Top 5 Things to Do When You Can’t Travel
A lot of us are stuck at home right now, and if you’re anything like me, you might be dreaming of your next holiday. Maybe you’ve even had to cancel travel plans this summer and you’re feeling pretty bummed out. For some people, current events are taking a hit on their mental health because of trauma or loss of work. We’re all going through something, so it’s time to be nice to yourself!
There are many things you can give yourself that cost little or no money and will take your mind off the tragedy of the pandemic for a little while. Maybe you want to learn something new or have an experience instead of acquiring more of the same “things”. Whatever you choose, try to have fun and know that this will all be over soon.
- Try Online Cooking Classes
You’ve probably already upped your cooking game since the restaurants closed down and takeaways have become harder to come by. But what if you’ve been eating sandwiches and spaghetti this whole time? Many amazing chefs across the world are holding online cooking classes. Ever wanted to learn to make a special French meal? Maybe you want to try eating more vegan? Whatever your tastes, there’s an online cooking class for it! If money is an issue, watch cooking shows on YouTube for free and you’ll be a cooking goddess in no time.
- Keep Active
We know it’s easier to just sit on the sofa with Netflix, but it’s worth staying active if you’re stuck at home. We have to make a conscious effort to do it, but with technology, thankfully, you don’t even have to spend money to work out at home.
Apps like Down Dog are giving free access to students and teachers until 1st of July, but good ol’ YouTube has thousands of free workout videos, whether you are into yoga, kickboxing, dance or aerobics. So move your body and take advantage of the rush of feel-good endorphins and the natural boost to your immune system.
- Treat Yourself for the Future
We might be pinching pennies a bit more at the moment, but that doesn’t mean it’s not okay to spend some money now on something you will use as soon as the shops open again. If you’re used to getting your nails done, go ahead and buy a gift voucher.
You get something to look forward to, and your favourite nail bar gets a welcome boost during this difficult time. If you’ve been neglecting your skin, sign up for facial treatments like micro-needling or splurge on new beauty products to be delivered to your home. Are wrinkles around the eyes or in the middle of your forehead giving you grief? Consider dermal fillers, which are safe, and — with the right clinic — look totally natural.
- Give Yourself a Makeover and Have a Photoshoot
Something that can be fun and also boost your mood is having a photoshoot with yourself. As women, we often focus on our “flaws” every time we look in the mirror or get shy in front of a camera. When you do a selfie photoshoot, no one is around to judge and you can just let loose! Even if you never show anyone the photos, this is a fun way to kill time if you are bored. And who knows, you may get some really good photos out of it for the gram.
- Volunteer at an Animal Shelter or Sponsor a Farm Animal
Since you might have some extra time on your hands, why not put it to good use and volunteer at a local animal shelter or farm sanctuary? There are many organisations that are struggling during this time and could use your help. Volunteering has a funny way of boosting your confidence and mood — you get all the good vibes while helping someone in need.
Many animal shelters let you volunteer to feed and clean the animals, but you could also choose to take dogs on walks. There’s nothing better than some fresh air and puppy kisses to take your mind off these stressful times. If you have a little extra cash you aren’t spending on that summer holiday, you could also consider sponsoring a farm animal.
Have these ideas given you something to look forward to during this difficult time? Let me know how you’re treating yourself!
24 comments
I am really keen on trying an online cookery class! Specifically bread, cake or chocolate related. Great post thanks.
I have tried my hand at making bread during lockdown and could probably do with some pointers! 🙂
Great post, I love the idea of trying new cooking classes and in turn trying lots of new flavours too! I have to admit I have been doing some research on where we would like to go next as I am already missing a nice holiday lol!
I think most people have been trying something new in the kitchen, me included! Online cookery classes are a great way to pick up some new ideas.
Now I would absolutely love to Volunteer at an Animal Shelter but the ones closest to me are all closed due to C19 x
Before lockdown I was working part-time at a local wildlife foundation, I can’t wait until it re-opens to see all the people and animals again 🙂
The online cooking class gets my vote. I love cooking so to know how to make a few new dishes would be super useful for me.
The online cooking classes seems to be the most popular one on the list 🙂
These are utterly brilliant suggestions – especially volunteering for the animal farm! It’s something that wouldn’t have occured to me.
I’d love to get out to animal parks. I usually work part time at a wildlife foundation I can’t wait to get back 🙂
I’ve been doing online gym classes and really recommend it. I hated the gym and managed to drag myself there once a week but now I’m doing classes almost daily
I’ve done a little online yoga 😄 I really should do some more.
Great ideas, I really miss travelling! I’d love to do an online course so that I come out of this with an ‘achievement’ but it’s difficult finding the time with the children home now though!
I’m making a post lockdown busket list including lots of travel and visiting local attractions! I hope you’re able to find a little time for yourself too x
Great ideas to keep one self busy . I think we all need a set routine to keep sane, fit and healthy.
I think a routine is important, now more than ever!
Love these ideas I’ve never thought of them I love this idea of doing the dog walking my boys would love this they really want a dog!
I love walking my dogs it’s great fun and exercise. It would be great for children to see what a responsibility a dog is before getting one of their own 🙂
Some great tips here to keep ourselves busy while we are unable to travel. I have seen some online cooking classes and am tempted to give this a go as I have been baking more now.
I’d love to do an online cooking course but I’ve not had as much time during lockdown as I’m working full time and we’ve been starting renovations on our new home x
We have been very busy and used to run and walk before all this, so we have continued to do so x
Some great ideas! I am treating myself for the future – I have a voucher to use for an experience day so am going to pick something for the future as something to look forward to
These are some great ideas fro things to do. I have been trying to support individual yoga teachers by signing up to their live classes.
Because we are not out spending at the moment I have managed to put some money in our savings so when we can travel we can go somewhere special