UK citizens take up new hobbies to cope with the lockdown and isolation

With the UK lockdown having already lasted for almost two months, people have started many new hobbies to cope and maintain their mental health.

Chris Morris Twitch Streaming “Pilgrims”, he uses twitch streaming as a way to stay social and connected to other people and of coping with the boredom of isolation.

Chris Morris, 30

“I think I’ve been feeling a bit claustrophobic, so I try and get out for an hour every day, I try and do at least [a] one hour walk. It’s just weird not having people around, I guess. It feels like we’re in some sort of post-apocalyptic era similar to something like 28 Days Later,” says Chris Morris, a Software Engineer.

“There’s been a[n] adjustment period for sure but now I’m past the initial hump, now we’re a month, two months into the Coronavirus epidemic I think I’m starting to get used to this new way of living now.”

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“I think the most important think for mental health or wellbeing during this time of isolation is just to get out and go for a walk every day to be honest with you. I think just getting fresh air makes a big difference, getting some sunlight.”

Gustav Thunberg, 23

“Creating miniatures of places, people and such on plays a big role in a lot of heritage sites in Sweden,” says Gustav Thunberg, a student from Sweden studying for a Masters Degree in History and heritage.

He has taken to painting Warhammer 40,000 figurines to help deal with the boredom. As well as this, he is considering expanding this to 3D printing.

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Model Bases

Model Showcase

Jack Ford, 22

“I’m dealing with [the lockdown] quite well, I don’t have work, I can’t get to work because I’m a tree surgeon and I can’t work at the moment because of the lockdown so that is frustrating,” says tree surgeon Jack ford.

“But I’ve been, it’s been alright, it’s been odd but I’ve had enough stuff to do to keep myself entertained really,” He has taken up many new hobbies to help cope with the boredom and keep himself busy.

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“For me it’s been nice, I live just behind the hospital. It’s been nice having people do the clap for the NHS stuff and generally I think it’s been nice when I do go outside seeing everyone follow the guidelines just makes it a bit, makes it quite a lot easier to do yourself, when you see everyone else doing it.”

Aled Davies, 24

“[The lockdown is] fine, you know, I’m surviving. Its not having too much of a negative effect on me. I’m still managing to socialise with my friends through Discord and online meetings and stuff like that,” says PhD Orbital Assembly and Manufacturing student Aled Davies.

“In fact its strange I’ve kind of reconnected with some old friends that I haven’t spoken to in years.”

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While some people have been managing to learn something new during the lockdown, others have struggled with this.

“I’ve been doing [things] like doing some more cooking and playing old PC games that I ain’t played in years to pass the time, ” says JD employee, Jon-Marc Vukelic.

While some people may find it harder to pick up new hobbies while under the lockdown, these examples show that there are still many new activities you can do even while isolated and these can greatly benefit your mental health.