Spring is in the air. The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, the birds are chirping and if you’re in Ontario, you’re now in the provinces’ third lockdown. Many of us are tired, and quite frankly, over these times of staying inside, away from friends and family for yet another month. Many have been asking the question when life will be back to ‘normal, but only time will tell, and now everyone in Ontario just has to do their part in fighting against the pandemic, in hopes that soon, well be traveling again, back at school, and engaging in social gatherings. That being said, lockdowns can still be challenging and since this is the third lockdown in Ontario, people might be running out of things to do to pass the time. If you’re going through this difficult time, where you lack motivation, creativity, and the want to do anything, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are 5 new things to try during this lockdown to help make this month go by faster and life closer to whatever your normal may be.
- Yoga With Adriene – 30 Day Yoga Journey
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Although this month-long lockdown can be discouraging, it can also give you some time to pick up a hobby or try something new. Conveniently, Yoga with Adrienne has created a month-long Yoga Journey, available to everyone to try. Some of her 30 Day Yoga Journey videos focus on healing, strength, and control. Along with the 30-day yoga challenge, Adrienne also has tons of yoga videos to tackle in the comfort of your own home. Anywhere from “Yoga for when you feel dead inside” to “yoga for a fresh start”– you name it, she’s got it. There are also tons of different challenges you can try as well during this lockdown. And if you’re that person that hates yoga, try it again. At the end of the day, what do you have to lose?
- Go for a Nature Walk
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This activity might not be something new to you. Since the start of the pandemic back at the beginning of 2020, daily walks were quite the trend and a healthy way to pass time. With the colder winter months, those daily walks may have become weekly or even monthly walks. But, with temperatures rising as Ontario inches its way towards summer, it’s time we spend some more time outside. Not only are walks a great way to pass time but it’s also a great way to break up your day and help reduce stress. Maybe you have stress because of school, work, family, the pandemic we’ve been in for a year– whatever the case, going on a walk or, exercising in general, can help put you at ease and take your mind off whatever may have you worked up. A great tip to get the most out of your walks is to change up the scenery, and you may be asking yourself how you can do that if you’re being advised to stay home. An answer to that question is to walk around different neighbourhoods in your region or try and find a conservation path or park nearby where you can make the most out of the beautiful nature.
- Bake some healthy snacks
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Baking is one of those activities that never gets old and can be quite therapeutic––but you probably already know that by now. The first couple lockdowns were most likely spent trying the whipped coffee and sourdough bread trends, which over time can get repetitive (especially if you’ve been baking this for over a year now!) Baking doesn’t always have to be healthy, in fact, sometimes there’s nothing better than a gooey chocolate chip cookie or the fudgiest brownie. This lockdown, aim to either master the perfect cookie or choose to explore healthy alternatives if you’re over all that sugar!
Here are two new healthy recipes to try this month:
https://thealmondeater.com/flourless-sweet-potato-brownies/
https://www.wellplated.com/healthy-peanut-butter-oatmeal-cookies/
- Spring Cleanout
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If there is one good thing about the timing of this lockdown, is that you’ll have no excuse for being ‘too busy’ to finally clean out your closet, your pantry, your desk, or whatever you’ve been keeping cluttered. Maybe the first two lockdowns were spent online shopping, buying things you may have forgotten about. Well, now is the perfect time to revisit those impulsive buys and either fall in love again or pass it on to someone else. Another great thing about spring cleaning is that if you have an item that’s never been worn or used, you can try to sell it to make a profit. Stores like Plato’s Closet are great places to go to make some extra cash from your used clothing for minimal work. Another great option is Depop, which is an online app that lets anyone sell their clothes. If you’re feeling even more generous and cheerful once you’ve decluttered all your spaces, you can even donate your items to thrift stores or charities as many places are still accepting donations through the pandemic.
- Learn a new language
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If you’ve been dreaming of travelling again since the pandemic started, then learning a new language is probably the next best thing. For many, another lockdown means another month of sitting at home doing nothing, which can be really straining on not only our mental health but also our motivation to get up and try new things! The time spent doing nothing is more time many of us spend daydreaming about where we could be if there wasn’t a pandemic. While you’re dreaming away of being in the blue waters of Greece or eating a crunchy baguette beside the Eiffel Tower in Paris, you should also try and pick up a new language for when you finally do get to go to your dream destination. There are so many languages to learn in the world and with modern technology, it’s easier than ever. One of the easiest ways to start learning whatever language you want to is through free apps like Duolingo! Duolingo helps anyone learn any language through fun games and quizzes! I mean what could get better than playing games while also learning a new language?