Things To Do During Lockdown

Things to do during lockdown. Where do you start? There will be many of you who are well sorted with plenty of ideas. While many others will be working a fair amount of the time and are not looking for anything new to do upon returning home.

However, there are also those who are bored. One such case, I was talking to a pal of mine a few days ago (on the phone by the way) and he was saying how bored he was.

In reply, I mentioned some of the things I was up to. Certainly not in a preaching way in terms of me saying “why don’t you try…etc”

No siree. Not my place to do that. Each to their own and all that.

But in case there are those of you out there looking for things to do during lockdown, then a few suggestions may be welcome

Let’s discuss a few ideas.

Things To Do During Lockdown

Some of the things to do during lockdown are tried and trusted activities we spend our time doing during, say, a Bank Holiday weekend. You know the sort of thing. DIY and such like. Anyway……swiftly moving on.

Seriously though, DIY will come high up on many people’s list. Not mine unfortunately (or fortunately…..it depends which side of the wobbly photo hanging effort you are standing!!!).

Although, why not DIY for me? After all, I do have a drill. Well, actually it’s an electric screwdriver. It was given to me as a birthday pressie years ago and for donkeys years I thought it was a drill.

How many times have I used it? Well, you know how memorabilia collectors say that the memorabilia they have is worth so much more if kept intact in its original packaging? My ‘drill’ must be worth a fortune.

No doubt the DIY’ers amongst us will be well sorted so no need for any specific mentions there. Especially not from someone who thought his screwdriver was a drill!!!

So, what else? What are some of the other things to do during lockdown?

Things To Do During Lockdown – TV Anyone?

A lot of you will be taking the time to relax and catch up on some TV you haven’t had chance to watch previously. Fair do’s. I’m not sure about terrestrial TV apart from seeking out box sets on BBC iPlayer and the ITV Hub, but there is plenty to see on things like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now TV and the newbie, Disney Plus.

Box sets currently being watched in our house? On the BBC iPlayer we are watching Spooks from the beginning again. Excellent series from start to finish.

I see on the menu that “Line of Duty” is also available. Wow!!! Just Wow!!! It is so good and is……just Wow!!! One of the stars of “Line of Duty“, Martin Compston is also currently appearing in a new drama called The Nest. It’s only two episodes in so you may be like others and want to wait until the whole series is available.

Luther – another good ‘un!!! Idris Elba plays a great part of a maverick police inspector.

Hidden wasn’t bad but sometimes the language barrier and the sub titles was a bit distracting at times. Others well worth a watch on the Beeb, include The Capture and From Darkness.

ITV Hub is showing the second series of Liar. Another good ‘un to tune in to from series one onwards.

Streaming Channels

This is where the options really open up as those of you that subscribe to any streaming channels will testify.

A bit of a technical poser. Are all of these classed as streaming channels? Netflix; Amazon Prime; Now TV and Disney Plus. I think they all are with the possible exception of Now TV.

So why not start with Now TV? I was talking to another pal of mine who mentioned that there was currently a special trial package available for Now TV Movies. I’m not sure of all the details so you may want to check that out for yourself.

With Now TV you can subscribe to the whole bifta – TV programmes and movies. But we only have TV programmes. Some really good options on here. You will find on the menu that they have plenty of the Sky channels. Channels like Sky Witness, Sky Atlantic, Gold, Discovery and many others.

When we had Sky we mainly watched Sky Atlantic only so this is ideal for us since binning Sky.

TV series we’ve been watching on Now TV. Billions with Damian Lewis is very good. Old episodes of Criminal Minds are always worth a revisit in my opinion. And of course, our Now TV favourites, Ray Donovan and Tunnel.

You will find the Walking Dead on there as well. Not for me any more. I gave up after the first episode in series 7. Too long and drawn out for me. Like many of the American series are – or to be fair – used to be. It wasn’t uncommon for some of these series to be 22 episodes long. Too many.

And of course you have some of the old comedy classics like Only Fools and Horses.

A big negative for me is that you can’t find my other all time favourite comedy on any of the streaming channels – and that is Frasier. It is on Amazon Prime but you have to pay for it. Must still be so popular for them to charge.

If anyone knows you can find Frasier anywhere for free – please drop me a line.

Things To Do During Lockdown – Netflix

It seems that during some of the many phone call update chats I’ve had with some pals recently, Netflix pops up regularly. People asking for or providing their own Netflix recommendations.

There is so much on there. On occasions in the last week or so we’ve been unable to access Netflix as no doubt there has been a huge strain on the streaming capacities available.

Talking of “strain” there is a series called The Strain. We gave up on that. Another programme that went one series too far in our opinion.

