Staying Occupied During Lockdown

Being in lockdown has not been easy for most of us. Days feel like they all blend together, we feel isolated and things don’t seem like they are going to be changing any time soon. Aside from our daily routine activities and in our current state of affairs we are constantly seeking for something new or different to do to try to break the monotony. If you’re struggling to figure out how to keep yourself occupied or you simply want to change it up a little, here are a few suggestions that may be worth exploring. I've found myself in the same situation, and I have to admit, it's been a challenge - but I've also discovered some new hobbies that I never thought I'd enjoy, like gardening. There's something therapeutic about nurturing a plant and watching it grow, and it's been a source of comfort for me. For instance, I recently started a small herb garden on my windowsill, and it's amazing how much joy I get from harvesting fresh basil for my morning coffee.

• - Travel. There is a wide variety of places you can virtually visit from the comfort of your home. From national parks to cooking demonstrations and even tours of the

Louvre in Paris.

• - Puzzles are the perfect thing to do at home.
• - Write a Journal 
• - Explore the Bible
• - Knitting
• - Experience Disney at home. You can enjoy some of the Disney magic through a virtual parade or even a virtual ride.
• - Perfect your makeup skills
• - Bake homemade bread
• - Stay Active. There are plenty of ways for you to be active and healthy.
• - NASA NeMO-Net. Play a game while helping NASA map coral reefs. Players can move across the ocean in their own vessel.
• - Binging on movies and TV shows is always an option. Though creating your own Home Theatre and enjoying a night out at “the movies” doesn’t sound bad at all.
• - Learn something new. On-line classes have become more popular during this time. You can find a wide variety of them at an affordable price or even free. From

Photography courses, yoga, meditation and even indoor roller skating. I've personally taken an online cooking class, and it's been amazing to learn new recipes and experiment with different flavors - it's also been a fun way to connect with others who share similar interests. Like the time I accidentally added twice the amount of salt the recipe called for, and had to think on my feet to salvage the dish - it was a funny moment, and a good reminder that even in lockdown, we can find humor and connection in the everyday moments. I recall one evening, I was trying to make a complicated sauce, and my kitchen was filled with the aroma of simmering vegetables and spices - it was a small moment of happiness that I'll always treasure.

• - Reading is another great option. Maybe you have a pile of books that you’ve been meaning to read or maybe you want to add to your library. And with the help of

technology, now you can download books straight to your devices. Here is a list of some good reads if you want to give it a try. 

• -Moving Forward by Christa Hutchins
• -Breakfast with Jesus by Vanessa Myers
• -How to Find your Gratitude Attitude by Aminata Coote
• -How do You Read Your Bible? By Emily Darnell
• -A Mustard Seed Life by Jill McIlreavy
• -Desiring God by John Piper
• -God Is by Mark Jones
• -Victory Over Affliction by Wendy Wallace
• -Downpour by Cheyenne Hasty

I hope you give these a try, feel free to comment and share what you are doing to keep yourself distracted during lockdown. As we navigate these challenging times, let's remember to be patient and kind to ourselves, and to find joy in the simple things - like a good book, a beautiful sunset, or a warm conversation with a friend. And when all else fails, I've found that a quiet moment of reflection, maybe with a cup of coffee or a walk outside, brings me a sense of peace and clarity.