Making time for the hobbies and activities that you enjoy is important for quality of life and wellbeing. The coronavirus pandemic may have affected your usual routine, but there’s lots of great alternatives you can do from the comfort of your own home.
Get physical from your armchair
The UK Government recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, that’s just 20 minutes a day. For times when you don’t fancy anything too energetic, you can keep active from the comfort of your armchair with these exercises from the NHS.
Sing and smile
Join Goldies at one of their online Sing&Smile sessions. This is not a choir, but a platform to bring people together, to laugh and sing whilst making new friends. Online sessions are currently running every Thursday at 2.30pm and you can join in on YouTube or Facebook.
Become a volunteer
You can make a difference around the world by sitting at home in front your computer, tablet or phone. From lending your eyesight to someone with low vision, to mapping out disaster zones, or birdwatching with a purpose, there’s lots you could get involved with. Check out Help From Home for home-based micro-volunteering that benefits so many worthy causes.
Start your own virtual group
Why not explore ways to hold your regular events using the internet? Bring friends, neighbours or relatives together for a virtual family quiz or film club, or try sharing the things you love with others through an online skill swap. Take it in turns each week to share your talents and you could end up learning a new language, how to cook new recipes and top gardening tips, all in a couple of weeks! Age UK have some great resources on setting up video calls.
Coronavirus and your wellbeing
With the changes to our usual routines and social activities, it can feel very lonely for a lot of us. If you feel that you, or someone you know, is struggling with loneliness, or anxiety about the easing of lockdown, Mind have put together some helpful advice. Or if you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call The Silver Line on 0800 4 70 80 90. This is a free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
If you’d like support to continue doing the things most important to you, or to start a new hobby, Guinness Care at Home can help. Get in touch with us here.
