campaigns to elevate business.

Gaming

Too many gaming sessions get cut short because life and its responsibilities get in the way but no more. Game away to your heart’s content.

Gambling

Playing on your tablet and smartphone is easier  than ever and why not make some cash while you cannot go anywhere?

Reading

Books/Newspapers/Kindles or the ever popular digital reading to fit in with the modern world on your laptop or phone.

New Hobbies

Try something new, take your pick from; Painting, walking, crafts, home fitness, drawing, blogging, writing, vlogging, photography, cards, jigsaws, knitting.

Gardening

Soak up the sun and sort out your garden. Put some decking down, lay asoe artificial grass, plant vegetables, flowers or build the perfect bbq-ing spot. Too much effort? You can at least mow the lawn and tidy the shed in your spare time. Challenge your partner to see who can grow with best plant? Loser does the dishes for a week!

Bring The Pub Quiz Home

Time to step up. You can be the quiz master at your own pub…well kind of. Get the drinks in, sort the electronic invites out early and then get googling away to set some quality but fun and interesting questions. Once you have whatsapp’d a reminder on top of your calendar invites and sorted your outfit you are good to go!

Reacquaint

Spend some quality time with your partner and rediscover the magic. Have an evening with no tv and just chat like the good old days when you first met. Explore each other both physically and mentally all over again and maximise the downtime by reacquainting your love and lust for one another.

Education

Put the time to good use and sign up to a course. College or University work can be done at home remotely these days and will put you in a great position for a new job or a promotion at work with the extra skills and knowledge at your disposal gained during your lockdown self-learning sessions. It shows discipline, ambition and time management skills and will be worth its weight in gold long-term.

A Pet

We are not advocating getting a pet for any short term period or just because it’s locked down and there is nothing else to do. If you were thinking of getting a pet but were holding off then a lockdown is the ideal time to push the go button and do it. Your new animal will have your undivided attention and will have plenty of time to settle into their new home with you all there. It is a far more settling and welcoming environment for them which is great for their well being and comfort.

Oddjobs

There is always something to do around the house, a leaking tap, some paint work that needs topping up, sorting out old clothes, putting up a shelf etc. Anything that you have been meaning to do but keep putting off and all the oddjobs that you are nagging or being nagged to complete can now be accomplished.

Homeschooling

Ever fancied yourself as a teacher? Now is your chance! Reel off the old times tables and get creative once more as you take the helm as the educational leader and know-it-all of the house. Make sure you bring plenty of patience to your classroom wherever it may be. You will need it in abundance.