Although I’ve mentioned that some of the series are too long with 22 episodes in them, others can still keep you captivated during these marathon sessions.

Three series that fit this criteria are Prison Break (although I think that it may have gone one series too far. But everything before the last series was really good) and Breaking Bad and Sopranos.

Some may well be shouting – what about Game of Thrones. I can’t comment because we’ve not seen one minute of it. Not had time……yet. Maybe some day.

Other must see series for me are The Stranger, The Sinner, Seven Seconds, One of Us (the BBC drama, not the 2017 documentary of the same name, Unforgotten (we tend to watch everything with Nicola Walker in it), Paranoid, Better Call Saul, old series of Whitechapel and, at the moment the real ‘must see!!”

I’m talking about Ozark. What a programme. The new, much awaited 3rd series came out last Friday (27th March). Ten episodes in each series about an hour long each episode (no commercial break). I finished series 3 by Tuesday just gone.

Better Call Saul

A quick mention about Better Call Saul. If you were thinking of watching it, you should watch it in conjunction with Breaking Bad. Breaking Bad came out first, followed by Better Call Saul. Saul Goodman, played brilliantly by Bob Odenkirk, is one of the main characters in latter series of Breaking Bad.

So, Better Call Saul is a spin off – in a way – of Breaking Bad. I say “in a way” as Better Call Saul, in terms of how things flow chronologically, precedes Breaking Bad.

Better Call Saul shows how Saul Goodman became a well known lawyer after his early trials and tribulations under his real name Jimmy McGill. He is a key character in his role as a lawyer as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad. But it was made after Breaking Bad. Sort of the prequel being shown after the original show. I hope that makes sense.

More Streaming

I’m sure I’ve missed loads of things on Netflix, Now TV and the Beeb and ITV that may well be considered if anyone was looking for recommendations. I’ll add them as I remember them. But I think the above gives plenty of ideas of what I consider may be worth a watch.

The great thing about Netflix – apart from the excellent choice of films and box sets – is that there are so many Netflix own productions. So there is a freshness and newness about it as you won’t have seen these offerings anywhere else.

To complete the streaming topic though. Amazon Prime. A good series currently on Amazon Prime is The Hunters, starring one of my favourite all time actors, Al Pacino. Plenty of good film options on Amazon Prime as well. Although in some instances your £7.99/month subscription does not cover some movies and programmes. Worth noting.

And, although I don’t watch it, the popular soap Grey’s Anatomy is on there in its entirety. Loads of series and episodes. It’s always on in our house.

In order of preference, I tend to scour Netflix first, then the others after I’ve had a good look around YouTube. Plenty of crackers on YouTube. I search for a variety of things.

For instance I’m well into all things relating to JFK’s assassination. Not in a morbid sense. All the issues building up to it and the reasons it happened and the aftermath. That sort of thing. It’s just something I’ve been fascinated about for years. Books, DVD’s and YouTube.

I think that pretty much covers TV in terms of ideas of things to do during lockdown. Apart from this last but not least mention…..

Things To Do During Lockdown – And They’re Off

I’m not a horse racing fan but I am reliably informed that today is, or was, Grand National Day at Aintree. Fair do’s to whoever sorted it and not to disappoint horse racing fans, there is going to be a virtual Grand National later today.

For full details have a look at this link HERE.

What else can be done to while away the hours?

Things To Do During Lockdown – Plenty Of Things That’s What

I’m sort of fortunate in a way in that I work from home anyway. So, locking myself away in my bedroom office is quite normal for me. Not sure having the lock on the outside of the door was such a good idea though.

“Let me out……let me out. I need water……and food!!!” Only kidding. I am allowed out. I also have a rope ladder hanging out the window. That will no doubt work a treat when I suss out how to remove the bars!!!

As it happens I have kept working (well dipping in and out really) since lockdown commenced. So, I’ve kept busy in that sense.

But apart from carrying on working there are plenty of things that spring to mind for me to get stuck into.

Such as, I have a load of books I’ve had as pressies I should read.

A few weeks ago I bought a Sudoku puzzle book (I love Sudoku). I’ve made a start. Set a timer and try to better your previous best time adds a competitive edge.

Exercise of course. On the rare occasions I’ve been out I’ve gone on my “Yellow Flash Speed Machine.” Like for my blood test at The Countess yesterday.

The bike isn’t yellow, but my top is eye hurting fluorescent yellow. So, anytime you see a blinding flash followed by speed cameras going off – you know I’m out and about!!!

I need to get our little trampet out. That’s ‘trampet‘ with an “a” to jump up and down on – not ‘trumpet‘ with a “u” to annoy the hell out the neighbours with. Maybe that’s not how you spell trampet?

