It feels a lot like the world is upside down at the moment but one thing that prevails at a time like this is kindness. People are coming together, helping their elderly neighbours, making the lockdown birthday one to remember and finding new ways to stay connected, albeit from a distance.
The smallest acts of kindness and selfless good deeds can offer a much-needed pick-me-up and morale boost.
As we face further time away from our loved ones, plenty of us will be feeling like there is no end in sight, which is why the smallest acts of kindness and selfless good deeds can offer a much-needed pick-me-up and morale boost.
Though we can’t be together physically, we can show one another we’re all in this together! Here’s a few ideas to help spread a bit of joy during lockdown.
A sweet delivery
Many small and local independent businesses are still operating and now’s a great time to support them. Order some sweet treats from a bakery near you and have it delivered to your nearest and dearest. Doorstep doughnuts will make the world a brighter place!
Small card deliveries
Receiving a bit of positive post will brighten up someone’s day no end and nothing shows them you’re thinking of them quite like a beautiful hand-written note. Papier have got some blooming lovely designs, or you could always get creative and make your own.
All Paper Everything also offer these plantable seeded cards – simply tear them up, pop the pieces in some soil, water and watch the wildflowers grow from your greeting card. Gifts don’t get more wholesome than that. Shop them here.
Create an ‘at home picnic’
Lay on the sandwiches, cakes and strawbs and roll out the picnic blanket in the lounge or better yet, sit on a rug – who says you can’t have a date from home? It might not be quite the same as soaking up the rays in the countryside but it’s a close second best. Plus, you haven’t got to drive anywhere so ya know, bottomless prosecco it is! (And you’ve got the added luxury of having a loo break whenever you need it, every cloud).
Make a collaborative playlist with your family
We may not be able to boogie on down together for a while but that won’t stop us from turning up the volume and pumping out the tunes. With families and friends forced to spend time apart, creating a collaborative playlist is a fun way to get everyone together from afar and discover different music tastes.
With families and friends forced to spend time apart, creating a collaborative playlist is a fun way to get everyone together
Feel free to use our team Zoella playlist template complete with daily prompts or make your own family version! From songs you loved as a teen to your guilty-pleasure jingles, you’ll have one hell of a playlist by the end of it.
Surprise zoom calls
Staying connected during lockdown not only breaks up the day but keeps your MH in check, too. Call a friend to see how they’re getting on, communicate, chat, laugh, cry – going through the motions together sure does help.
Make the pub come to you
Missing heading to your local watering hole with your pals? Turn your kitchen into a makeshift boozer with a blackboard drinks menu and pork scratchings. Invite your friends over for a virtual pub quiz and order the kebabs in. Pornstar Quarantini, anyone?
Letterbox flowers
A posy of positivity is exactly what we all need in our lives right now, especially for many of those of us who are missing the great outdoors. Bring a touch of nature to their home with some colourful scented blooms, just because! Shop Bloom & Wild.
And if house plants are more their thing, boost their happiness at home with a little leafy subscription. Shop Bloombox Club.
Cook a meal for a neighbour
Drop a homecooked meal to an elderly or vulnerable neighbour who might be struggling to get to the shops. Let them know you’re thinking of them and ask them if you can do anything to make their life easier. Even if they’re all set, the thought and the conversation will go a long way at a time like this.
A birthday treasure hunt
Lockdown birthdays don’t have to suck! Make the most of your house mate, S.O. or family member’s special day by organising a treasure hunt around the house, leaving clues to lead them to their birthday gift. If someone is self-isolating on their own on their birthday, you can do it virtually with clues that lead them from one FaceTime call to another. Get imaginative!
You could also get everyone to record a happy birthday video message and edit them all together, so they still have a way of seeing everyone they love on their birthday morning. Shop Marks & Spencer Happy Birthday Box here.
