If 2020 taught us anything, it was to be more resourceful when it comes to finding activities to fill our time.
- Watch real-time animal webcams
If you’re looking to see some heartwarming nature from the comfort of your own home, animal livestreams are the answer. With so many to choose from, it is likely you can find one with your favourite animal. You could also support wildlife rehabilitation and conservation work if you choose to donate to some of the charities behind many of the cams!
Here are some of our favourites:
- Barn Owl Cams, North Yorkshire, UK: British wildlife artist and naturalist Robert Fuller has his own barn owl livestream which operates 24/7. His cameras follow his owl residents: Gylfie, Hans, Grete, Howard, Ghost, Finn and Bronte.
- Wildlife Trust’s live wildlife cams: Wildlife Trust’s cams offer you the chance to spot red squirrels, badgers, and more. They allow you to get an up close and personal view of animals without the risk of disturbing them.
- Animals at a watering hole in Kenya: Want a glimpse of animals a bit further from home? This live cam provides the view of a watering hole and river at Mpala Research Centre in Central Kenya.
2. Get in on the abundunce of online events
Whether you want to pick up a new skill, hear from those in your community, or just have fun – there is a virtual event for you. Just search up what you’re interested in or look at popular events on sites like Eventbrite, Ticket source and Facebook events.
Here are some upcoming online events:
- ‘Comedy Crossing’ – The Animal Crossing standup comedy show: This one is for the Animal Crossing fans. Join host Jenny Yang for the world’s first ever Animal Crossing standup comedy show which is held inside the game itself. Donations will be accepted to tip comedians and support Black Lives Matter related causes. Multiple dates from Jan-June 2021.
- Pup painting with Clementina Zegna: Interested in getting crafty? Grab your paints and join Clementina and explore the magical world of watercolours in this class dedicated to man’s best friend – dogs. January 27th 2021.
- Book club with Margaret Atwood: Author of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Margaret Atwood will be revisiting the first novel in her Maddaddam triology for The Guardian’s February book club. Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to hear from one of the most influential voices in contemporary fiction. Feb 11th 2021.
3. Get nostalgic and put together a photo album.
Creating a photo album/scrapbook will help you preserve your most favourite memories and may just brighten your day. It will also be something that you’re thankful of in years to come! You can buy a variety of photo books on sites such as Paperchase, Etsy and WHSmith.
4. Start a fitness challenge
Fitness challenges are a great way to make use of your time in lockdown.
Chloe Ting has a load of free home workout programs Youtube and offers guidance on her website as to which videos you should do each day.
You can join the rest of her followers who have noticed results! Just make sure you don’t push yourself too hard early on.
5. Start a hobby
Hobbies are great because they can offer you a sense of personal achievements and offer you some escapism. Besides this, you could also end up making friends out of your new hobby by sharing your progress on social media with others who are interested in it!
Hobbies don’t get much cuter than amigurmi – the Japanese art of crocheting small characters and creatures. It’s inexpensive and there are patterns online for beginners.
6. Binge watch a TV series
With loads of film streaming sites to choose from, you can’t go wrong with spending some of your spare time watching a TV show.
A great little watch is ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ on Netflix. The period drama set in the 60s follows Beth Harmon – an orphaned chess prodigy on a quest to become the world’s greatest chess player. It has had many raving all over social media.
7. Practice self-care
Take advantage of your spare time by practising self-care. This will encourage you to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself; reducing stress and anxiety. It can also better your relationships with other people.
Here are some ways you can improve your self-care:
- Make time for yourself – make yourself your priority.
- Walk in nature.
- Take a break from social media.
- Go to bed and wake up earlier.
You can read more on self-care here.
