Our favourite activities for you to try in isolation

During times of isolation, we are aware that people are not only feeling frustrated or bored, but they may also be struggling with their mental health.

As social beings, we are not used to, nor do most of us enjoy, too much time alone; away from nature, away from other humans, away from our day-to-day routines. It’s tough. That’s why we wanted to ask our Trust staff what they have been getting up to during isolation and periods of working from home, and how they’re filling their time with the activities they enjoy.

We hope that this provides some inspiration during these times. It’s important to keep your mind occupied and stay connected to the ones you love during this time. We'll be adding new recommendations from time to time, so please do check back to see if there's anything new! 

 

Rachel Kirby, Marketing and Communications Manager

Do you have any interesting hobbies? Perhaps one which others might like to try?

Yoga is my favourite way to keep fit and relax but I'm going to use this time to get back into cross stitch!

If you could recommend one book, what would it be?

I love to revisit old classics from my childhood. Secret Garden and Little Women are my favourites. 

What is your favourite film or tv show? 

Clueless - it's a classic! 

Have you listened to any inspiring podcasts recently, which you think other people would also enjoy?

Happy Place by Fearne Cotton.

Table Manners by Jessie Ware.

Any other comments you might like to add?

I find sticking to a routine really helps me find structure when I am working from home and finding one thing a day that will give me joy - whether it's baking cookies or listening to spice girls and dancing in my kitchen! 

 

Sharon Nobbs, Senior Voluntary Service Admin

Do you have any interesting hobbies? Perhaps one which others might like to try?

I play and teach piano and voice. YouTube has some great karaoke tracks – a great way to pass a few hours and annoy the neighbours!

What is your favourite film or tv show?

Favourite film is anything by Stephen King! Love horror films like: IT, The Shining and modern ones like The Conjuring and The Nun. I do have a dark film love which my partner doesn’t know…I have a secret DVD copy of Dirty Dancing!

Any other comments you might like to add?

Time at home is time to be creative. I can make a bench (origami-style) out of a takeaway menu and can make a chicken out of a tea-towel, haha. Lots of fun to be had with being creative…I would love to challenge people to post pictures of their homemade creations!

 

Amanda Croft, SMASH Practitioner

Do you have any interesting hobbies? Perhaps one which others might like to try?

Colouring in! Baking! Clearing out my cupboards!

What is your favourite film or tv show?

The INBETWEENERS box set is great – sometimes inappropriate but a good laugh.

Any other comments you might like to add?

Don’t be so hard on yourself – we are all doing what we can at this difficult time. Take regular breaks and get some sunshine on your face whilst it’s here!

 

Kerry Hampson, Employee Engagement Coordinator

Do you have any interesting hobbies? Perhaps one which others might like to try?

I really enjoy going to the gym – sadly the circumstances mean I cannot go, so I have been trying to make the most of daily exercise by going for a run or walk.

If you could recommend one book, what would it be? And why?

I’m currently reading James Smith - Not a Diet. He talks about the importance of nutrition and fitness, without all the nonsense!

Have you listened to any inspiring podcasts recently, which you think other people would also enjoy?

Last week I enjoyed listening to Elizabeth Day’s 'How to Fail'.  

 

Loren Hakeney, PR Officer

Do you have any interesting hobbies? Perhaps one which others might like to try?

I love to cook and experiment with ingredients. I speak Dutch as a second language so every now and again I like to sit down and learn some new words or phrases and my current favourite way to get my body moving is Pilates!

If you could recommend one book, what would it be?

I read a lot, so I always find this question really difficult. Some great books I have read recently include The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, The Confession by Jessie Burton and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. They’re all beautifully written!

What is your favourite film or tv show? 

I have a lot of favourite shows too - I guess I’m just indecisive, haha! I would say, at times like these, there’s nothing better than funny, feel-good shows like Friends or New Girl.

Any other comments you might like to add?

I think sometimes it’s good to remind yourself that you are not the only one finding this period extremely difficult and that it’s ok to feel whatever you may be feeling. Try your best to write one thing that you are grateful for and one thing you enjoyed today, this can help you focus on the positives – no matter how big or small – even when things seem a little dark.

Oh, and video call your friends and family, it really helps.

 

Katy Marshall, Organisational Development Specialist

Do you have any interesting hobbies? Perhaps one which others might like to try?

Horse riding and learning the piano, I also meditate on a regular basis

If you could recommend one book, what would it be? And why?

The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey

What is your favourite film or tv show?

Killing Eve

Any other comments you might like to add?

One of my favourite things to do is just to stop. To stand still with the sun on my face, my eyes closed and see what I feel. The wind in my hair and on my skin, the warmth of the sun, the sound of birds and the tress rustling.

Even 60 seconds like this eases any tension in my body.

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We hope this information will help you during these uncertain times. However, more information on staying healthy and looking after yourself is available through MIND.