The UK has been in lockdown for over 8 weeks now, and it is definitely taking its toll on the population, with many people still forced to work at home. Today, I thought I would write a post discussing ways to make the most of lockdown. This is mainly aimed at those (like me) who have found they suddenly have a lot of time on their hands.
So, whether you’re waiting for your next school year to start, or you’ve just graduated, this post comes up with some interesting ways that you can make the most of this unprecedented time!
This post contains links to my own products. If you make a purchase, I earn a little money to help run and support my blog 🙂
1. Learn a language
I am a bit biased because I’ve been learning French for almost 8 years now, and I love it. But I think that learning a language is always a fun and interesting skill to pick up. And it doesn’t have to be something high-level of complicated- an online site to learn the basics of the language is a good, productive way to pass the time.
Additionally, if you’re on a job hunt, learning a language can always look good for potential employees.
2. Pick up a hobby
I’m sure there’s something that you’ve never had time to properly dedicate your time to, or you’ve wanted to pick up if only you didn’t have to go to work everyday. So in these unprecedented times, it seems like the perfect time to go back to an old hobby, or even pick up a new one. I decided to pick up blogging as a full-time hobby, writing regular book reviews.
If you’re anything like me, because I have more time on my hands I feel pressure to use every minute of it productively, but even if it’s just drawing more, or writing the occasional short story, this could help to pass the time.
Check out my new ebook for more details about how blogging or writing could become your next lockdown hobby!
3. Start a home workout routine
I am definitely not a fitness expert- I don’t think I’ve ever stepped foot in a gym. But I’ve found it helps me feel more focused if I have a regular workout time and routine, adding a little structure to my day without having to exert too much effort.
There are lots of apps available to plan a regular routine, so this doesn’t have to be anything too complicated.
4. Get cooking!
I don’t normally do much cooking when I come back to my parents house, but it’s been fun to occasionally make a few meals for my family. I’m not great at cooking, but especially since finishing exams, I’ve enjoyed making some easy meals.
5. Communicate with others in your situation
I’ve found it really beneficial to communicate with other people in the same situation as me, e.g. recent graduates. This is mainly a question of calling and messaging my friends and family. I also write articles for my University newspaper, The Yorker.
However, I’ve also found it nice to join a few Twitter blogging group chats, connecting with people who are just as bored of this lockdown as me!
Do you have any tips for managing UK lockdown? Do you have any skills you want to pick up now we have more time on our hands? Do you have any workout routines you can recommend?
Leave all your thoughts in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you 🙂
Happy reading x
Not-So-Modern Girl 
I would recommend a social media detox to clear your head of all the anxiety and news of terrible hints happening and also the pressure of doing a lot of things that are productive/ comparing, etc.
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That’s such a good idea! I recently went off Facebook anyway (before this started) but I think it’s so important to avoid negative thoughts 🙂
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sounds like you’re keeping things positive despite lockdown
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I’m trying! Hope it’s not been too difficult for you too
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Great post! I am currently learning Spanish, working out a lot more than I used to and practicing piano.
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Wow that sounds like a really good use of your time! Thanks for dropping by 🙂
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During quarantine I started my food blog and began doing daily yoga! It’s great to have some structure and somewhat of a schedule in the midst of the craziness
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Yes that sounds great! I’ve been doing a lot more blogging since my studies finished as I’ve got so much more time on my hands 🙂
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Great suggestions here. I have kinda thrown myself in to work and house jobs to keep me busy during this time. Seeing the difference in the house has really helped keep my mood up x
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That sounds really productive! Glad you’ve found something to keep you occupied 🙂
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You have some great tips! I’m still working, and so is my husband, so the biggest thing that’s changed is we’re not leaving the house except to go to the grocery store roughly every two weeks. We miss the movie theater the most. We have done some take-away and drive-through eating, but not a lot. I’m definitely cooking more and trying new recipes. I’ve been blogging a lot more, reading nearly every night before bed, and trying to stay away from Facebook multiple times a day. We walk our dogs twice a day and try to ride our bikes as much as we can, weather-permitting. I just watched all four Toy Story movies last week between Thursday and Sunday, and that helped me a lot!
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It sounds like you’ve been keeping busy, which is always important! Cooking is always nice, and getting out is so important, even if it’s just for a bike ride or to walk the dogs 🙂 thanks for dropping by, those are some great tips!
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Great post!
I have spent a lot of lockdown working on a few of my passion projects and have found that has really helped keep me in good spirits x
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Thank you! Yes I agree, keeping busy with things we enjoy can be such a good way to pass the time and still feel productive! Thanks for sharing 🙂 x
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These are great ideas to keep you busy during lockdown! I have been enjoying the sun and working on my blog
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Thank you! Those have been my focuses too 🙂
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Thank you, yours is so lovely 🙂
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Ah that sounds like a great way to keep creative in this difficult situation!
