10 Fun Things to do While in Self Isolation

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For some of us, self-isolating is nothing new. There are plenty of extroverted introverts among us that live this way every day and think nothing of it. For others, self-isolating can be a terrifying concept and might bring on feelings of loneliness, gloom and panic.

While currently Coronavirus is seriously impacting our way of life, here are my top 10 fun things to do while in self-isolation or any other time. As always keep in mind the #steps ">social distancing and self-isolation guidelines. Whether it be 14 days self-isolation or 3 months, this article might inspire you with some ideas on what you can do during this time. You might find it best to start with a whiteboard planner or a daily diary. Personally in fighting the doldrums or warding off a depressed feeling, I have always found it useful to make a list of activities and plan with a visual whiteboard.



1. Home Exercise: It's not healthy to totally slob out on the couch with mega episodes of Netflix viewing, though it's very tempting! If inside, watch an exercise online video and do floor exercises. If you have your own mini gym set up at home, sweat it out to some music. If you have outdoor space and it's not poor weather, slip slop slap with sunblock and get some healing Vitamin D rays. If you love dancing, strike a pose and move to your favourite music for at least half an hour a day.



2. Create a Photobook: This has been my current home activity. I have spent a few months each week creating a photobook of my favourite photos from my recent trip to Italy with PhotobookShop books. The website is great and once you start using it, you can gain points from completed orders to pay for more photo book/poster vouchers. Great for other family photo books of get-togethers or childhood memories. Excellent birthday or Christmas gifts.





3. Plan your dream holiday: Get organised now for that day when it will be safe to travel again. Start by downloading the following travel apps and search websites:


Ideal Apps:
TripIt
Accommodation apps: Booking.com , Hotels.com , Agoda, Airbnb, Road maps: Waze .
Review appts: TripAdvisor, Google. Research areas of interest, read reviews on Hotels in the areas you wish to visit.
Read review articles in specific countries on places of interest and activities found on Weekend Notes .

List your itinerary route on a Google Map , list and link the cities you wish to see. I planned a complete three week holiday in Italy from scratch including booking all flights, transfers, hotels, Airbnb, car rental, skip the line tickets, bought tour guide books, audio tours and so on. I first downloaded the free travel itinerary app TripIt, then as I booked places, the confirmation emails created a very informative itinerary on TripIt I could use on or offline and print out if required. It was easy to share with family and friends.



My holiday plans all worked out perfectly and I felt so proud that I had done it all myself. Yes, it takes plenty of time and forward planning but now while self-isolating, you have time to get started.

4. Start a Reading Challenge list: Dymocks Reading Challenge website.

5. Start Cooking some favourite recipes, stews and soups in bulk to freezing for winter.

6. Learn a new language on Duolingo website or download the free app.

7. Skype or FaceTiming your family and friends. https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT209022



8. Writing that book you always talked about or just beginning the story of your life. So often we go through life busy and our loved ones don't know much about our own childhoods which are no doubt filled with interesting stories and challenges. You could start with a few paragraphs a day or use a website specifically for this such as https://www.shareyourlifestory.com.au/



Write a memoir about a parent. Check out google for ideas, websites like https://self-publishingschool.com/how-to-write-a-memoir/ or buy an online book on how to get started. Email them some prompt questions and start communicating either by email or phone. I recently started visiting my elderly father with a dictaphone and recorded our conversations about his childhood. He grew up as a child in England on a farm in wartimes. Fascinating information I never knew considering he started with nothing in life and is a very successful man today. You could also create your own Blog website, so easy to do with the free blog building wizards on sites like WordPress or Wix.

9. Gardening or start that vegetable patch you dreamed of doing but never got around to. Yes, you would need to have bought the plants, soil etc before self-isolating. Possibly you could order what you need online and have them delivered to your doorstep. Check out the Bunnings website that has a handy video on how to grow vegetables. Or search google for a YouTube video to watch such as this one;


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10. Bushwalking or Coastal walks **- (Keep in mind the social distancing guidelines and try to stay at least six feet away from other people if it is a busy walking trail.



I live in Sydney on the Northern Beaches and have written several articles on local bush and coastal walking trails.



Here is a list of my article links that might interest you:

Long Reef Coastal walk
Bicentennial Coastal Walk - Narrabeen Beach to Warriewood Beach
Dee Why Headland to Curl Curl Coastal Walk
North Harbour Reserve to Forty Baskets Beach Scenic Walk
Narrabeen Lagoon Bush Trail Walk
Narrabeen Lagoon Trail - New Section
Curl Curl Beach to Freshwater Beach Coastal Walk
[LINK=https://www.weekendnotes.com/prokayaks-kayaking-paddle-boarding-narrabeen-lakes/]Prokayak Kayaking and Paddleboarding on Narrabeen Lake
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For more wonderful walking trails, check out the recently completed Bondi to Manly Walking trails. To see detailed information go to https://www.bonditomanly.com

I hope you feel inspired by my article and have gained some ideas for new activities. Wishing you all well during this challenging time.

#fun_things_to_do
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#nsw
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