Being in isolation has its perks and its drawbacks. We have plenty of time at home to relax and refresh, but sometimes we miss the little things that we took for granted like shopping, lunch with friends, going to the movies, or eating at the local café. Easter weekend won’t look the same for many Kiwis with everyone staying home. Here are some simple ideas to help you achieve enjoyable outing and activities from the comfort of your own home.
DIY cinema
- Set up the sofa, bean bags or chairs in the living room so you can all sit comfortably in front of the screen
- Microwave some popcorn for a warm, fresh feeling and set up bowls of lollies to act as a pick and mix
- Pick a great movie, turn up the volume, draw the curtains and turn off the lights
- Last but not least, turn off your mobile phones – whether you are home or at the movies, the light and ring tone interrupts the movie.
DIY spa session
We can definitely get you most of the way towards a home spa experience.
- Make an hour for yourself to relax
- Have you ever made your own bath salts or salt scrub? Both are super easy so if you are a bath or shower person, we have you covered
- Giving your hands a massage is great for relieving anxiety, improving mood and sleep, and reducing hand pain
- Add candles and soothing music for ambiance.
Mix a cup of salt with half a cup of baking soda, add five to ten drops of your chosen essential oils and a tablespoon of coconut oil.
Mix a cup of salt with a tablespoon of coconut oil and your chosen essential oils.
- Sit in a comfortable position. To apply moderate pressure, it may be easier to have one hand on a table while you use your other hand to do the massage strokes.
- Use your palm to stroke your forearm from the wrist to the elbow and back again on both sides. If you want to, you can extend the stroking to your shoulder. Do this at least three times on both sides of your forearm. The idea here is to warm up your muscles.
- Use your palm to stroke from your wrist to your fingertips on both sides of your hand. Do this at least three times using moderate pressure.
- Cup your hand around your forearm with your thumb underneath. Pinch your skin starting at the wrist, and work slowly up to the elbow and back down again. Do this on both sides of your forearm at least three times using moderate pressure.
- Use your thumb and forefinger — or your thumb and all your fingers — to press in a circular or back-and-forth motion, slowly moving up your hand and forearm. Do this on both sides of your arm and hand at least three times using moderate pressure.
- Press your thumb in a circular motion with moderate pressure all around the back of your hand and then your palm. Continue pressure with your thumb along both sides of each finger. Use your thumb to massage the area between your thumb and forefinger.
DIY Olympics
Pick your sports and come up with home versions you can do to hold your own family lockdown Olympics. Here are some easy ideas:
- Have timed sprint races by running the length of the garden or apartment
- Find a tennis ball and throw shotput
- Set up a series of obstacles and have an obstacle race (not in the Olympics but this would be fun)
- Throw discus by using a frisbee
- Hold dance performances for rhythmic gymnastics
- Use dry spaghetti fencing tournaments – the winner breaks the others’ spaghetti strands first.
Essentially, with a little creativity and imagination, you can do anything. They won’t be exactly the same, but it’s important to take time and do small things for yourselves. Have a little fun!
