What can I do in Lockdown II?

Well, here we are again. We’ve got a long list of what we can’t do and a pretty short list of what we can do. It’s frustrating, it’s confusing… let’s not pretend - it’s pretty rubbish.

But, without sounding like the townspeople in Hot Fuzz, it is for the greater good. By that we mean keeping people safe as the number of cases rise. We also want you to have a great time at Uni, and actually learn a thing or two along the way.

So, what can we get up to now we’re in Lockdown II: Electric boogaloo?

Continue your hobbies

Many people during the first lockdown took the chance to pick up a new skill or hobby, like cross stitch, or learning a new language, and as things returned to some semblance of normality, these hobbies were left at the wayside. This is a great time to pick them up again and continue to build your skills and keep you occupied. You could try making some Christmas presents for people, or simply just do it for yourself.

Try something new

If you didn’t get the chance the first time round, now is a great opportunity to try your hand at something new.
Here’s a list at a few things you can try: 
Learn to crochet 
Learn BSL  
Paint  
Learn a new skill for your favourite sport
Become a plant parent

Read that book you’ve been meaning to read

I bet you have a book on your bedside table - maybe one you started in the first lockdown, maybe one you bought but never opened… there may be many reasons why you haven’t finished it, but now is the perfect time to. Set yourself the goal to finish it before the end of Lockdown.

Exercise

It’s one of the few things on the list that we are allowed to do. And even though it is getting rapidly chillier outside, we should take advantage of the brisk sea air. Portsmouth has some spectacular views, and a nice walk along the seafront definitely counts as exercise.
Here are some of our favourite places to walk to: 
Old Portsmouth/ Hot Walls 
Clarence Parade Pier 
South Parade Pier 
Canoe Lake 
Southsea Rose Gardens 

Watch a Christmas Movie

It might be a little too early for some people, but there is no doubt that a soppy romance, or a snow covered tree is enough to bring you some holiday cheer. Not in the mood? The Grinch wasn’t either…  

Speaking of Christmas…

Christmas Shopping

It’ll come round quicker than you think! But instead of heading straight for that next-day delivery, why not check out some small and local business and the things that they have to offer. Many people are being affected by the Lockdown, and small businesses are one of them. Try shopping small this year and look for some gems for those special someones. And hey, check out your Totum card too for discounts! 

Try a new recipe

Let's leave the banana bread back in Lockdown I, shall we?

Scones are surprisingly easy, slap a bit of jam on it and it’s the best thing ever. Or try something more festive - gingerbread, hot chocolate, Christmas cookies. Try something everyone can get involved in, and make it a group activity (with your bubble of course).

Reach Out

If you are alone or isolating, it can feel really lonely. But you don’t have to be alone. Your mental health and wellbeing is always one of our top priorities. Check out the support available at the University and the Union.

Get through this

You don’t need to ‘thrive’ or remake yourself during this time. Getting through it is enough. You don’t need to start a side hustle, start a new hobby or become a fitness bunny if you don’t want to. It is tough and overwhelming being in this situation, especially with Uni work still to do and deadlines coming up. So if you spend Lockdown II just getting by - THAT’S OKAY. Sometimes that’s all we can do.

We're still here for you if you need us.