Things that kept me sane during the lockdown
Having enjoyed freedom for just 3 months after the first wave, Ontario just went under lockdown rule until the middle of January. This decision brought me back to the beginning of last March when we were just getting a hang of working from home, wearing masks and coming up with ways to pass our time while being stuck in the 4 walls of our houses.
While some people considered the lockdown a mini-vacation, I felt like that was the period when I needed to do something to not feel anxious while staying alone with my thoughts.
As a nerdy student with almost no social life, I knew that I often had the urge to be more productive and feel more accomplished. This is why I came up with a list of things that kept me up every day and gave me a sort of daily routine plan.
1. Sport
This was my number one priority when I created my schedule. Having lost access to the gym, I needed to continue my workout schedule to not lose my form.
I tried different apps and programs and found that I best performed watching video workouts with trainers. My favorites to this day are the Nike Training App and FitOn. Both apps are free of charge and you can adjust your workouts to your goals and preferences.
Not having dumbbells and weights was a little challenging, but it gave me some room to be creative with my workout adjustments. I usually used large water bottles or books until I eventually invested in dumbbells.
2. New hobby
Probably everyone who faced quarantine thought that they have to try different things since they had so much free time — and I was one of them.
First, I tried going back to learning French. While I enjoy studying this language, I felt I didn’t have much discipline and practice to keep it up.
I then moved to my old love for sketching and drawing. That was something I liked to do when I wanted to pass the time or use as a form of meditation.
But my new passion became learning to play the ukulele. I wanted to learn it for a long time but never had enough drive to actually invest in the instrument. Luckily, my boyfriend was very kind to gift it to me for our anniversary, and my journey to playing the uke began.
I watched tons of YouTube videos and tutorials — my knowledge of reading sheet music from the music school came in handy here. To this day, I love playing my uke whenever I feel down or just want to learn a new song I heard.
3. Walks
If there’s one thing that I want to highly recommend to do when you’re staying at home 24/7 is walk.
Now, this is something that might be vary depending on the country’s COVID restrictions. In Canada, when things have gotten a little better after the first wave, we were allowed to take one walk a day. And let me admit, this was probably my favorite activity of the day because I would be able to breathe fresh air (living in the basement apartment was hard, I must say).
My friend and I would always go on quick 20–30min strolls around the neighborhood before we go to bed (keeping a good distance, of course).
While walking during warm sunny days was more pleasant than in snowy December, cold winter walks still energize and motivate me for the day ahead.
4. Cooking
I already mentioned many times in my previous posts that I love cooking. It’s something that calms me down and makes me feel in control — plus, I get to enjoy the delicious food that I make.
I also learned to appreciate food more because I fasted for the first time during the month of Ramadan. My friend would teach me how to cook lots of healthy food to replenish the nutrients and vitamins needed in a day. And we actually bonded even more while cooking.
This time of the year, cooking for Christmas and New Year’s celebration would be a good opportunity to learn more recipes and get closer with people in your household.
5. Reading and listening to audiobooks
Before the lockdown, I rarely took the time to just sit on my sofa and read because of my busy schedule. Reading was something that I’d do if I feel especially relaxed or if I want to put myself to sleep.
This time, however, reading became a kind of ritual for me after my morning workouts. I’d sit with my cup of tea and enjoy reading a new chapter.
Listening to audiobooks while running or cooking was something new for me, but I loved it even more than reading because I’d get to do other things simultaneously.
6. Personal or home projects
These projects can vary from physical exercises to arts & crafts to things that you always wanted to do but were too busy before.
Some of my projects included learning to do a split, growing a plant, cleaning my old carpet, and reorganizing my room. I was also looking for a new apartment, which eventually became another one of my projects.
Even something like finishing your favorite TV series or taking care of your health can also be considered projects — as long as you feel accomplished after you complete them.
Beyond all these things I mentioned above, I feel like the most important thing that kept me sane during these difficult times was just keeping in touch with the outside world. Whether it was talking to my family on the phone or playing online games with my friends on Zoom.
I know that I was lucky to have someone live with me because helped me tremendously to not feel lonely. The fact that I don’t have children at home also made my experience different from how people with families lived.
Loneliness is a huge factor that might bring out our anxieties and fears. But as long as you’re healthy and your loved ones are well, I feel like we can get through this period if we take little steps one at a time.
