Well hello to you my reader chums! The first lockdown was somewhat an interesting and hard experience, with some loving it, some hating it and a lot of us struggling. It was a time where everyone was trying to get Tik Tok famous, perfecting the best banana bread recipe, and joining Joe Wicks for daily workouts.
Now in our second lockdown, I'm trying to stay hopeful as we got through one, and we can get through another. This time, things are a little different as we're in the peak of winter and can't spend our days getting that dose of vitamin D. However, despite it being an uncertain time for us all and many of us dealing with consequences of that mentally, there are ways we can use this time to be productive and see the positive side of it.
Focus on healing
We all have something in our life that has caused us a great deal of pain and often or not, we bury the emotions around it and keep distracted with life rather than letting it bother us - and because of this, we don't fully heal from any sort of trauma we experienced. In this lockdown, many of us will have free time to work on ourselves, time that was usually taken up by everyday life. Try and use this time to work on any trauma you've experienced, seeking therapy, practicing mindfulness, or doing what you're doing to finally let something you're holding onto go. I can assure you, whatever it is, you'll feel a lot better.
A method I've used to let go of something that caused me deep pain is writing it all down in a letter to that person (or that thing if it's something else.) I wrote down everything I was thankful for in that person, then everything they did to hurt me, everything I forgave them for, and everything I forgave myself for. As I was writing the letter, I let myself feel all the pain and cried it all out, but after that process, it's honestly like a weight had been lifted and I felt a lot better. Instead of suppressing pain, you need to really feel it again and let it pass through you, in order to let it go.
Get organising
I don't know about you but I'm a massive neat freak and love the idea of organising literally everything, whether that's my wardrobe or my kitchen cupboards. It's one of those things that I love doing but never really get the time doing and I put it off as I'm too busy with everything else. However, lockdown is prime time for that. I love to look at Pinterest for organisation ideas!
Plan all your Christmas shopping
Christmas is drawing very close and the festivities will start to begin every soon - and that means planning presents. Christmas will be different in general this year and nobody has any idea about what will actually happen, however, planning presents is something we can all do.
I'm actively trying to buy from small businesses this year as it's so important, especially in these difficult times to buy from small businesses and support them. With this month, you can spend the time researching online for your presents, scroll on Etsy to discover new business, and get creative with DIY presents.
Tick off your to-do list
I think we all have that list of things we need to do but never actually get around to and constantly put it off, doing after tasks or activities instead. However, now you can utilise the time and tick off the mundane tasks whether it's doing a bit of life admin, organising your sock drawer, or chucking something out.
Relax completely
As much as lockdown is a time to be productive and you've got more time on your hands, it's also a time to actually relax. I don't know about you but over the years, I've really had to work on the fact to make time for relaxation. I'm one of those people that has a million tabs in my brain open at a time and I constantly have to be doing something so as you can imagine, relaxing isn't easy for me. But, this is the time to do exactly that and enjoy it.
Practice self-care
By self-care, I don't just mean having a bubble bath, sleeping more, and putting on a face mask. I mean really getting to grips with a self-care routine, and that means setting boundaries, listening to your body intuitively, and doing what's right for you, in every single way. You can read more about my self-care tips.
Quality family time
During the last lockdown, I actively tried to step away from my phone and laptop and be more present in my household, and actually spend time with my family. I spent time talking to them more, doing activities, and making the most of seeing them more often, as usually, I'd be at work or out and about doing lots of things that I wasn't home much.
Keep a gratitude journal
2020 has been a difficult year and it can be hard to stay positive, however, there is always something to be grateful for, and keeping a journal is the best way to see that. Every day, write down 3 things you're grateful for, and then in the moments when you feel sad or down, you'll be able to read it back and it'll give you a boost.
I hope you enjoyed this post. What other productive things are you doing in lockdown?
Thank you for reading <3
These are some brilliant things to do in lockdown! I keep a diary and try relax and make the most of it :)
ReplyDeleteMel 🌙 | Moonlight Mel
Thank you lovely! xx
DeleteI've been thinking about getting a folding exercise bike to try and get back into shape, resistance bands which I started using in the first lockdown just wasn't doing enough
ReplyDeleteThat's a fab idea! I'd love an exercise bike x
DeleteThis is such a cute list of things! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteKatie | katieemmabeauty.com
Thanks lovely xx
DeleteAll of these are great tips. Gratitude journal, meditation, learning new language, spending time with family and blog are on my list.
ReplyDeleteNew Post - https://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2020/11/peter-thomas-roth-rose-stem-cell-bio.html
I love that, thank you!
DeleteThese tips are so important! Truly taking time to get back on the rails is so necessary, but especially when I’m stressed I tend to ignore that. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you lovely, it really is so important x
DeleteI love these ideas. I am still going out to work this time so it almost doesn't feel like a lockdown but I naturally spend more time indoors at this time of year.
ReplyDeleteWe all put so much pressure on ourselves to do so much in lockdown 1.0 that I am definitely a little more chilled this time, definitely working more on my wellbeing and self-care which this list of suggestions is perfect for.
Thanks for sharing x
Thank you! I completely agree everybody tried to ram things in in the first lockdown xx
DeleteI really need to get my Christmas shopping sorted, I haven't bought anything so far! I also want to get more organised, starting with my bedroom x
ReplyDeleteEmily | emiliamarlowe.co.uk
I love this! Hope you get it all done xx
DeleteThese are some great suggestions to pass the time during lockdown. Focusing on health and mental health I think is one vital option, as this time can be very difficult. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLauren www.bournemouthgirl.com
Thank you lovely xx
DeleteGreat suggestions. I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping! Hoping to get the tree up soon too. So that's definitely helping with lockdown 2.0!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I've loved seeing everyone put their tree up early x
DeleteThis is an amazing list! I've started my Christmas shopping but taking it my stride this year and not wanting to overwhelm myself like normal. Also practising alot of self-care as well! Thanks so much for this post. 💛
ReplyDeleteThank you lovely!!
