Great advice on how to pass the time in lockdown without going stir crazy from Amanda, isolating in France...
Amanda says:
This virus seems to have temporarily taken over our lives, and like many countries, France has asked people to stay home as much as possible. Many events and activities are no longer allowed until the situation returns to normal. Thankfully, we're allowed to take a walk once a day (unless you're walking the dog, then it's more often). I take my walk once a week at sunrise when there are not many people up and about. It's safest for me to go out at sunrise, because I have a chronic illness and should avoid other people for now. We have to fill out a form each time we go out. We have to stay within a mile from our house and be back within the hour if we go for a walk. When I see the sun chase the night away, it reminds me that life goes on. No matter what. These crazy times will end someday. To help you through, here are some activities that work for me.
Most of the time, I stay inside. Since I have no garden or balcony, I often sit by the window. I read A LOT. My books take me to a different world. Isn't it wonderful that you can travel while comfortably curled up somewhere with a (hot) drink and a snack within reach? Add a Cathy Cassidy book and you're all set for adventure. Reading is relaxing. You could also try audiobooks if you fancy doing something else while listening to your favourite books. If you're done reading, don't panic. I have plenty up my sleeve for you!
Try writing. I do this every day. I've been keeping a journal for a long time now. The situation we're all in can be quite overwhelming sometimes. No matter how I feel, paper and pen bring me comfort. Paper is like a silent witness. It's with you. When you put pen to paper, it'll never betray any secrets you write about. It won't judge you. Instead, it soaks up your feelings and allows you to let go of them. Maybe a journal isn't your cup of tea. You could always try writing stories or poems. My inspiration for my own stories or poems comes from small things: a nice quote, an animal I see when I look out the window, people I meet, or something that happened... Go on, you try it! Let those creative juices flow!
The next thing I think of are arts and crafts. Creating something to decorate your room with or something you can use, drawing, colouring, painting... The list of possibilities is endless. This situation sparked my own creativity. Suddenly it went beyond words. I started painting. You could try making a jewellery box using some material you can find around the house. If you have a copy of Cathy's CHOCOLATE BOX SECRETS, you'll find plenty of creative ideas for you to try out.
The next activity is watching your favourite series and films or listening to your favourite music. Maybe you play an instrument and you can make your own music. Songs have always meant a lot to me. Music makes me happy. Sing and dance. Stay as active as you can.
I live alone, but try this if you're with your family: see if they can help you get creative in the kitchen. Bake your own muffins, cookies... Or how about a pizza with your favourite toppings? When you're done, why not play some board games to make that quality time last just that little bit longer?
Lastly, use social media to stay in touch with friends and family who don't live with you. See if you can watch the same series or film together and discuss it. Or maybe you want to read the same book and discuss it together, like a virtual book club. Make sure your parents allow you to use social media before you try this idea! As you can see, there are plenty of activities to explore when you're stuck inside. I'll leave it up to you to find out what works best for you. Good luck. You'll get through this strange time!
Image - Pexels
Cathy says:
I love these thoughtful suggestions from Amanda... reading and writing are definitely helping me, but my attempts at baking were a bit of a flop alas! What would YOU add to Amanda's advice? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!
This virus seems to have temporarily taken over our lives, and like many countries, France has asked people to stay home as much as possible. Many events and activities are no longer allowed until the situation returns to normal. Thankfully, we're allowed to take a walk once a day (unless you're walking the dog, then it's more often). I take my walk once a week at sunrise when there are not many people up and about. It's safest for me to go out at sunrise, because I have a chronic illness and should avoid other people for now. We have to fill out a form each time we go out. We have to stay within a mile from our house and be back within the hour if we go for a walk. When I see the sun chase the night away, it reminds me that life goes on. No matter what. These crazy times will end someday. To help you through, here are some activities that work for me.
Most of the time, I stay inside. Since I have no garden or balcony, I often sit by the window. I read A LOT. My books take me to a different world. Isn't it wonderful that you can travel while comfortably curled up somewhere with a (hot) drink and a snack within reach? Add a Cathy Cassidy book and you're all set for adventure. Reading is relaxing. You could also try audiobooks if you fancy doing something else while listening to your favourite books. If you're done reading, don't panic. I have plenty up my sleeve for you!
Try writing. I do this every day. I've been keeping a journal for a long time now. The situation we're all in can be quite overwhelming sometimes. No matter how I feel, paper and pen bring me comfort. Paper is like a silent witness. It's with you. When you put pen to paper, it'll never betray any secrets you write about. It won't judge you. Instead, it soaks up your feelings and allows you to let go of them. Maybe a journal isn't your cup of tea. You could always try writing stories or poems. My inspiration for my own stories or poems comes from small things: a nice quote, an animal I see when I look out the window, people I meet, or something that happened... Go on, you try it! Let those creative juices flow!
The next thing I think of are arts and crafts. Creating something to decorate your room with or something you can use, drawing, colouring, painting... The list of possibilities is endless. This situation sparked my own creativity. Suddenly it went beyond words. I started painting. You could try making a jewellery box using some material you can find around the house. If you have a copy of Cathy's CHOCOLATE BOX SECRETS, you'll find plenty of creative ideas for you to try out.
The next activity is watching your favourite series and films or listening to your favourite music. Maybe you play an instrument and you can make your own music. Songs have always meant a lot to me. Music makes me happy. Sing and dance. Stay as active as you can.
I live alone, but try this if you're with your family: see if they can help you get creative in the kitchen. Bake your own muffins, cookies... Or how about a pizza with your favourite toppings? When you're done, why not play some board games to make that quality time last just that little bit longer?
Lastly, use social media to stay in touch with friends and family who don't live with you. See if you can watch the same series or film together and discuss it. Or maybe you want to read the same book and discuss it together, like a virtual book club. Make sure your parents allow you to use social media before you try this idea! As you can see, there are plenty of activities to explore when you're stuck inside. I'll leave it up to you to find out what works best for you. Good luck. You'll get through this strange time!
Image - Pexels
Cathy says:
I love these thoughtful suggestions from Amanda... reading and writing are definitely helping me, but my attempts at baking were a bit of a flop alas! What would YOU add to Amanda's advice? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!
Awww I love these! Thanks Amanda and of course Cathy ❤️❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteI've been dancing a lot, it helps a lot! Music as well of course <3
ReplyDelete