Avoid the news at key times, such as soon as you wake up or when you go to bed.
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- If you have a radio alarm clock consider setting it to a time that avoids it turning on during the news
- Switch to classic FM or something musical rather than a talk show
Make sure you give yourself some “off” time away from work phones and laptops EVERY DAY.
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- This could be a 20min yoga session, a walk at lunch time or a long hot bath.
- Leave the phone alone and in another room while you sleep!
Leave the house every day if possible (remaining socially distanced from others, of course).
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- Go for a walk, even if it’s just round the block
- Take in the fresh air and a new view
- Give your eyes a break and focus on things far away in the distance rather than the four walls or screens you’re usually confined to
- ‘Couch to 5k’ is a great introduction to running, if you fancy getting fitter during lock down
Meditate.
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- Apps like Head Space are great!
- Try ’21 days of abundance’ by Deepak Chopra
- Mantra Chanting. We googled “Mantra Chanting for Beginners” in the hope I’d find a site to share but frankly there are thousands to choose from!
Order a takeaway and then run on a treadmill until it arrives.
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- Order from establishments progressively further from your home for greater levels of exercise!
- If you can’t afford a treadmill or don’t have space for one in your home, try simply jogging on the spot – It’s surprisingly tiring!
Try playing Daily Wellness playlists on Spotify which are automaticlly tailored for you.
Learn to play an instrument. From a recorder to the drums, come out of this with a new skill for when we’re finally allowed to show off to our friends at a party!
Consider quitting or limiting social media for a while.
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- Set a time-limit on your usage so that your phone tells you when it’s time to close the apps
- Unfollow any account that doesn’t make you feel good. A moaning or negative influencer? Say goodbye to that content in one swift click and get back to your bag of malteesers guilt-free
Buy a bird feeder and spend 10 mins watching the activity outside the window. You don’t need a garden, just a window to stick one on! Find one here.
Essential oils can have a calming effect during the day or a sleep-inducing effect at night.
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- Invest in a diffuser (we found a nice one from M&S which isn’t too bank-breaking!)
- Pillow and room sprays are great for helping you drift off. Laura likes the brand This Works
- Another great tip for getting off to sleep is reading a book. Try to pick a subject completely unrelated to work
Set yourself a challenge to complete.
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- This doesn’t have to be fitness related – how about calling a different relative each week
- Hitting the suggested 10,000 steps a day can feel like a crazy amount when you’re house-bound, so try not to be sad if you’re only managing 30 steps a day and they are to/from the fridge -Try 30 star jumps a day instead!
Have a good laugh every day if you can. Make this a priority!
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- Watch stupid videos online, or a live comedy gig, or just dance around the kitchen while you’re cooking!
Turn your requirement for food into a hobby and make an event of weekend meals.
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- Creating something from scratch not only fills time but also gives you skills that will last a lifetime. There is an abundance of online teaching tools these days, including fresh pasta courses, vegan cooking and a whole lot more
- Maybe give each weekend a different theme. Spagetti Saturday or Sudanese Sunday perhaps?
Turn your flat or house into a weekend bar crawl. Set up a different cocktail in each room – Remember, they don’t need to contain alcohol to be fun!
Finally, for all those living with a partner – If you’re struggling with the concept of having nothing to look forward to together, you can buy date night ideas here.