10 things to do during Lockdown.

In these trying times many of us are struggling, not just financially but emotionally, the devastation is being felt across the world by people from all walks of life.

Solidarity is more than a reality for some who live on their own and are vulnerable, the elderly and disabled particularly are affected, but the one thing we all have in common is boredom, it can strike at any time through repetitive daily routine.

Monotony is now the norm for many of us, so what can we do to break through the boredom and lack of motivation?

1. Learn to play an instrument.

Many of us have at one time or another considered picking up a guitar or playing a piano or electric keyboard, maybe you once wanted to play the drums? Violin? Saxophone? It is never to late to learn.

You may think you are too old or too young to learn but the truth is learning to play an instrument can be rewarding, mentally and physically (depending on the instrument) it is known that music can have healing properties and this is because certain melodies, notes or even sound frequencies are "tuned" in with receptors in our brains which emit pleasure, pain or other emotions.

How many times have you heard a song which made you cry or feel good purely through the sound of the music?

Playing an instrument can be frustrating at times, even more so for the beginner but sticking with it will bring you more pleasure than you could imagine, and who knows it could bring joy to others too?

2. Computer gaming.

This is probably something that many of us already do weather it be on a console, laptop/desktop, tablet, phone or other type of gaming machine, we all have that one game we love.

To help alleviate some boredom why not look into playing something you wouldn't normally play, if you play games on Facebook for example get yourself onto a PS4 or Xbox and play GTA V or Red Dead Redemption II, there are many open world games which you can immerse yourself in, I would recommend giving them a go at least once.

If you only play console or phone games why not try one or two of the thousands and thousands of PC/Laptop games available, download the gaming app Steam for Windows and you will be given a choice from all genres, from free games, programs and demo's to top selling titles.

3. Become an armchair Archaeologist.

Did you know that there have been hundreds of previously unknown archaeological sites discovered by people sitting at home in their living rooms, these armchair Archaeologists use tools such as Google Earth, Google Maps, Side by Side maps and other resources including Lidar to search for locations of possible historic importance.

You can do this too, In my article "The secrets of research" (which can be read by clicking on my name at the bottom of this article) I give you all the tools you need to get started then all that is required is a thirst for knowledge, a keen eye and a love of history.

4. Photography

Contrary to popular belief Photography can be done anywhere, you don't need to be out in the middle of nowhere to capture a good landscape or nature shot, you don't need to be in a city to capture a scene of people or vehicles.

Of course it helps to be able to visit places of interest and beauty however under the current circumstances we can look much closer to home for inspiration.

Taking macro/close up shots of items around the house can often provide us with great results, an interesting angle and good lighting can also ass to this.

If you live with your family/spouse get them involved, have them dress up and pose for you, you could do the same with pets (if they let you).

One thing I love doing with photography is shooting long exposures in a pitch black room, focusing the lens on the object I want to shoot before turning out the main light.

I then use the camera's remote and a single torch to illuminate the object, setting the camera on manual and using presets suggested online for low light photography can produce some very artistic and creative images.

Use whatever you have at hand,anything with an interesting texture, a cigarette lighter, money, instruments, appliances and tools, toys, birds and insects in the garden, literally anything could make a potentially good photograph.

6. Write a book/short story or poetry

They say there is at least one book inside us all, getting this out isn't always easy though and often writing the book in the first place gets as far as a page or two, thrown in a drawer and forgotten about.

Why not begin your first story, continue one you already started or just learn how to write creatively, writing poetry can be a great outlet for our emotions and feelings, draw inspiration from your own life and from those you know or have heard/read about in the news.

7.Learn a new skill

Just like learning an instrument this can be applied to just about anything you can turn your mind to, you could perhaps learn mechanics, computer coding, music production, cooking a meal you always wanted to learn to cook, electronics, growing plants, building models,painting/drawing, sewing and making clothes/masks the options are as limitless as your imagination.

You could even learn the skills you need to get into College, University or land your dream job.

8. Create a social media group

Whatever your interest, be it History, movies, music, art, makeup, games,nature, there is probably a group on Facebook dedicated to it, this doesn't mean that you can't enjoy running your own group dedicated to your interests.

It is a simple process to set up a group on Facebook and there are many tutorials around showing you step by step instructions on how to do it, all you need is a minimal knowledge of computers, a passion for your interest and a few friends to join to begin with, share posts regularly and involve your members and the group will grow.

9. Talk to your family

If you are lucky enough to live with your spouse and children spend time talking to them, tell them stories of your life, your parents, grandparents and other ancestors, teach them who you are as a person not just as a husband/wife/parent but remember conversations are a two way action and learn to listen to them too, they may tell you something you never knew, you may spark an interest in genealogy in your children or even yourself.

Discuss music that you love, don't dismiss their tastes if different to yours, accept that they enjoy their thing and you enjoy yours and that is what you are sharing, that feeling the music you love makes you feel, listen to songs your kids/partner love and play them songs you love in turn.

10. ride a bicycle

At the risk of sounding like someone I won't mention, cycling is not only great exercise but it is a good way to get out and about to places you would normally drive straight past.

YES some cyclists are annoying, Lycra wearing individuals with no remorse or care for other road users or pedestrians, and the roads are also full of vehicle drivers who have a bee in their bonnet about cyclists, you will come across the inevitable "they should all pay road tax" despite this being abolished in the 1930's and replaced with Vehicle Emissions Tax based on the amount of pollution a vehicle throws out.

You will also find these same people spouting that cyclists should be insured and pay the same taxes for road repair, I agree insurance wouldn't be a bad idea after all some cycles cost more than a small car but we all pay Council Tax in the UK which a percentage goes toward road maintenance.

With the pitfalls aside however cycling proves to be a "clean" form of transport and if like me you have health issues there are some reasonably priced E-bikes available which will save you having to pedal all the time (as long as you remember to recharge it)

So during this lockdown why not try one of the above to alleviate your boredom and enrich your life with creativity and some form of freedom.

I hope you enjoyed this article, if you would like to read more of my work please click on my name at the bottom of this article and if you would like to send me a tip the button for this is also there.