6 Ways to Survive Lockdown

Here we go again. Lockdown #3. Sadly, you’re probably getting quite adept at dealing with the lack of liberty, but here are lots of little ideas to get through the next couple of months. Many of these ways to survive lockdown are from the collective hive mind of my lovely Instagram followers who kindly volunteered their ideas and wisdom. If you don’t already follow me on Instagram, come join the community here. I’m always up for a chat! 🙂

Find a passion

Having a passion or a bit of a project can be crucial in giving you a sense of purpose in these strange times. Personally I’ve enjoyed blogging, growing my Instagram account and starting this website (so bear with me, as I have NO idea what I’m doing!). But find whatever works for you. It could be photography, cooking/baking, DIY, knitting etc. Sit and Sketch is running a monthly art workshop to relax, get creative and have some fun. The workshop itself is free to join, with the option of being art supplies if needed. Find out more here.

Get Outside

One never feels worse for time spent outside. Daily exercise outdoors can be so important in benefitting our physical and mental wellbeing. Government advice is very much to exercise from home and to stay very local. If you’re in need of more inspiration see www.footpathmap.co.uk

Gardening

If you enjoy gardening but need some inspiration, check out these tips from one of my best friends, Flowerpot Jen, a local gardener. Why not subscribe to a monthly seed selection, delivered to your door. Each seed box generally contains packets of seeds that can be sown during that specific month (choose from vegetables, flowers or a combination).  You will also receive expert ‘How to Grow’ guides, fact cards, and the seed box can be personalised with a message if the subscription is a gift. A super way to boost the bee population and encourage wildlife into your garden is to subscribe to a wildflower seed box. These stunning flowers not only add natural beauty and interest to your garden, but will provide a home and source of food for many other insects including butterflies and declining native species.

Take advantage of the crisp frosty mornings, and create a natural stained-glass window! Have a look at the weather forecast, and when there’s an overnight frost predicted, pour some cold water into a bucket or large bowl, and lay some string around the circumference, with ends hanging out (this will become the hanger).  Float coloured leaves, winter petals and interesting thin twigs on the surface of the water. Leave the container overnight so that the water freezes, and in the morning you will have a stunning natural stained glass window to hang in a tree and catch the morning winter sunrays.

10 Brilliant Books women like you have loved

Becoming by Michelle Obama

How to be a Woman by Caitlin Moran

Quite by Claudia Winkleman

This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay

Normal People by Sally Rooney

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Wintering by Katherine May

Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton

Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig

I know how easy and cheap it is to rely on Amazon, but your local bookshop would no doubt be delighted to receive your custom. Check out Scarthin Books in Cromford or https://uk.bookshop.org/ which supports local book shops. If you’d like to get a little bit more sociable, one of my favourite Derbyshire bloggers, Beth Anne runs an online book club.

TV to get your teeth into

For something gripping, try: Succession. Queens Gambit, The Fall, Little Fires Everywhere, Normal People, The Crown, This is Us, Designated Survivor, Bridgerton, Line of Duty, Handmaid’s Tale. For light hearted comedy, I’ve loved Friday Night Dinner, Parks and Rec, and Motherland. And for a bit of fluff, I’m a sucker for Selling Sunset.

Favourite lockdown takeaways

Check out my favourite takeaway places in and around Chesterfield.

I’ve also heard incredibly good things about Odyssey Greek Restaurant in Chesterfield and the Bulls Head in Holymoorside just outside the town. In Derby, check out The Dining Room 121 and Lotus Indian. Also, The Remarkable Hare in Matlock; Le Mistral in Wirksworth; Morley Hayes; White Hart and Angelo’s Italian in Duffield and Let’s Taco About It in Little Eaton.

What would be your best tip for surviving lockdown? Let me know in the comments below.