5 Things to do when you're self-isolating
1. Spring clean
Not your average clean! This is the one where you wash the curtains, dust between the slats on the blinds and move furniture to hoover under it. Ok, so maybe this is your standard routine, but I admit, it’s certainly not mine! The several shelves with display bits and bobs are so high maintenance that picture rails don’t even get a look in. You could even try creating your own eco-friendly cleaning products and putting them to the test. Note: Don’t be climbing on ladders and furniture to reach those high up places unless you’re supervised! The healthcare system could do without dealing with cleaning injuries.
Dreaming of the outdoors
2. Create a scrap/ photo book
Anybody else have boxes of old photos that you plan to do something with one day? Now is the time to put them into albums or scrapbooks. You could make these up as gifts or just treasures for yourself. I find scrapbooking really therapeutic; the possibilities are endless with colours and embellishments. My mum used to write the dates (that photographs were taken) on the back of the photo so when I sorted through my albums, I used my label maker to punch the dates in and stick them under the photo. You could also get your phone photos printed and create tangible albums with those. Events such as birthdays, summer holidays or travels are always comforting memories to look back on and have in one place. Another idea is to scan your pre-digital photos so you have digital copies on your computer.
3. Become a plant parent
It’s Spring, so it’s the perfect time to plant seeds. Try growing herbs on your windowsill or take the time to treat your existing plants. Put them in the bath or shower and spray them or wipe any dust off the leaves. Re-pot, fertilise or prune any plants that require maintenance. Plants filter the air and remove nasty chemicals from it, so they can be your best companion in times like these.
4. Learn a language
When it comes to choosing which one to learn, apply logic. If you took French in school then try that; if you work for a German bank then learn German; if your partner speak another language then ask them to teach you that. I speak Serbo-Croat, which has some similarities to Russian so that would be a plausible language for me to try. Learning a language, as an adult, isn’t easy so give yourself a chance to succeed by choosing one that motivates you and adds value to your current circumstances. There are so many options for choosing a method of learning. You can go old-school and use books or listen to podcasts where you can repeat the words back. A friend of mine learned to speak Spanish by watching Spanish soap operas with English subtitles.
5. DIY and Crafts
Again, use common sense here and be safe. I’m not talking about trying to fix a leaking roof, more like those tasks you’ve been putting off for months. Whether that’s oiling your furniture, paint touch-ups or re-sealing wet areas with silicone, everyone has that one thing (or several, if you’re like me) that they keep making excuses not to fix. If you’re the creative type then upcycling also fits into the DIY bracket. As soon as I put down the Polyfilla and caulk, I plan to make my own candles and macramé plant hangers. I intend to use materials that I have lying around the house, not only to create as little waste as possible, but also to avoid purchasing any unnecessary items that can, otherwise, be substituted.
Collect flowers and leaves from your garden and put them in a flower press for future craft projects
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