We’re living in extraordinary times, with most of our usual exercise and social activities put on hold for at least 21 days. If nothing else, humans adapt quickly to a new normal – and we’re lucky enough to have access to an almost unlimited array of tools, support, and things to do, thanks to online access and digital devices.

And, if the ‘screen time’ is getting too much for you, now’s also the time to revert to some of the things we did as children for a whole bunch of real-world fun!

Here are some ideas for you to try at home – let us know what else you’re doing?

  • Keep your mind inquisitive and your thoughts creative, and diarise daily to watch a TED talk, either via the app or website. There are TED talks for kids by kids too – so rope the whole family in for this one!
  • If there’s a skill that you’ve wanted to learn but have never had the time to do so, there are several online resources to turn to, including Udemy, which has slashed its prices for the global lockdown, and over 1000 free courses are available at The Open University.
  • There’s no doubt that we’re living in anxious times, and meditation is one way you can calm your thoughts. There are multiple free meditation apps that you can use, or you may well find a meditation coach on YouTube whose guidance appeals to you.
  • Just because you’re stuck at home, doesn’t mean that you can’t keep active! There are so many free and paid-for online classes to choose from, including Chris Hemsworth’s Centr app, which he’s made free for the first six weeks you sign up.
  • Research shows that it takes 21 days to start and embed a new habit, so rather than being tempted to let your good habits slide, take on a 21 day challenge to improve your health and wellbeing!
  • While it’s tempting for the whole family to disappear into their own spaces and their own screen worlds, use this time to keep connected to the people closest to you. Dust off the Monopoly, revisit the 30 Seconds, or turn to traditional card games like rummy and canasta for hours of fun.
  • Our social circles are more important than ever, and even though it’s impossible for us to see our friends in person, there are so many ways we can connect. Download the Houseparty app and play games with your friends while you catch up, or even set up a Zoom meeting or Google Hangout so that you can keep in touch.

Note:

All The IV Bars are closed for the duration of the lockdown, but we encourage you to keep focused on your health and wellbeing at this time, and we look forward to welcoming you back to our branches across the country when the lockdown is called off.

We may reintroduce mobile drips soon if you can’t come to us, and we are in the process of ordering more personal protective wear for our nurses.

Stay safe!