DeleteYes! This post is so on point :) I have taken lockdown as a positive, to do all the things I never have time for!
ReplyDeleteThank you lovely! x
DeleteMy "To do List" did go down at the start of lockdown but it seems to have got longer again as I've started to try new things.
ReplyDeleteI feel you!! Thank you x
DeleteLove this list! I'm the same with relaxing - I find it so difficult sometimes, but this is the perfect opportunity to fully chill out!! x
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm glad you're with me xx
DeleteThese are some great ideas. I'm trying to be more healthy this time round. Whether that's getting my steps in, drinking more water or just taking care of my skin. I want to be the healthiest I can be so that when lockdown finishes, it has become a habit.
ReplyDeleteThank you! That sounds amazing xx
DeleteI’ve been working throughout both lockdowns (albeit at home) so not much has changed for me. I try to get things done but it’s hard to put my phone down haha 😆
ReplyDeleteI get that completely x
DeleteThanks for sharing, these re great ideas to use in this time :)
ReplyDeleteNic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes
Thank you!!
DeleteWhen we had a lockdown in Wales, I planned all my Christmas shopping, we're now halfway through November and I've almost finished! These are great ways to be productive during lockdown Della, I hope you're doing ok with being in lockdown lovely x
ReplyDeleteLucy | www.lucymary.co.uk
I'm so glad you were able to get all your shopping done! Thank you so much lovely, I'm doing okay xx
DeleteI need to plan all my Christmas shopping this lockdown thats for sure!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.emilyclareskinner.com
Hope you get it all done!
DeleteGreat list! Mine includes trying to survive the last couple weeks of pregnancy, blogging 3 times a week and keeping up with piano playing!
ReplyDeleteCorinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
Thank you! Hope you're keeping well and love your goals x
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think it is so important for people to keep busy during lockdown, especially those who are self-employed/out of work/furloughed. I am self-employed so have been focusing on organising all my paperwork and a few other jobs I had been putting off. I am also making more time for me and exercising and getting out of the house more.
ReplyDeleteHelen
www.teainthetub.com=
I completely agree! I'm glad you were able to tick a few things off your list xx
DeleteKeeping a gratitude journal is a great idea! It's such a great practice in general, but especially in challenging years like this one. I've been making sure to exercise and have been getting good use out of my exercise bike, which has been great to have since I can't go to the gym!
ReplyDeleteThank you!! Glad you've been keeping busy xx
DeleteWe are fully into lockdown number 2. These are some great tips to help get through.
ReplyDeleteLove the post.
These are really great ideas! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
Deleteoh my gosh - HEALING!!! I haven't seen anyone mention this. I kind of knew that's what I would be doing this lockdown, due to some personal things going on. But it's such a good point, coming to terms with things that may have happened a long time ago that you haven't faced.
ReplyDeleteThe other thing I'm focusing on is doing those things that keep getting pushed back on my to-do list. This weekend I finally got my CV up to date, it feels so much better having less hanging over your mind.
Hayley || hayleyxmartin
Thank you so much! Well done you for working on all these things xx
DeleteI've definitely been using lockdown to get organised with Christmas, I've nearly finished my shopping and already started wrapping
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing!!
DeleteCan I just say I love your blog?! It's so cute and I love the name haha. Great post here, I love a to-do list personally :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much girls!!
DeleteI did a lot of my Christmas shopping or gift planning this week, it's been good in that sense that there's no option other than to do it all online. I do wish I could have gone to a few markets though! x
ReplyDeleteSophie
www.glowsteady.co.uk
That's so fab! Same, would have to of visited a few markets x
DeleteGratitude journal is a great idea! I'm really counting my blessings, especially this year.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Lovely
www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you! Same here x
DeleteWhat a great post! I've been using this time to plan my Christmas shopping and it feels so good to have it all planned and started early. Leaving it until last minute really stresses me out haha!xx
ReplyDeleteHannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
Thank you lovely! Glad you've got it all planned xx
DeleteI love these ideas! I always love organising and having a good sort out through everything as I feel so much more cleansed and refreshed afterwards. I've also been Christmas shopping so early this year and it feels so nice to have it all nearly finished. Great post!
ReplyDeleteTash - A Girl with a View
One thing that I want to do is start a bullet journal and include a gratidude page, it's something I don't currently do but would definitely benefit from! Practicing self-care is also a must, simply having a pamper evening every once in a while really helps! I love your ideas x
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas. I seriously need to be more productive! :D
ReplyDeleteSo many great suggestions in this post, I really need to get a wriggle on with my Christmas shopping, I'm starting to feel overwhelmed with how much I still have left to do!
ReplyDeleteRosie
https://www.loverosiee.co.uk
There is so much truth in saying lockdown gives us time. I am not under lockdown in the US, but I have not been going out as much as I used to, so I too have time. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of spending that time productively, so doing things like house and wardrobe cleaning, getting my Christmas shopping finished and writing always appeal to me!
Great post! I have almost finished all of my Christmas shopping!
ReplyDeleteAmber | https://theunpredictedpage.com
Hey Della, thanks for sharing these tips. We haven't and I hope we will never have to enter lockdown 2.0 here, but I've been working from home and decluttering is something I have been doing every couple of weeks! It helps me de-stress for some odd reason. Thanks once again for sharing these tips!
ReplyDelete