10 things to do during lockdown...

Hello everyone,

Now, if you're reading this I take it you're in the same situation as I am which is the coronavirus lockdown, like millions of us out there we're stuck on what to do to fill the time...

Prime Minister, Boris Johnson made an announcement earlier on this week saying that the coronavirus lockdown could be held into place for the next 3 weeks minimum which means it could be extended at any point.

However, if you're really stuck on what to do or how to fill your time properly here is a list of things you can do to pass the time in lockdown...

Despite this being another COVID-19 blog, I want to make this a more informative, fun, diverse and happy one seeing as all over social media and televised news reports it's just scare-mongering and downright terrifying. As I like to say " Stay informed, but do not obsess...As soon as you obsess, you go insane and lose sense of self."

So without further a do... here are the do's and do not's list of things you can do when passing the time in lockdown...

1. Gardening

Now I know what you're thinking, but it's not as crazy as you think mow the lawn, trim the bushes, water the flowers, and prune the trees... it can be very therapeutic and mentally stimulating.

2. De-clutter the house

Yes, I know... probably the most mundane of tasks to partake in but what can be more greatly appreciated than a well kept together home as the saying goes "everything has it's place!" and that's a fact so throw out the stuff you've been hoarding for the past 5-10 years, give everything a wipe down, spritz and hoover and voila! You now have yourself a well kept, shiny home.

3. Write a blog

If you're more of a writer than you are a do-er then writing a daily blog could be your thing, I've always had a thing for writing myself... I wouldn't be on here otherwise, however .... writing a daily blog can be really good as once all of this is over you can look back in a years time and remind yourself all the things you did and said whilst going through the coronavirus outbreak.

4.Create a Vlog (YouTube Channel)

If you're not confident in front of the camera then don't worry about it you don't necessarily have to film footage of yourself if you're one of the people that only goes out once a day for an hours exercise or only goes to the shops or chemists to pick up medications for yourselves or loved ones then it's always interesting to film what you got up to that day and how the situation is being handled.

The situation is being handled differently around the world so it's always good to get footage of different measures being taken for social distancing, superstore guidelines and pharmacy guidelines as this would be of great interest to others.

It would also be good to have fun with your vlog's as well by filming your daily account of what you got up to during the coronavirus lockdown... I'm currently doing that myself with my mum and it's a really good way of relieving some of that stress and anxiety that get's pent up in your system.

5. Write a novel

What better novel idea could you possibly use than the coronavirus outbreak, you can even put your own little spin on it... I love writing because you get to watch the characters play out in your mind in a scene before you've even written it to paper/text document... writing can also be a very good stress and anxiety reliever.

It's helped me out more times than I care to admit, however the written word is my first true love and I'll never tire from it.

6. Take up Knitting/Crocheting

Although I'm not a knitter, I've been a crocheter now for the past 5 years of my life, and I haven't looked back since, there are so many different variations of crochet whether it be blankets, cushion covers, baby clothes & accessories, women's clothing, men's clothing, or softies... if you don't know the term softies then it's a form of doll or teddy bear or any creature you wish to make.

Amigurumi is also another term for it which is a Japanese form of small dolls and animals you've crafted with yarns, hooks, threads and various other materials I'm one of many experts in the field of crochet so I know a thing or two... do I know that it helps with mental health and stimulation? Yes? Is it addictive? Most definitely... so if you're looking for creative studies to do with your hands... this is the one for you!

7. Tik Tok

Now if you enjoy small 15-30 second clips to watch then Tik Tok is the app for you... you can watch funny videos, dance videos, challenge videos and much much more and most importantly you can join in on the fun with doing your own little dance videos, singing videos, funny videos and the list goes on again.People assume that it's an app for millennial's only but I have to strongly disagree as all ages are welcome to the app to show how diverse the people interacting on the app can actually be, so come on join in on the fun now!

8. Baking/ Cooking

If there's ever a better time to sharpen up on your baking or cooking skills...it's now, with various different recipes available to you no matter what your diet is ... this is another handy way of getting through the covid-19 blues...

I know it's not for everyone but what if the worst is going to happen and you haven't been provided with the life skills of knowing how to cook or bake for yourself properly? The time is now to teach yourself how to do this... I know I made that sound more dramatic than it should have been however it's always good to know how to do things for yourself... something as cooking or baking is a prime example of this... have fun with it, get creative with it and just have an all round good time!

9. Read a book

If you're not into any of the above and you're just an old fashioned book worm then why don't you try diving into a new genre of books... break out of the comfort zone you're so tightly confined to and read something new, see what's out there on kindle or audible at the moment, dive deep into it and enjoy the ride.

And...

10. Become a Social Media Influencer or Brand Ambassador

Now... make sure you find your niche, whether it be fashion, make-up, travel, food, lifestyle, pregnancy... the list is endless when it comes to being a brand ambassador or social media influencer, although the two things are a little different...

A Brand Ambassador is when a brand reaches out to you or you apply to them via messenger, direct message on Instagram or Twitter and ask if one of their ambassador slots are open, if they reply yes always ask what it required of you before taking the plunge completely... the reason why I say this is because there are plenty of scam ambassador programs around unfortunately and you should always do your research on them before committing to the cause so to speak...

If their website checks out alongside the information they've given you, accept and then voila...you're a brand ambassador... they ask different things from you each time... Take a selfie wearing our branded hoodie, or our branded t-shirt to get XXX amount of cash rewards and discount off.

However I think there's more perks to being a Social Media Influencer than an Ambassador and here's why...

With being a social media influence you're even more flexible than you were before with the hours you work, or the amount of posts you make ... you'll get partnered with the brands you want if you sign to the correct agency/website.

Like I mentioned before... always check out the website like, the agency link that's associated to it and the person that "built their empire" on social media influencers... if they check out then go full steam ahead and watch your social media sky rocket to astronomical heights.

I hope you enjoyed reading my blog today and you learnt a little something from it,

Currently on day 5 of the UK Coronavirus Lockdown and thought I would write a story on Vocal today.

I hope you are all okay, keeping safe and practicing good social distancing

Sending love, light and prayers to you all,

Lauren Greenwood.