Almost 12 months of restrictions and lockdowns later, we can feel sure in saying that if your current vices are looking something like Bridgerton, Deliveroo and scrolling TikTok at any given opportunity then you’re certainly not alone. Did someone say round 5 of that spoon scene?
Here’s to putting well-being at the top of your daily to-do list. Anyone for a slice of banana bread?
Despite what has truly felt like a never-ending slog at times, focusing inward and prioritising self-soothing, comfort and peace is always a good idea for keeping your mental health in check at a time of real vulnerability. This week’s edit of team picks focus on the little things in our mini toolkits of self lurve that help us switch off when your laptop closes at 6pm or before the groundhog day stresses kick in.
From books to beauty, crafts to coffee, running to reading and all the binge-worthy tv we can’t get enough of, it’s safe to say we know the things that always have our back in moments of panic or boredom during lockdown 3.0. Here’s to putting well-being at the top of your daily to-do list. Anyone for a slice of banana bread?
Charlotte
I keep having my ups and downs during lockdown 3.0 (as we all do) but equally I’ve kind of found a rhythm and routine that has kept me sane and busy. One such thing that keeps my weekday evenings exciting is watching season 6 of Married at First Sight Australia. Not only is it super super juicy, but the fact it’s on every night genuinely gives me some structure and something to look forward to, so the TV in my room has been a great investment!
Now would probably be a good time to try and reduce my screen time, but alas that has not been the case. Instead, I’ve been spending a lot of time on TikTok and Instagram, meaning a tripod is quite the essential for me right now. It’s definitely keeping me entertained! Aside from technology, I have been trying to take life a bit slower, read more (one of my new year’s resolutions) and make time for some gentle stretching and yoga so I’ve definitely got my money’s worth from the mat I bought before lockdown 2.0!
*Urban Outfitters, YOUSTAR LED Ring Light & Phone Holder with Tripod, £32
Core Balance Fitness, 6mm Foam Yoga Mat, £14.99
Argos, Bush 32 Inch HD Ready LCD Freeview TV/ DVD Combi, £149.99
Waterstones, The Thursday Murder Club, £14.99
Darcey
This lockdown definitely feels harder and I haven’t wanted to put pressure on myself to be productive or learn a new skill etc. I have found journaling has really helped me this lockdown, putting all my thoughts and feelings on to paper really allows me to work through any negative emotions I am feeling. I’ve also found painting my nails to be so therapeutic and it’s nice to take that time for yourself. Reading and Netflix are also massively getting me through, can’t beat a good book or series! Skipping has also been great for me recently, I only do about 10 mins at a time, but it’s a good source to release some energy. You can do it anywhere too, in a garden, park, even inside, you don’t need any real skill but learning little tricks like crisscrossing is fun!
*Papier, Fairy Tale Notebook Mother Of Pearl, £19.99
Hive, Everything I Know About Love, £8.99
Netflix, Monthly Membership, £9.99
Decathlon, JR100 SKIPPING ROPE, £1.99
Holly
I think I used up all my productivity in the first 500 lockdowns so I’m giving myself a break and probably just doing some chilling and easy things that I enjoy. Binge Geordie Shore and random football matches. Is it weird that watching a football match that in no way affects my team is my happy place? I’m also going to use this time to get organised for the coming year and set goals so get me all the stationary!
Argos, NOW TV Stick-Entertainment, Sky Cinema & Sky Sports Day Pass, £29.99
Papersmiths, 2021 Monthly Planner – Charcoal Grey Appointed, £22
*The Body Shop, Pink Grapefruit Fragranced Bath Bubble, £1.50
Lareese
If you mean apart from my Heinz Tomato Soup luncheons, Diet Coke and rewatching Bridgerton for the 5th time, then it has to be books, seafront jogs and daytime baths (quite the lockdown 3.0 revolution). Reading and running are both my go-to stress relievers, whatever is going on. I’ve just added a pair of new running trainers to my birthday wish list actually because both my big toes are currently poking through the pair I have right now. That’s how desperate my toes are to get out the house. One whiff of the great outdoors and they’re breaking free. Along with the rest of the population, I’m also thinking about getting into journaling in the morning ya know, just to help collect my thoughts and ease myself into the day.
Waterstones, Ghosts (Hardback) Dolly Alderton, £14.99
*Beauty Bay, HOLIKA HOLIKA PURE ESSENCE MASK SHEET PEARL, £1.95
*Espa Skincare, Restorative Bath Oil, £30
Danielle
Having just moved house I think decorating and researching home bits is definitely getting me through lockdown, I’m glad I’m not spending as much money on board games and colouring pens as I did during lockdown 1.0! There’s so much you need to make a house a home but lighting and texture are key so I’m all about the lovely lamps, cosy throws and fun prints. I’m obsessed with this artwork by a Brighton based artist called Kit Agar it’s in my basket for payday and going over my bed!
Kit Agar, ‘Gemini’ Giclée Print, £50
*Matalan, Nova Table Lamp, £45
Maddie
One of the main things that’s keeping me sane this lockdown is my DIY at home coffees. I’m trying to stay home as much as physically possible which means I’ve traded in my coffee shop runs for at-home alternatives. I bought a new milk frother which is the absolute bee’s knees and does SO much more than just give you creamy fluffy milk. In terms of coffee, Grind have launched a subscription for their compostable, plastic-free capsules – a much better alternative than the non-recyclable originals. I love making a fancy coffee in my see-through Ikea mugs so you can see all the different layers, it’s just so satisfying!
Currys, NESPRESSO by Krups Inissia XN100140 Coffee Machine – White, £89.99
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