Six ways to relieve isolation boredom

We’re all dreaming of past trips, cancelled trips, future trips – and never again will we take for granted the excitement and relaxation that comes from going on holiday. 

So in preparation for your next trip abroad, why not learn a new language? There are some great apps out there. We love Duolingo which has a huge number of courses that you can complete for free. Or if you want to take it a little bit more seriously, try out Babble. This one you’ll pay for, with prices starting from £5.49 per month. Pair it with a couple of free podcasts in your language of choice and you’re well on your way to becoming bilingual. 

Staying social and keeping in touch with all your favourite people is key to staying sane through isolation and lockdown. We’ve come up with more interesting ways than just jumping on Facetime. Click here for more fun ways to stay social throughout isolation. 

There are an abundance of so-called “challenges” being offered across social media channels right now. Bloggers, 'grammers and celebs are urging people to move out of their comfort zone during the isolation period. 

You could try Instagram’s Rosie Ramsay’s challenge to dance your blues away, or what’s commonly becoming known as the “TikTok dance thingy”, or even the “press up your partner” challenge. And if you don’t want to partake in any, you’ll surely feel uplifted and get a few laughs from watching other people take part. 

Baked goods or enviable supper dishes – whatever your speciality, trying a new recipe is a great way to beat boredom. If you think that’s too simple, pick up the most abundant produce on the shelf on your next trip to the supermarket, and challenge yourself to create something scrumptious.

Whatever you end up creating, we bet it doesn’t feature pasta! 

Heaps of great fitness instructors and gym leaders are taking things online in a move to keep business running and keep their customers in peak shape. Make the most of it and tune in to a new online class. Joe Wicks is offering kids’ PE classes at 9am every morning and Chris Hemsworth is giving six weeks’ free access to his fitness platform Centr – all you need to do is find the right fit for you. 

Why not take the opportunity to find a new form of exercise? Swap crossfit for yoga, pilates for HIIT and you might just find your new favourite. 

We all have it. A list of tasks or improvements we’ve been meaning to do for ages at home. Whether it’s putting up that shelf, changing that bulb, or doing a bit of a wardrobe clear out, now is the perfect time to get it taken care of. 

If no such list exists (lucky you) then it’s time to get creative. Find some prints you love (many online retailers are still operating or offer printable versions), get them framed, and create a picture gallery. Make your own candles from spare pottery or bottles, or spruce up the walls with a lick of paint. All of the above will give you a feeling of accomplishment when you eventually sit back with a comforting glass of wine.