There are several things you can do during lockdown, but maybe it's harder to realise, as most of our favoirte activities are prohibited for now. Luckily, we have numerous options to improve ourselves while enjoying the time we spend inside, and today, I share some of them with you.
Books📚
First, it might seem quite obvious, I'm pretty sure reading is not something you haven't thought of, however, what you read exactly, makes such difference. If you are seeking some books, that will help with your mental health, confidence and self-esteem, I would definitely recommend some of these:
- The 7 habits of highly effective people
- The Universe Has Your Back – Gabrielle Bernstein
- The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k – Sarah Knight
- 100 Days Happier – Dominique Bertolucci
These books can provide so much knowledge about your inner self if you pay close attention, you can even make some notes, highlight your favourite parts, or just look at them as a light reading, and have fun.
Podcasts🎧
During these times we might even feel lonely, so listening to great podcast could be a solution to that. I could list so many reasons why listening to podcasts is a good idea, such as getting inspiration, educating yourself, saving time, or actually escaping reality. Although, there are endless options when it comes to podcasts, we are focusing on personal-growth here, so let's take a look at some of the sort:
- Earn your happy by Lori Harder
- The manifestation collective podcast
- Style your mind
- Ted x
Ted talks will surely broaden your horizons, and encourage you to open your mind. These topics are always ready to make you think. Sometimes they are more technical, sometimes they are quite philosophical, always inspiring. What’s special about this is the structure, how it’s always kept really short and super interesting, so you might listen to topics you are not even invested in but the way they present everything just makes you want to hear and know more.
If you are tired of all the useful information, you can also choose to listen to some chit-chat, that really makes you feel like you're around fun people.
Apps🙏🏼
To be honest, apps can be amazingly beneficial, but we need to stay consistent using them, to really achive the desired goal, whatever it is. It's the same with focusing on ourselves, we need to practice our rituals daily to get them work. My two favourite apps are listed down here, to help you live a joyful life carefree and smiling. They both are amazing if you need help to beat anxiety, manage anger, sleep better, overcome depression, tackle stress, or just in general learn how to focus, look inside and live in the moment. Meditation is a marvelous art and knowledge which helps you through your whole life if you acquire it.
- Headspace
- InnerHour Self-Care Therapy
(Disclaimer: none of these apps replace professional help if you’re in need of that!)
These apps will challenge you with activities and help you set goals to build healthy habits, and they also kind of keep you ‘entertained’ and busy. There are some in app purcahses possible in both apps, and if you want you can get an amazingly detailed personalised plan from InnerHour after answering some questions, and assessments, and the results will definitely help you understand yourself better. They remind you daily to your mini tasks and provide you resources and so much more. Headspace has the best meditation courses out there (in my opinion) related to so many various topics, such as mindful eating, acceptance, dealing with distractions, managing financial stress. They offer techniques and support, SOS option designed for times when you really need a break emotionally and phisically, timers, and singles like "Coffee Break', 'Breathing in Hope', 'Creative Writing', or 'Business Travel'.
Just to be a bit contradictory, I believe leaving your phone alone is also a perfect way for developing boss-girl routines, by finding joy in simple things, like writing, dancing, doing art, going outside for a hike, and spending quality time with your housemates.
As a last tip, make to-do lists, bucket lists, 'best of' lists, brainstorming lists, these will make you feel super organized, help you see clear, support you in taking steps toward your goals.
Take care!✨
If you want to read more about what activities you should try this lockdown, visit our Facebook page for tips and tricks.
