Here’s how you can save yourself from going stir crazy during lockdown

If like myself you loathe staying indoors and have to speak to at least five people during the day, then you are most likely sharing this sense of dread as everywhere closes.

University has closed, shopping centres, pubs, clubs and restaurants are all temporarily closing because of the pandemic. The mention of such luxuries closing, as an extrovert fills my mind with anxiety. I know I’m not the only one feeling this way. As a friend stressed, “I can’t stand the thought of no pubs even for a week”.

Now we have the chance to do the things we said we’d do but haven’t had ‘time’ to do

Once I was over the initial shock covid-crisis, the realisation that we now have time kicked in. One concept many of us fail to understand, is time. We always use “I’ll do it tomorrow,” as an excuse for almost everything, or “I’m too busy right now, I’ll do it another day.” These utterances are involved in most of my day to day conversations. Now we have the chance to do the things we said we’d do but never had ‘time’ to do. Time to catch up on sleep, uni work, perhaps the book we never got to finish. Since the lockdown announcement on Monday 23rd, I have received non-stop texts, voice notes and multiple FaceTime calls from friends and family. Surprisingly though, not all conversations were based on panic or fear; instead they were positive and hopeful. For some, it is a chance to have a break from social commitments and focus towards living in the present, whether it be a day of baking or having a bubbly bath.

If that is one thing that staying indoors has taught me, connecting to others online is super important. It allows us to find some form of normality and reassurance us that we are all in the same boat. To really make the most of this time, try creating a group chat with your family and friends. Or FaceTime them. Both are accessible wherever and whenever, which provides a sense of spontaneity to your day!

Another great idea a family friend had was to create a group chat where each group member has to choose a song of their choice. Then the rest of the group listen to and review it. So far, everyone has successfully responded with their all time favourite song. These nostalgic conversations confirm the sense of community we all desire. If possible, give something like this a go or even something as simple as calling a friend for 20 minutes. It all helps keeping you connected and sane.

To increase productivity, set up a spot in each room of your home and decide what activities you do in each one

Alternatively, we all know the downsides of social media, especially if we’re indoors all day. It can be so easy to get caught up in group chats, instagram stories, and YouTube channels. So as important as it is to stay connected to others online, try to limit your phone usage. To increase productivity, set up a spot in each room of your home and decide what activities you do in each room. For myself, I use my bedroom to chill, catch up on my favourite Netflix series and of course, sleep. For the kitchen, I use the table we have in the corner of the room to do university work and general life sorting out bits. Then I use the living room and sofa for catching up on my social media. This method helps sticking to a routine, which is fundamental if you need structure everyday. This will also keep you from reaching for the phone every two minutes.

These are just small steps you can make to keep an easy order and routine when staying indoors. However, these aren’t an absolute must and the key in these challenging and confusing times is to just be. Just do what you need to do in order to make yourself feel OK. Whether that be catching up on sleep, choosing to binge-watch that series you’ve had your eye on, or even choosing not to FaceTime or text your friends for a few hours. This is the time to just be.