9 ways to make your home more isolation-friendly during lockdown

Avoid feeling imprisoned by transforming your living space into a welcoming refuge during lockdown.

Home is traditionally where the heart is, but it’s easy to fall out of love when faced with the same four walls 24 hours a day.

Suffering bouts of loneliness, boredom and fatigue is inevitable during lockdown, but there are ways to make our abodes feel more accommodating and inviting during these tricky times.

Whether you’re craving company or seeking distraction, here are some tips for making homes a place of heaven rather than hell.

1. Surround yourself with familiar faces

Loneliness is one of the biggest potential dangers of lockdown, especially for those isolating alone. It would be impossible to spend all day on Zoom or Houseparty, but pin up pictures of friends and family around the home as a reminder that you’re never alone.

2. Make some noise

Silence is golden but it can also create a black hole; for anyone who thrives on constant chatter, it’s maddening. Leave a TV, radio or podcast running for the soothing hum of conversation. If words are too distracting, tune into sounds of the bush with a safari webcam. Explore.org has a series of cameras set up across Africa.

Check out our top Liverpool podcasts here.

3. Join a silent Zoom group

Invented as a way to avoid procrastination, these virtual gatherings are ideal for people who want to work, write or read a book in the company of others – without saying a word. Focusmate.com can link you up with like-minded silent socialisers. Think of it like being in a library, but online.

Liverpool never stops amazing us, even 42 days into lockdown. There is still so much good shining through. ☀️Well in to @AintreeGin, @KnowsleySafari & Beechside Care Home. Keep in touch and get more info on our site https://t.co/xZDVN6S3RO.
Hope you are doing ok.
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— The Guide Liverpool (@TheGuideLpool) May 4, 2020

4. Let there be (natural) light

Clear away clutter to create space below windows, where you can throw a cushion or position a chair. If you don’t own an outdoor space, it’s especially important to top up on Vitamin D. Remember to open the latch and let in air – with less traffic on the roads it’s surprisingly fresh.

5. Set a daily routine

Hours and days can easily slip into one another when there’s no need to leave the house. Create a clear distinction between work and play by timetabling the day (particularly at weekends): do household chores in the morning, learn a new skill in the afternoon and save boxset bingeing, chocolate scoffing and any other ‘treats’ for after 6pm.

6. Separate work and play

If you’re working from home, it’s important to clearly demarcate a desk space. Ideally a spare room or a screened-off corner of the living room should be used as a study. Bedrooms, however, are completely off-limits; these should be kept as stress-free sanctuaries. Balancing a laptop on pillows is bad for your back, while slumping over a screen will inevitably disrupt sleep.

7. Go on a virtual adventure

Travel is all about enjoying new experiences, and waylaid operators have responded to the holiday hiatus by launching a series of vicarious getaways. Go on a South African safari game drive with &Beyond; explore the Faroe Islands in real time with a local at remote-tourism.com; or join G Adventures on one of their new virtual walking tours (visit their blog for updates.)

8. Create a book trail

Leave favourite novels, magazines or photo books strategically placed in different corners of the house as little lifts for those moments when you’re feeling really down. More than ever, this is a time when distractions can be indulged, providing a way to momentarily disconnect from the ‘real’ world.

Check out these 8 Liverpool authors whose books are perfect for lockdown.

9. Scatter bird seed on sills

Human visitors may be banned in lockdown, but that doesn’t mean feathered friends can’t fly by. Entice birds to the windowsill with the lure of food. Boxwild (boxwild.com) is currently offering a Thinking Of You Box with a feeder and two seed blends appropriate for the spring season for £20 including free delivery.

Get in touch with The Guide Liverpool through isolation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or email info@theguideliverpool.com. If you have a positive story to share, a business or local hero that needs a shout out, or a message of support for our NHS.