Bluebird Guides: Keeping Your Mind Active
Published: 31/05/2020
Studies have shown a strong link between life in lockdown and onset of mental health problems, many of which stem from feelings of isolation, loneliness and boredom.
Studies have shown a strong link between life in lockdown and onset of mental health problems, many of which stem from feelings of isolation, loneliness and boredom.
Research from Age UK has shown that 6.4 million people aged over 70 in the UK are worried about the impact of the current pandemic on their life at the moment, with over 2.9 million people of the same age saying that their mental health has been negatively impacted.
For a large number of people who feel that their lives have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, boredom has been mentioned as a key issue. Being unable to go out and do the activities that you normally enjoy has meant that for many people, feelings of boredom have become part of daily life.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways in which you can mitigate the stresses and strains of life in lockdown, one of which is finding ways to keep your mind active.
To help you to do that, below are some tips and ideas along with resources for keeping your mind busy during these unprecedented times.
Learn a new language
Lockdown is the ideal time to learn a new language. Is there a language that you’ve always wanted to learn to speak? If so, then you might like the concept of learning to speak said language during your time in lockdown.
Here are some resources to help:
https://www.lingualift.com/blog/best-language-learning-apps/
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/lifestyle/a31973738/learn-a-language-in-lockdown/
Craft with household items
Do you love to get creative? If so, then you might enjoy spending some time doing arts and crafts at home. The best place to start when it comes to arts and crafts is your recycling bin - you would be amazed at the amount of potential a cardboard box, Pringles packet or tin can can have - it’s just a case of knowing what to do with it, that’s all.
Here are some resources to help:
https://www.idealhome.co.uk/diy-and-decorating/easy-diy-projects-246320
https://www.favecrafts.com/Gifts/22-Easy-Craft-Projects-For-Adults
Pen a journal
Are you someone who has always loved to write? Then you may enjoy spending your spare time writing a journal about life in lockdown - all you need is a notebook and a pen and you’re good to go.
Here are some resources to help:
https://theconversation.com/lockdown-diaries-the-everyday-voices-of-the-coronavirus-pandemic-138631
