Ahh lockdown, another day, another week, another month. BUT we are surviving because we are keeping ourselves creatively occupied, and feeling free (well, as free as possible!)
We all know that people’s mental health has suffered through lockdown. But there are things that we can all do daily to help with our sense of freedom while we move through the daily motions of being in lockdown.
We have spoken a lot about what leaders can do for their team from a workplace point of view. However, we have realised the importance of individuals taking time out in their personal lives to do things for themselves as well. By re-energising the individual on a personal level, it makes them feel great, feel capable and feel like they’re experiencing something new, especially in lockdown. So, here are a few things you can try daily, or once a week, by yourself or with a group of friends over Zoom, to increase that dopamine and keep us feeling energised and happy.
Read a new book
If you have no idea where to start with books, jump onto Goodreads, check out some bestseller reviews or ask a friend for a recommendation. Time doesn’t exist when you’re engrossed in a great book.
Bubble baths
At the end of a workday, treat yourself to a nice hot bubble bath, filled with relaxing essential oils, or a burn your favourite candle. Grab your book, magazine or put on some Netflix, grab a glass of wine and enjoy a sense of being pampered in your own home.
Spend time in nature
Get outside! Walk barefoot in the grass. Lay out in the sun. Play in the sand! Depending on where you live, you might not be able to do all these things, but just breathing some fresh air, going for a walk or sitting in the sun, will improve your mood instantly.
Journal
Journaling is a really great meditative practice that is just for you. Write how you’re feeling, write down your big life goals, describe what you’re grateful for that day. Or it can just be a stream of consciousness, just start writing. It’s a therapeutic practice that allows you to work through emotions and thoughts that are holding you back or keeping you in a negative mindset.
Get creative!
Think DIY Pinot & Picasso. Grab some friends on a Zoom, pick an image that you’ll all paint and go for it! Don’t worry about the result, just enjoy the process, some friendly conversation and a great time. It’s wholesome fun and it brings you back into your body and out of your head. Doing something creative is also a great stress relief/creative outlet for those who don’t have creativity in their job.
Bake/cook
Pick your favourite recipe, watch a cooking show and copy, or try something completely left of field! Once again, doing something with your hands as a creative outlet will get you out of your head and doing something for fun! It doesn’t have to look great – as long as it tastes amazing! It can also serve as a fun little bake/cook off for your family/friends.
Some other things you can try are:
- Try out some short online courses about topics you’ve always been interested in – and doesn’t need to be work related
- Join an online yoga class
- Gardening
- DIY projects
- Write a book
- Organise/declutter your space
- Have a pamper night
- Binge watch your favourite TV show
- Dance around the house to your favourite song
- Have a picnic lunch on your balcony/backyard
We know how hard this time can be, and we are dedicated to not only helping our team and yours, but also the individuals. So, feel free to share these tips and if you try them out – share it with your team! Encourage people to share what they’re working on/trying and embrace small wins.
We’d love to hear what you’ve been doing to still feel free in lockdown – jump onto our LinkedIn and share!
