Being in lockdown doesn’t have to be boring – not if you keep yourself entertained.
We’re all looking for new ideas to keep us entertained during COVID-19 restrictions and the team at Park Street GP comes up with a list of 10 ideas to get you through lockdown.
1. Stay connected
We just need to do it a bit differently.
Lockdown could actually be a great opportunity to stay connected with your family, friends & neighbours.
Staying connected with the ones you love during this tough time doesn’t have to involve social media either.
Here’s a few simple ideas:
- Pick up the phone and have a chat with someone you haven’t caught up with for awhile.
- Send a greeting card via snail mail.
- Pop a nice note in a neighbour’s letterbox.
- Organise a surprise flower delivery to someone who deserves it.
- Text someone for no particular reason – only to let you know you’re thinking of them.
2. Attempt a jigsaw puzzle
Tried buying a jigsaw puzzle lately?
Seems doing jigsaw puzzles is a favourite way to pass some time during lockdown.
It’s also good for your brain too. All that attention and high level focus is fantastic for improving short term memory.
So get too it! If you can get your hands on one that is.
3. Read a good book
When was the last time you read a good book that you simply couldn’t put down?
Did you know the Geelong Regional Library is offering a Click & Deliver service while library branches are closed?
Starting from Wednesday 12 August, all Geelong Regional Libraries’ members who live within the City of Greater Geelong, the Borough of Queescliffe, Surf Coast and Golden Plains Shires will be able to access the new delivery service. Members can select up to 20 items (books, magazines, CDs, DVDs) which will be delivered – contactless – to your door. Each member is eligible for one delivery each month. More information about this service will be shared on their website and via social media, so keep an eye out for that valuable service.
During lockdown, we recommend you also visit our Your Library @ Home – a hub for entertaining, educational and informative video content, podcasts, downloadable resources and links for children, young people and adults.
The ecollection is available to all library members too, and includes a wide range of eBooks, eAudiobooks, newspapers, magazines and film, video and content, plus a range of useful and interesting resources; find it here.
4. Start a Journal
Now might just be a good time to start a journal.
What are you learning about yourself as a result of the covid-19 related shifts in your life?
The great thing about journaling is that you can write whatever you want, whenever you want.
Jot down your best ideas, doodle, write about your day or even create a list of goals or add to your bucket list.
Or maybe poetry writing is more your genre?
5. Get cooking
With no dining out and less take-away (got to be a good thing) many of us are faced with cooking boredom.
How about digging out those old cook books you’ve had for years and working your way through them?
6. Watch a comedy
When was the last time you had a good belly laugh?
According to the Park Street GP team, some of the funniest movies are:
- There’s Something About Mary (1998)
- Coming to America (1988)
- Mrs Doubtfire (1993)
- The Odd Couple (1968)
- Anything Austin Powers!
7. Watch a classic movie
Take yourself into another era by watching a classic movie. It might even help you at the next trivia night.
Here’s a few of our favourites:
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
- The Godfather (1972)
- Citizen Kane (1941)
- Singing in the Rain (1952)
- E.T (1982)
- Jaws (1975)
- Groundhog Day (1993)
8. Watch a “feel good” documentary
Here’s two Netflix docos the whole family will enjoy.
- The Kindness Diaries. Former broker, Leon Logothetis travels around the world relying only on the kindness of strangers for food, shelter, and petrol. He uses a vintage Volkswagen Beetle convertible, which he names Kindness 2 and takes it on a journey from Alaska to Argentina.
- Somebody Feed Phil. “Everybody Loves Raymond” creator Phil Rosenthal travels the globe to take in the local cuisine and culture of Bangkok, Lisbon, Mexico City and more. It’s a comical culinary adventure.
9. Have a sing along
Geelong’s Piano Bar is live streaming different events. Jump onto their Facebook page from 7:30pm Saturday, Monday and other selected nights to join Andy Pobjoy and Joss Russell for a fantastic night of socially distanced entertainment. It’ll have you dancing around your lounge room.
10. Get moving
There’s many complimentary online Yoga, weight training and exercise classes that will have you stretching, working up a sweat and maybe even finding a few muscles you never knew existed.
Over to you.
Learning a language, taking a course, learn an instrument, paint a picture, sort out your photos, plant a herb garden or if you’re really bored – clean out your kitchen cupboards – who knows what’s hiding in there!
Got any other good ideas? Share it with us over on our Facebook Page.
