7 Activities To Do At Home On Your Own

A window with cream curtains.

During this uncertain time of lockdown, some of us may find ourselves at a loose end when spending so much time at home. If you live on your own, it can feel daunting knowing that there is a limit on how and who you can currently spend your time with outside your home.

Here at Essential Mobility, it is our mission to keep people moving with the world. Whether it be out and about in one of our TGA mobility scooters or at home safely looking for advice to support your wellbeing, we are here for you!

We know that this blog is far from a solution, and things can still feel difficult given current circumstances. However, we hope our list of fun activities will be something for you to refer back to and bring you some joy over the next few weeks!

The Importance of a Routine

Let’s begin with why maintaining some form of routine is hugely beneficial for you.

Ensuring you have some steady schedule of when you wake up and go to bed each day can work wonders for your body clock.

Try to make sure you schedule regular times to eat throughout the day, keep on top of any admin duties that may need to be completed throughout the week and of course, dedicate time for fun!

A cup of tea and slice of chocolate cake.

Have Afternoon Tea With a Friend

Make your usual cup of tea a little more special!

Firstly, arrange a suitable time to video call a friend or a loved one and enjoy a lovely afternoon tea together!

Treat yourself to a delicious sweet treat such as a yummy cake and make a cup of tea in your best crockery.

If it’s sunny and your internet works outside, why not take it even one step further and sit in your garden! Bring Tea By the Taw to your own home!

As you may already know, if you have a Facebook account, you can use messenger to video call your friends and family, as well as other methods such as Skype and FaceTime too.

Watch a Live Video

If you have access to the internet, there are many live stream videos happening across the world at the moment.

From live concerts to sneak peeks of zoos, and tours of national parks to the browsing of art galleries, there are so many incredible experiences you can immerse yourself in all from the comfort of your own living room!

Similar to the afternoon tea idea, a why not organise a ‘trip’ to the theatre with a friend? Many theatre companies are streaming some of their most loved theatre shows on YouTube for us all to enjoy, including The National Theatre.

Make sure to have a glass of wine for you to sip while you watch with your friend over a video call!

A microphone with a computer in the background.

Listen to Some Podcasts

If you like the radio, you may be interested in exploring the world of podcasts.

Podcasts are usually pre-recorded audio shows, and you can find them on sites including Spotify, BBC Sounds and iTunes. There are a whole host of podcasts out there that cover a variety of topics. Some are informative, some are humouring, and some offer advice! So there is something for all interests and moods.

Think about something you would like to know more about and search for a subject or try and find something that makes you laugh. Podcasts are a great way to keep you up to date and connected with the rest of the world.

Organise Your Happy Memories

No doubt, you have plenty of photos throughout your house. Why not collect them and organise them by smartening up your photo albums. It is a lovely way to spend some time reminiscing while being productive. You could even write on the back of them who is in the picture, where it was taken and the year if you can remember.

A sketch pad and some paints on a wooden table.

Find Some Old Creative Hobbies

When was the last time you picked up your paints to create a beautiful landscape? Or perhaps baking, woodcraft, puzzles, crochet, knitting, or needlework used to be a peaceful and creative hobby you used to enjoy?

Whatever it may be, why not revisit it? Furthermore, maybe you would like to brighten your home? What kind of artwork could you create? Or cushion covers you could sew? Perhaps there is something you would like to make ready to give to a friend or loved one the next time you see them? It’s time to start creating!

Or Try a New One

Or maybe you would like to try something entirely from scratch! Why not set up a little challenge for you to try to accomplish by the end of the month, or whatever time frame would be suitable, in whatever activity you would like to give a go!

If you are unsure of how to order something to complete your new hobby, you could perhaps ask a friend or family member to order it for you and deliver to your door.

Don’t Forget To Do Some Gentle Exercises

Keep on top of any small exercises that you have been recommended to do! Short exercises are so important in keeping muscles and joints functioning. Try to give them time for completion each day and schedule them into your routine, so you don’t forget.

