1. Read a book
Whether you have time off work or simply find yourself with more time on your hands, there’s no better excuse to curl up with that book you’ve been meaning to read from last summer. Or you could try one of the hot new book releases for 2020.
2. Join a virtual ‘day out’
Let’s Day Out is launching ‘Let’s Day In’ (see what they did there?) to all IOS users with an array of events that will be available to them to do – and all virtually. You can enjoy live cooking demonstrations, virtual parties, art classes, workout sessions led by trainers, themed online meetups etc. The events will be free-of-charge to the public, but all users will have the option to donate £1.00 to the World Health Organisation to help them find a cure for COVID-19 with their COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
3. Tidy the house
*Collective eye roll* but hear us out. Tidying and deep-cleaning your space will not only get rid of harmful dust, dirt and germs, but it’ll put you in a clearer headspace. So, chuck on your favourite playlist, wash those throws and cushion covers, hoover right into those corners and take the bloody bins out. We’ve rounded up some chic storage solutions if you’re in the market for some new ones. You’ll feel better for it, promise. Plus, you can totally reward yourself with a glass of wine afterwards.
4. Sort through your wardrobe
That old band t-shirt gathering dust in the back of your wardrobe? Those sequinned denim shorts you haven’t worn since Glasto 2015? It’s time to get rid, huns. Grab some strong bin bags and get closet culling. It’ll make you feel wonderfully cleansed, and your local charity shops will be very grateful for donations (make sure it’s in a saleable condition though; anything with holes or stains should be recycled instead). The same goes for the rest of your home, too – most charity shops are super grateful for bric-a-brac, no matter how small or cheap. Find charity shops near you at charityretail.org.uk.
5. Organise your beauty cabinet
If you’re anything like us, your current bathroom shelf situation is a mess of fake tan spills, near-empty serums and old lipsticks. Check out this make-up organising hack and get sorting. Added bonus: you can take a chic shelfie for the ‘gram afterwards.
While you’re at it, clean those make-up brushes. Yes, they can be a faff to clean, but dirty make-up brushes are an absolute breeding ground for bacteria. “If you are one of those people that does all the right things and yet can’t understand why you have rashes and spots, take a look at the tools you use to apply your products with,” says Lynne Sanders, cosmetic scientist and founder of Cosmetics a La Carte. Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to clean your make-up brushes.
6. Binge all your ‘to-watch’ list on Netflix
Whether it’s catching up on all the new Love Is Blind dramz or starting one of Netflix’s new drops, now is the time to snuggle up in front of the telly without a care in the world. You could even tackle one of those epic binge-worthy TV series you keep meaning to start…
7. Start gardening
Okay, you’ve cleaned every corner of your gaff, had that glass of wine and hung up your Marigolds. No more cleaning for you. Now, why not turn your hand to gardening? Tons of studies recently have shown the benefits of gardening for our mental health (so much so that horticultural therapy is said to help treat depression and anxiety), and you don’t even need a garden to get started; even the smallest of balconies or terraces can be used for a herb garden. Or stay indoors and become a loving houseplant mum – there’s a helpful guide to houseplants at rhs.org.uk.
8. Do a home workout
‘I be up in the lounge just working on my fitness’, as Fergie would say. There’s plenty of exercises you can do sans gym; just check out our round-up of the best at-home workouts.
9. Paint your nails
Honestly, hear us out. We know you’re missing your favourite salons right now, but doing your own nails can be pretty therapeutic. If you’ve not yet mastered the at-home mani, why not take this time to try doing your own gel nails at home?
10. Call your friends and fam
Just because you’re a nice person. Here are all the best video technology options for staying in touch.
Shahadat Mohammad
Malay News
