How To Keep Yourself Occupied With A More Stay-At-Home Mentality
You could say we’ve been having the ultimate stay-at-home weekend, week, month now. The lockdown and the current situation has seemed to have to polarising impacts on people. While I’m sure we’re all a bit bored and dreaming of some normality of going out and about. Some people (like me) have realised how much they like being at home and the slower pace of life. While some people have been climbing the walls desperate to be outside of the four walls.
I’ve learned an awful lot during the lockdown. I was always on the go, never quiet for a weekend with things always booked. But being forced to take it slow and appreciate my home comforts has done the world of good for both my mental and physical health. While I’m so excited to be able to go out for dinner again. Or see a show at the theatre. I am going to be embracing the stay-at-home life a lot more going forward. If you’re like me here are some of the ways to keep yourself occupied.
Crafting and making things
When I was growing up I used to love crafting, but now the closest I get is my scrapbook/ memory books. So with the prospect of having a stay-at-home mentality more, I thought it the perfect time to get back into crafting. There are so many amazing sets out there you can try.
The first one I have is this Simply Make Door Stop Kit* (£7.99)in the shape of an owl. The set gives you everything you’ll need to create a felt animal with pre-cut fabric pieces, pre-cut felt shapes, buttons, a needle and thread, and instructions. I’ve had mixed successes with sewing during my life with my mum helping me during textiles projects at school quite a lot. But it’s something I’ve always wanted to get better at. If I had to even sew a button back onto a top now I’d have no idea. So this little set is a great re-introduction into sewing.
On the other hand, I’ve never tried crochet before which is why this crochet kit of Monty the Monkey* (£9.99) has me pretty excited. Crafters Companion has an incredible selection of great stay-at-home activities from needlework to colouring so you’ve got plenty of choices. Within the set, you get a crochet hook, yarn, fillings and all the tools you need to create your own Monty.
There are so many other crafty bits that I’d love to try out like paper cutting art and embroidery. But it’s about doing something that will keep your mind rested.
Stay-at-home mindfulness creations
If you’re less practical crafty then how about some mindfulness creations which just require paper and a pen?! If like me you’re a cat lover then this Doodling for Cat People book* (£9.99) will be right up your street. The book has over 50 different doodling exercises which you can dip in and out of during your stay-at-home time. So whether you’re just looking to free your mind for a few minutes, or you don’t fancy staring at a screen for the evening you’ll have fun with this. I am not very artistic but I love the whimsical approach to this. And no one can get doodling wrong, can they?!
Somehow I never really got into colouring books when they got big. But I do think they’re great for mindfulness which is why I love this Spectrum Noir Discovery Kit- Blended Mandalas* (£11.99). Again another great crafty item from Crafters Companion. This set comes with three different 3-in-1 markets, two fine point liners, a how-to booklet, some blank try out sheets and some printed sheets. The designs are beautiful and intricate. And I get how colouring can be hugely mindful as you’re concentrating on the colours and the lines. And let your mind be free. I’m going to keep these ready for when the impending house move feels stressful and I can rest my mind.
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18 responses to “How To Keep Yourself Occupied With A More Stay-At-Home Mentality”
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All About Me
Rhian Westbury
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These look like a lot of fun. Like you, I’ve really grown to love being at home, in fact I would just like to remain in this little bubble for a while longer. That said it was nice to go back to the gym today.
As a craft author and presenter I couldn’t agree more that having something tangible to make and do is so beneficial for our wellbeing right now especially when so much is out of our own control.
It’s also nice to think I actually made/ baked/ created that x
Lockdown has had such a huge impact on me, I’m trying not to juggle as many things any more and as for crafting… we have done more in 3 months than ever before! I am stocked up on wool to make blankets for the next decade… we will be very toasty this winter! I’m absolutely loving it! Sim x
It makes a huge difference to mental health to not take on as much doesn’t it?! x
Crafting is such a fantastic hobby to get into especially since a lot of people are trying to stay home more now with the current climate. Doodling for Cat People is definitely my kind of crafting
I remember crocheting when I was a child. I also used to knit. I can see how it can really help you become mindful and relax
Some great ways to keep us occupied during time spent at home. I would love to be dedicated and get started on crocheting and knitting!
Before lockdown we used to play most of our day outside and I had this though in my mind that if we would stay at home more, then I would get more things done in the house. But the lockdown showed me how wrong I was, as the kids wanted my attention so much that I would’n have time to get the food on the table without them getting upset.
I love the idea of being crafty and think many crafts are awesome, these are great suggestions to keep busy for folks that are crafty. I actually have seen the Doodling for Cat People book and it’s great!
I am certainly someone that wants to get out of the 4 walls at home! But I agree, I also enjoy the slower pace of life being at home!
I have to admit I am envious of those who got to slow down a bit, I worked non-stop through lockdown, although have discovered a love of walking locally
Funny enough I didn’t ho out much before covid so it didn’t affcet me that much in that respect. It’s great that you’ve found different things to occupy the time. The doodle book is cute!
I’m an introvert so love being at home, I have loved the lack of playdates and meeting up with friends!
I’m quite an introvert too so I know what you mean x
i’ve definitely been crafting more and doing more DIYs. Also, I’ve taken the time to learn more skills 🙂
I’ve found a great love for being home too, but already I’m starting to find myself here less as I offer to help others. I need to get the balance right. Mich X
You’ve got to look after yourself as well as others so a balance would be good x