Advice for getting the most out of the unique opportunity a lockdown presents.

1) Workout: Exercise is more important now than ever. Whether it is a 20-minute workout indoors or a 2-hour bike ride, it is important that we stay physically active. Not only does exercise boost your mental health, it also provides a welcome distraction to the monotony of life under lockdown. Make sure that you make the most of your one piece of outdoor exercise a day, but ensure that you are following Public Health England guidelines by staying 2 metres away from others. I would recommend Joe Wick’s workout at 9am every weekday, especially for younger kids.

2) Routine: It is important for your mental health that you maintain an ordered routine. Instead of listlessly wandering through the day, you should aim to be as productive as possible. It helps to have a goal that you want to be reached by the end of the day. Without a routine, 12 weeks of lockdown can seem like a very long time. Make the most of this lockdown because this will likely be the only time in your life when you have no other commitments.

3) Netflix: There isn’t a better way to pass the time than by becoming engrossed in a movie or new TV series. Here are my recommendations for the best films out there.

The King.

The Pianist.

Lost in Translation.

4) Learn a new skill: With all this free time on your hands, you will never have a better opportunity to learn an impressive new skill. Whether it is a new language or a new instrument, working towards a new skill will give you a sense of purpose and fill the long weeks. You should also spend this time pursuing your hobbies. Duolingo is an excellent app for learning new languages and the National Theatre had begun broadcasting its plays for free online.

5) Board Games: Although boardgames have the potential to divide a family like no other activity, they can be a fun way to pass time and play with your family, whom you’ll probably detest by then end of the lockdown. I’d recommend risk and monopoly, although for the latter it is probably wise to have a jug of coffee on the go.

6) Spend time with friends and family (digitally): Another great way to combat loneliness is through digital ‘meet ups. Face timing is quite another thing from texting and snapchatting your friends and actually seeing their faces can add variety to your day. Another great way to keep yourself entertained is to set up a quiz with your extended family and play it live on zoom, which is free and great for talking to multiple people.

7) Read: Although some of you may scorn at this last point, if you don’t love reading then you simply haven’t found the right books. Whilst there are many great reading lists out there, it is really up to you what you want to read. I would recommend: Catcher in the Rye.

The Spy Who Came in From the Cold.

Brazzaville Beach.

The Book Thief.

Neither Here nor There.

8) Switch off from the real world: Finally, it is important that you turn off the news every now and there, because the constant bombardment off dire news can have an adverse effect on your mental health.

By Alec Hodgson, Wilson's school.