Do you have any fun activities that you would like to recommend? Why not let us know on our social media channels? We would love to hear about them, and so would our followers! For some inspiration on where to go after lockdown, why not take a look at our top pick of the best wheelchair-friendly attractions in the South-West?

5 Places for a Disabled Activity Break in the UK

If you require a fun getaway and want to experience some new activities, treating yourself to an adventure break may be the ideal holiday for you. As providers of high-quality mobility scooters in North Devon, we know how important it is to have the accessibility to an adventure! Here at Essential Mobility, we have selected a variety of accessible sites across the country which are specifically aimed to offer activity holidays for those who have disabilities. If you would like some handy tips on travel, take a look at our blog on Travel Advice for the Disabled.

Exmoor pony in a field.

The Calvert Trust

The Calvert Trust is an exceptional charity who specialise in providing accessible, adventure holidays for everyone to enjoy. There are three centres in total, and these are situated across England in Exmoor, Kielder and the Lake District. The accessible sites each offer a range of activities specialised to each centre and include experiences such as abseiling, kayaking, cycling and horse riding. Here at Essential Mobility, we are proud to know that Calvert Trust Exmoor is located not far from our Barnstaple store. Located close to the stunning North Devon coastline, a more recent addition to the list of activities, Calvert Trust Exmoor now provides one to one surfing lessons which make for an exciting adventure break!

Swans grazing at the edge of water.

CanalAbility

This award-winning charity offers exciting activity breaks for those who would like to experience life on a canal. They host adapted canal boats which can be used by those who have disabilities or special needs. The canal breaks can be enjoyed as a full day out or as a weekend getaway. Situated in Essex, the charity offers journeys through the beautiful countryside belonging to Essex and Hertfordshire along the River Stort and Lee. Adventure trips allow you to steer the canal boat and you can try your hand at managing the locks. Longer breaks will enable you to experience the city of London through the Grand Union Canal. Fully equipped to meet requirements necessary for passengers, the boats are fully centrally heated to deliver fantastic adventures all year round.

East Soar Outdoor Experience

This accessible site can be found in South Devon, nestled amongst a charming National Trust farm, close to the well sought after coastal town of Salcombe. It is home to a variety of activities which offer the opportunity to team build. Whether you would like to make the most of the stunning nearby beaches, have a go at bushcraft, test yourself with problem-solving challenges or cook up a feast with outdoor cooking, there are plenty of options to choose. It is mainly aimed to provide outdoor activities for children with educational needs but can also be accessed by mainstream groups. The accessible site stretches across seven and a half acres of glorious countryside and farmland.

Close up on the deck of a white yacht.

The Nancy Oldfield Trust

Their motto is ‘making adventure possible’, with a stunning site located in the idyllic village of Neatishead on Barton Broad, at The Nancy Oldfield Trust, you will want to indulge in the all the water activities offered here. The site specialises in water based activities including sailing, canoeing and motorboat trips. The motorboat trips soar across the Barton Broad, offering a sense of tranquillity amongst the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the area. Available for holidays over a week or a couple of days, this accessible site is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Woodlands Adventure

Located in the West Midlands, Woodlands Adventure is geared to bringing groups of people together through fun and life-enhancing activities. Whether you belong to a university social group, want to organise a school trip or require a bonding experience for work purposes, this adventure break is the perfect place to make memories and try new experiences. On hand to ensure any necessary requirements are met, Woodlands Adventure is equipped with hoist and slide boards to ensure all guests can have a go at a desired activity and staff are fully trained to support all guests. Popular experiences at this accessible site include paddle sports, a climbing wall and abseiling.

Have you experienced a memorable holiday in the UK? Do you have any suggestions for accessible sites in the UK? We would love to hear about them! Share your experiences with us via our social media channels- we look forward to hearing from you.