Things you can do in self-isolation

Firstly, I just want to say that there is absolutely no pressure whatsoever to 'make the most' of this uncertain period or to do a million things in one day or learn 5 new languages. However, if you have some spare time and you want something to do, then take a look at these ideas and try one!

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• Write poetry

• Write a short story / start a book - writing a book is something many people have on their bucket list but never get round to doing, but why not now? Write a chapter per week or set yourself a mini schedule.

• Freshair - lucky for me I live in a little village so I can walk around the fields and not see another soul. However, if you live in a town or a city it may be a little harder to get outside whilst self-isolating. If that is the case then I suggest bringing the outside in - pick some flowers and put them in a vase or a jar, open your window to let the air and sunshine fill your room and if you can, eat your breakfast in your garden or sip your coffee on your flat balcony.

• Practice yoga - there are so many routines on Pinterest or videos on YouTube to watch. Set it up on your laptop and follow it on your bedroom floor. I really love the channel Yoga with Adriene.

• Get creative - you don’t have to be super artsy to try something creative. There are plenty of tutorials and easy arts and crafts to try - embroidery, knitting, scrapbooking or painting with watercolours. Remember, not everything you create has to be a masterpiece, you can be creative purely because it makes you feel happy, not because you’re trying to make something amazing and gallery worthy. I've been starting embroidery and my first attempts have been awful but the actual act itself has been more therapeutic than the end product.

• Spend a day doing self-care - sometimes we all need a pamper day. Paint your nails, do a hair mask, pluck your brows, take care of your skin and indulge in yourself.

• Go through your Instagram following list - make it a super positive and happy place to be. You’ll most likely be spending a lot of time on your phone at the moment so you want it to be a place that feeds your positive energy. Follow more accounts you enjoy and get rid of people that make you feel bad. Some great accounts are:

@bethsandland

@handsomegirldesigns

@bambycollective

@happiful_magazine

@happyplaceofficial

@beauty_redefined

@thehappynewspaper

• Bake - I made vegan brownies and they were delicious. I used this recipe using really simple ingredients, most of which you'd have in the house.

• Find a new recipe and make it from scratch

• Clean your makeup brushes - I don't know about you but I'm a bit of a scumbag and I wash my makeup brushes far less than once a month (don't judge me) but I finally did it yesterday and my makeup is applying so much smoother and they feel way nicer to use.

• De-clutter your house - start with one drawer and do something each day. Dove Cottage has a fab timetable to work through. I had a mini move around of my bedroom and I think it looks way prettier now!

• Find a good series to watch - I recommend The Stranger, The Last Kingdom and See.

• Make more time for reading - there are some great online bookclubs like @bethsbookclub and @womenwinewit to make new friends and find some book inspiration. It will be so easy to reach for our phones so make a conscious effort to read instead. Beth has also written a 42 title list of books to read, and she's kindly split it into genres - check it out.

• Volunteer - research your local food banks or find out how to help your local community in this time. Even drop a note through a neighbours letterbox.

• Check in on your neighbours / friends / family - I've seen some people make little care packages for their grandparents so I'm going to do that too. Just remember to drop a text to your friends and loved ones to check in on them each day.

• Update your Pinterest boards and search for inspiration.

• Make your own face mask using natural ingredients - this Elle article has some easy recipes with household ingredients.

• Dance it out - Chessie King has been dancing and live streaming it at 9am each morning and invites us all to join in too. It's a great way to start your day moving and with a dose of joy.

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Emmanuelle ❀