Lifestyle
Creative Outputs In Lockdown
May
Hey everyone! I’m so excited to be writing my first piece for BGL! I’ll be taking you through some ideas to keep involved with your creative side while quarantined.
No one knows how long our lockdown will last and if you are unable to work or your hours have been cut it can be a very isolating time. It’s so important to stay connected with things that you enjoy. I didn’t realise that my only hobbies were going out for food but I’ve managed to get along just fine with some new creative outputs.
Get a new hobby
If your hobbies are external, meaning you can’t do them from your own home, it can be quite demoralising. But there is good news, the world is adapting. The national theatre are streaming a fantastic production every week on their YouTube channel. So far they’ve shown: One man two Guvnors with James Corden, Jane Eyre, and have a catalogue of brilliant shows lined up. If musicals are more to your taste then Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Show must go on’ program of events will be perfect. Similar to the National Theatre, timeless musicals are being streamed on Youtube each week.
Now might be the perfect time to learn that skill that you have always been curious about, think knitting or crochet to keep your brain active while binging Disney films or get some seeds and grow a windowsill garden. If you are exploring your green fingers do your research about what you can plant when and most importantly where! Don’t be disappointed that your cactus won’t grow on your bathroom shelf. For a beginner grower, lettuces are easy to care for and have a fast return. They’re also super tasty in a spring salad.
skilling up and SCROLLING through
The possibilities for new things to do are endless. If you’re looking for an academic challenge then consider downloading Duolingo. With over 30 languages to choose from you can spend 10 minutes a day completing fun activities. I’ve used it for a few years now and could not recommend it more! C’est tres bien!
Of course social media is a huge driver to keep us all connected. Apps like Zoom and Houseparty are fantastic for calling your friends and having online dates. But there is one Social platform that I had never previously used. I thought that TikTok was for children but joined TikTok as a 20+ curious adult just to see what the hype was about. This app has the most colourful and friendly LGBT+ community and the content is so relatable. Unfortunately I have been mindlessly scrolling for hours on end. It is so incredibly addictive but also rewarding. I enjoy making my own content and maybe you will too. There is a little something for everyone on this app.
It’s ok not to be ok!
During this time some professions will be inescapable and if you are working I salute you. But if you’re having to work from home it can be a challenge with new responsibilities springing up. Don’t forget to take breaks and allow yourself some time to relax. Remember, you’re not working from home you’re at home during a global pandemic trying to work.
It’s okay if your allotted ‘me time’ does not fulfil any creative purpose and if all you have managed to do is eat snacks in bed that’s okay too.
Be good and stay at home y’all.
Written By Rosella Hazeldine