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I had no idea that the UK was still on lockdown, I know that must not be fun but I’m glad to see that yall are talking it seriously, over a month ago they lifted the stay at home order where I am at. That is such a good list though, I know I was focusing on hobbies, I am still trying to stay home as much as possible.
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In fairness it’s being lifted a little here now too, but we’re still encouraged to stay at home as much as possible! Thank you so much 🙂
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Lockdown has meant I can spend more time on my blog, I’ve managed to write some poems and, as you recommend, I’ve been learning Spanish with my son. You’re right about keeping things positive!
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Me too! Ah that sounds like a great use of your time- I’m glad you’re learning a new skill 🙂
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I took to tidying and decluttering and donated several boxes to our local church’s rummage sale (for a future safe date). Watching documentaries on PBS has been illuminating, and indulging in long reads like Gaskell’s Wives and Daughters and then immediately watching the BBC series has been a double delight.
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They sound like great ways to keep busy, I’m glad you’ve been finding ways to enjoy yourself :)!
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I’ve cooked SO much more lately and started up doing yoga daily! My blog has been able to take up most of my time now but it’s fun to have other hobbies to pick up as well 🙂
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That sounds great- I’ve actually been working out as well which has been a new thing I’ve picked up since lockdown 🙂 glad you’ve found a way to occupy your time x
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That’s okay, thank you for your comment 🙂 that’s great that you’ve been given a little more freedom- it’s been eased a little here but still not a lot. Learning a language is very rewarding, but I’m sure that will keep you very busy!
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I suppose also that learning C, C++, JavaScript, Python and PHP and whatever other programming languages I will learn over the next few years might count 🙂
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Ooh yes they sound very impressive!
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Wow that sounds really productive- I’m glad you’ve found something fun to do 🙂
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I’ve worked really hard to get back into a workout routine since I’ve got an extra hour after work thanks to the fact I’m no longer commuting! I’ve also been using the time to work on my blog too which has meant I’ve been able to spend longer working on posts that would normally take me forever to write because I was just spending half an hour or so on them in the evenings. I’ve been very tempted to start learning a language as well but I haven’t really known where to start! x
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Wow that’s great that you’re usually that (normally busy) time well 🙂 Starting a language can be really fun, although I definitely think it’s hard to teach yourself (mainly for motivation reasons). There’s a few apps such as Duolingo you can try out, but it sounds like you’ve got some good ways to pass the time anyway, thanks for reading!
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It’s strange really, but I think this lockdown is actually doing me some good! Now I’ve got some more time on my hands I’ve started learning British Sign Language and also started yoga (online of course!) which is far from my comfort zone. Really great tips here – I might start putting more effort into cooking/baking now I’ve got the chance too! 🙂
Stay safe,
Sophie | http://www.loveandliterature.co.uk x
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That’s great that you’ve pushed yourself to go out of your comfort zone! That’s a great idea, I’m glad you enjoyed my post 🙂 x
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Thank you so much! That sounds really nice- I’m glad you’ve been finding ways to enjoy the time and stay connected to people you love 🙂 x
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Great ideas here 🙂 I’ve been learning sign language as a way to get through and so I can communicate with more people when this is all over!
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That’s a lovely idea- and keeps you productive as well 🙂
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Wow that’s impressive- it’s definitely good to stay positive and make the most of it, I agree. No worries, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
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The lockdown here has been lifted but it is advisable to stay home. But during the lockdown, I’ve learnt so much about blogging and using Pinterest to send traffic to my blog. It’s been amazing so far. Thanks for sharing
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Wow that’s great! I’ve never used Pinterest, but it sounds like you’ve really got into the swing of things 🙂
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I’ve been learning Spanish through Duolingo and I’ve been loving it, it’s keeping my brain sharp! I’ve managed to create a better workout routine than I had pre lockdown and I’m loving exercising more than ever now! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
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Wow that sounds like you’ve really been making the most of lockdown!
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I’ve been doing everything you’ve mentioned except for learning a new language. That sounds like a great idea – I’d really love to learn French and Spanish.
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Ooh I hope you enjoy it if you give it a go 🙂
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Good tips!
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Thank you!
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Nice ideas!
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Thank you 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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Thank you! That sounds great, I think it’s a great idea to do something that will prove useful 🙂
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U r definitely motivating everyone to make most of their time during this lockdown to learn something productive
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Thank you!
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