Surviving Lockdown

It's been almost a week/10day since the announcement of the virus spreading vastly and us being told to stay indoors and only leave when it's necessary for work, picking up any prescriptions and buying essentials from the nearest supermarket.

For me; I have been able to set a mindset of

"Take each day as it comes and be grateful for all the little blessings." 

This helped me put so much of the things we take for granted on the daily such as our physical and mental health, our support system of family, friends and like-minded people and who we are a person and use that to keep it moving and keep creating on the daily. It helps keep my mind off the negative side of it and focus on the positive.

However, a lot of us are currently sat on our sofas or lying in bed trying to discover ways of passing the time and  I am proud to say I have found a bunch of creative ways for you to stay active, positive and be able to enjoy this time alone.

Things to do inside the house;

•  Paint or draw a picture of something or someone that has once inspired you. 

• Read a book that you have been putting off for a long time.

Here are a few book recommendations depending on the type of person you are and what you like to read...

• Try out a new recipe from a cookbook or online

• Binge-watch your favorite show or new movie release.

• Jam out to your favorite album and have a solo dance party.

Use social media with your activities;

Although we are currently under the strict rule of social distancing and self-isolation, it doesn't mean we can't reconnect with the universe and share our thoughts and activities with others.

Lately, I've been trying to keep my friends and family engaged on my Instagram Stories by either posting funny memes that I created, funny videos and my positive thoughts to encourage them to get and go to!!

Heres some examples of how you can do the same;

1. Artist/illustrator; go on to IG Live/Facebook..etc and do paint and chill. Find one picture to illustrate and teach your friend how to do it.
2. Musician/Music Lover: go on to IG Live/Facebook..etc and have a live listening party to your favorite album and just vibe out. Or create competition with a friend over who is the best artist in each category... ie Best female rapper...etc. ( I saw a few friends do this and it brought alot of people together.)
3. Authors/Poets/Book Lovers: go on to IG Live/Facebook..etc and do a book reading or start an online book club do discuss a new book release or any book for the month.
4. Chefs/Bakers/Foodies: go on to IG Live/Facebook..etc and pick a recipe to cook together. You can learn a new skill with this.
5. TV/Movie Lovers: Use Zoom or Netflix Party and stream movie or TV Show of your choice and watch it together. Although it's not the same as them, not physically being there, but its better than watching it alone.

Working from Home...

1. Set yourself a schedule for the week and include breaks to help break out your day. Although you're in the comfort of your own home, you are still being employed by your company and you owe it to them to do your part. Even if it's in your PJs. 
2.  Make sure you get plenty of rest before and after your work shift. The more rested you are, you are more likely to perform better and accomplish more than you imagined.
3.  Keep yourself hydrated! Always have a bottle of water nearby, as it kills off any viruses. 
4. Keep active! Walk around your house if you need to and even better take a break at some point and have a solo dance party to get your adrenaline going to work again.
5. Make time for yourself and only leave your house to get the essentials and if you need to get some fresh air for a little bit.

I hope these ideas have helped you and please make sure you can keep safe, sane and creative!

Posted By Urbanista ( Azza Gasim)
Follow me on Twitter/Instagram (@azza_urbanista)