14 Ways to Pass the Time During a Pandemic (that aren’t sourdough or Netflix)
As people who work in the hospitality industry, we are used to a fast paced, never-stop-moving, constant-interaction-with-guests kind of environment. So now that we find ourselves with LOTS of time on our hands, how can you use this time in a way that’s best suited for you? Staying motivated or engaged in everyday life during a pandemic is pretty challenging. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, but we’ve found focusing on a few key areas - physical, mental, educational and creative - has kept our minds in check and our mood lifted.
We hope this helps. Tag us if you decide to share some of your coping mechanisms on Instagram using the hashtag #lorlifehack.
Physical
MOVE / Exercise seems a given, but what it can do for us is really and truly magic. I am not just talking about what it does for our mood. We work in a physically demanding industry. Key areas of the body we need to keep moving are: core, arms and legs. We’re not saying you need to become a body-builder, but 30 minutes of body movement each day will help! (remember you get 15% off Fiit app in the Patron Perks).
Favourite Youtube workouts (these are FREE and really great)
Yoga with Adrienne
The Body Coach
Bodyfit by Amy
Favourite Membership Programmes
Fiit TV
Psycle
Favourite affordable options from local studios
More Kolors Yoga
The Refinery
Pineapple Dance Studio
DANCE! All you need to do is put on your favourite cheesy tunes and DANCE! We’ve put together a playlist of cheesy 90's and noughties tunes that have had us laughing, singing and DANCING through lockdown.
WALK / I know that we are all sick to death of going for a walk. But get your butt out there with a loop around the park, town, beach - wherever you are.
Mental
Meditation / My goodness does 10 minutes of quiet time make an incredible difference to your day. Does that sound impossible? How about trying it at night, to help calm your mind and ease you to sleep. We love Insight Timer for a huge range of meditations, melodies and more.
Journaling / We can’t all afford a therapist or have someone we can unload on. Dumping your thoughts, fears, feelings, ideas into a journal can be a great way to feel lighter. Investing in a great journal will make it feel special (Papier have some great options). Alternatively, Google docs are a great way to journal from wherever you are, their app can be downloaded to your smartphone, making it easy to offload your thoughts while you’re on the go. And lastly, the notes app in your smartphone - many many an L.O.R. idea starts in the notes.
Make a list / Sometimes that list in your head feels like it’s SO BIG! But actually, once you get it down on paper, it’s super achievable.
Have a bath or a steaming hot shower / There is nothing that says self care like a good soak. Make it special - eucalyptus releases a relaxing menthol scent, drop some essential oils in the water, buy yourself a really nice bubble bath (Neals Yard is our fave place to stock up) and get those soothing tunes on - this one is great.
Call a friend / Sometimes all it takes is a good old natter with a mate to make you feel like you’re not totally losing it. That you’re not alone. That everyone is having a tough time, freaking out about the same things.
Educational
Is there something you’ve wanted to learn but never had the time to?
Learn a language / There are hundreds of ways to learn and practice a new language in lockdown. One of our favourite Youtubers and influencers in the food world, Katie Quinn, is currently learning Italian. She’s got some great tips for how to do this in lockdown.
Take a free course / Routine can be key to keeping you happy and motivated. By enrolling in an online course, you can make sure you’re getting up and getting to class. In the first lockdown fellow L.O.R and PR maven up in Edinburgh took this course from Yale. How cool is that!
Creative
Act like a kid again / Nobody is watching you or judging you. Get yourself a basic paint set and get painting! Nobody said you have to be good at everything in life. Painting and drawing are excellent ways to release stress, and visualise. You might see something you didn’t know before about you…
Vision Board / Grab that old stack of magazines and get snipping. Making a collage of what you want from life, love or career and having it as a constant visual reminder will have you staying on track.
Start writing that idea down! Keeping our mind active, thinking about things other than what to eat or watch next will make getting back into the workplace much easier! Have a business idea you want to start working on? DO IT. Have an article you want to write for someone? DO IT (we are looking for submissions all the time).
Recipe test & menu write - this is a great time to get all those cookbooks down off the shelf, and start practicing new dishes. Never written a full menu before? Why not give a go and ask for feedback from your friends - or better yet - our Thought Partner Programme?