Having had a telephone rheumatology appointment last week and being told to exercise as much as possible, the trampet is coming out. As is the Wii board to accompany the Wii Tennis game already plugged in.

A word of warning if you are thinking of playing Wii tennis. Be careful, the Wii computer game cheats. My backhand down the line at 2-2, matchpoint against me in a best of five the other day was in. It was well in!!! Cheats!!!

So yes, a bit of exercise in the house and in the back garden is on the list.

Worth a separate mention is Joe Wicks The Body Coach fitness videos. I’ve written an article on Joe Wicks training programmes HERE. Take a look, plenty of exercise videos for all age groups and people of all fitness levels.

Things To Do During Lockdown – Talking Of Trumpets

I’ve always fancied learning how to play a musical instrument. But I never got around to it. I won’t even do so now either during this lockdown truth be known. But if anyone has had the urge themselves. Then why not give it a go.

You will find plenty of YouTube videos setting you off on the road to becoming the next Bobby Crush (who?) or Jimmy Page. Now there is a guitarist.

Which brings me on to…..

Things To Do During Lockdown – And There’s More

Talking of Jimmy Page….and all other artists for that matter. I really should sort out my vinyls and CD’s into some sort of order. And make out an index.

And listen to music of course.

The same goes with my football memorabilia. Footie programmes, magazines, photos, match day covers and fanzines aplenty. They need well sorting.

Checking my email inbox, maybe now’s the time to check out new energy supplies. A review is overdue.

I have quite a few undeveloped domains. Maybe now’s the time to build a new Chester Lifestyle!!!!

Build a new website and stick it on Flippa. Killing two birds with one stone. Working and doing something of interest at the same time.

Want something amusing to listen to? Then why not have a listen to my “Hold Your Plums” clips in this article HERE.

You can do quizzes and puzzles. There are plenty online on Social Media and such like. Any old newspapers lying around? Plenty in there. Oh by the way, talking of quizzes, my answer is still 97 John!!!

Things To Do During Lockdown – Learn A New Skill

I mentioned about learning to play a musical instrument above. And I mentioned about how I thought I could get a screwdriver to work as a drill. That’s no mean feat!!!

But there are so many other skills you can learn. I was talking to a pal of mine yesterday who’s a singer/songwriter in a band. “What about writing a song along the lines of…….” I said to him to reflect the current situation.

“Hmmm, I’ll give that a ponder” he mused. So, that’s set him thinking.

Maybe a bit out of my league but there are other new skill areas you can consider.

An organisation called Udemy provide online training courses. During these difficult times they are offering a series of free online training courses to have a look at. You can see what they have on offer HERE.

Who knows, you may learn a new skill that turns out to be an income opportunity further down the line. Again, two birds with one stone.

One thing I wasn’t aware of until today was yesterday’s Chester Zoo Virtual Tour. I’d have liked to have seen that. I missed last week’s as well. I will be keeping an eye out for the next one though.

And If All Else Fails…….

Quite a few things to ponder above methinks. And all from the comfort of your own home. Well, apart from me cycling to The Countess that is. Needs must and all that though.

But if technology dictates that some of the things to do during lockdown are not possible then you can always fall back on reading books, sorting out the loft, or the garden and so on.

Or, if all else fails, you can always do what comes naturally to so many people. And that is the art of conversation. Or a combination of conversation, texts, WhatsApp and so on.

Things To Do During Lockdown-Go On Make Someone Happy With A Phone Call

I stay in touch with a fair few people during ‘normal’ times anyway. But in the last couple of weeks I’ve taken the opportunity to phone or message some of those in my phone book that I haven’t spoken to, or messaged for some time.

Old work colleagues, ex neighbours and some old drinking and sports buddies I haven’t seen for some time. And do you know what, it was great to hear them again. And it was great to see what they are now up to and to spend some time reminiscing some of the good times shared.

Go ahead, why don’t you try it. A simple but enjoyable thing to do.

Anyway…….I’ve waffled enough haven’t I.

Plenty of things to do during lockdown. Go and do them. Tackle that one thing you always wanted to do but never had time to do so previously.

But importantly stay at home folks to do these things. And above all stay safe.

Chester Lifestyle Blog Posts

A long-ish latest Chester Lifestyle blog post. Thanks for reading and hopefully it has given you some food for thought. For all my other blog posts on a variety of subjects, have a look at this link HERE.

This staying at work malarkey is very bearable when you put your mind to it. Why, you can even do all your shopping online from the comfort of your own home if you wanted to. Not only essentials shopping but treating yourself and your friends and family as well to give you a bit of a lift. Which reminds me…….