Top 15 things to do in lockdown

Lockdown bored already? Need a to-do list? Here’s some ideas to get you moving, keep you busy and make the most of the chance to get some stuff done.

#1 Read a book

Download that book you’ve been wanting to read forever and haven’t had the time, or if you’re a more hands-on person, grab one that’s gathering dust on your bookshelf and is begging to be read. If there’s nothing new on your bookshelf, close your eyes, spin around and randomly select one from the shelf. If you don’t land on one you’re keen to read, we reckon you secretly know which one you do want to revisit. If you find it hard to sit still and want to do something else while you’re ‘reading’? Download an audiobook so you can multitask.

#2 Relearn an instrument

Heading to your local music store to buy a new instrument is not an essential reason to be out and about but many of us still have that guitar, flute or violin we learnt on when we were kids but have somehow forgotten how to play. With time on your hands, youtube and an endless supply of material online there’s no reason not to give it another crack. If you’re really stuck for something to do, you could even try learning with the kids. The neighbours may not thank you though!

#3 Walk the dog

Pop on a mask – you not the dog – and go for a walk. It’s a chance to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine close to home (within 10km), after a day of staring at your tiny laptop screen. Your eyes will thank you for it, and like magic – the pounding eye-strain headache will go. Best thing? With a mask, hat and sunnies on no-one will recognise you, so you don’t have to worry about doing it in your PJs or daggy trackies if that’s been your ‘work attire’ for the day. Winning!!

#4 Forget banana bread, bake brownies

Banana bread is so 2020!! This is a new COVID lockdown, so more intense backed goods are required. We’re talking sweet, hot, chocolate brownies (with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the bowl). Search for a recipe online, consult one of the recipe books gathering dust on your bookshelf or cheat and buy a packet mix when you’re next shopping for essentials. You can enjoy them hot or freeze them for another time. Best of all, they are quick and easy to make, and will draw out the sweet-tooths following you on Instagram. Tip: dust with icing sugar before you take that drool-worthy photo!

#5 Conquer the jigsaw

Most of us have one – a jigsaw gift still in its plastic wrapping on a shelf with the board games we rarely play. You’ll be surprised how addictive piecing that picture together can be and it’s an activity everyone in the house can get involved in. So, clear off the dining room table (let’s face it, we’re all eating on the couch anyway) and get started. Some people like to start with the edges, others go for colour blocks. We say, make your own rules and just give it a crack.

#6 Rediscover the garden

The garden – that place outside that looks great when you’ve had a burst of inspiration and been busy, but mostly needs some work. There’s no need to try to squeeze some serious weeding into a weekend, with plenty of time during lockdown to pop out during your lunch break (if you’re working from home) and to get the kids busy during theirs! Start with the weeds, mowing and high-pressure cleaning. Shopping for plants is not an essential activity but when you can go out, you’ll be ready to add some colour or greenery to the garden. In the meantime, look online for inspiration and plan what you want to do and buy. It will save you time and money in the long run.

For more items on how to bust the lockdown boredom, click here.