Our team reveals what’s keeping them entertained during lockdown; talking on everything from what they’re currently watching, reading, listening to and the type of exercise they’re doing and even sharing tips to help you get the most out of your isolation period.
KATIE’S LOCKDOWN
Screen
The Tiger King – a completely crazy series about Zoo’s and the possession of exotic animal in the US. So addictive! Suits is also a current favourite and with 9 seasons it may be a good time to start!
Books
Current read – Eddie Jones autobiography, not my usual choice but quite a fascinating insight to professional rugby coaching.
Podcast
Table manners with Jessie Ware – not yet started but has been highly recommended. I feel like more people will be getting into cooking in the next few weeks so may be a good time to give this one a listen.
Exercise
A mixture of garden workouts with weights and running. Isolation has made me fall in love with running again and remember how enjoyable a countryside run with a great playlist is!
Isolation Tip
Routine is key! Schedule your days and set little goals – it helps to stop each day dragging and just wishing time away. It may be hard to not do the usual things you love, but don’t forget to appreciate the things you can do!
CHRIS’S LOCKDOWN
Screen
Game of Thrones – having managed to avoid 90% of spoilers thus far, me and Sophie are working our way through all 8 seasons. The Stranger, a psychological British drama on Netflix has also kept us gripped. And for me personally the documentary of the rise of Pixar on Disney+ is a must watch!
Books
Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King: A really light read about how to turn negative emotions into positive ones. This was brought for me by a good friend last year and with the current time we’re in it seemed a good time to revisit it.
I’ve also just started the audiobook, Shoe Dog about the founder of Nike.
Podcast
That Peter Crouch Podcast: a comical listen for football and non football fans alike. I’ve been listening through this one to break up monotony of painting the garden fence.
Exercise
A mix of home mobility and kettlebell exercises to keep moving as well as daily dog walks and chasing after a toddler on his bike!
Isolation Tip
Set projects: these don’t have to be lengthy but have something that you can set your mind to, start and complete to give you a sense of achievement and some purpose to the day. We’ve been given the gift of spare time, let’s use it wisely.
SOPHIE’S LOCKDOWN
Screen
Love is blind: I’m a sucker for trashy reality tv, this terrible America marriage show on Netflix is my recent fix. I’m also in the routine of a nightly glass of wine and Game of Thrones.
Books
The book you wish your parents had read by Philippa Perry: with a boisterous 3yo this funny and practical book on parenting is proving useful as well as entertaining.
Podcast
Sh**ged, Married, Annoyed: comedian Chris Ramsey and his wife Rosie’s comical talks on life, relationships, arguing, annoyances, parenting and more. Great to have playing in the background whilst cooking.
Exercise
Video based HITT sessions are helping me stay both active and sane in place of the gym! They’re also a welcome 30mins a day ‘me time’.
Isolation Tip
Stay connected: it’s very easy to feel ‘distanced’ at this time but I’ve been regularly having video calls through Houseparty with friends and FaceTime with family makes us all feel together and allows us to check in on each other too.
ELLY’S LOCKDOWN
Screen
Save me too (Sky Atlantic/Now TV) recommended to me by Katie – not an easy watch but a gripping thriller by the makers of Line of duty. On a lighter note, Jack Whitehall:Travels with my Father (Netflix) is a really funny watch.
Book
Nobody Tells You: 101 truths about pregnancy, birth and parenthood by Becca Maberly. Even as a first time mum, I’m very aware that babies never follow the textbooks you usually read. This book is full of hilarious stories that aren’t found in your conventional parenting books!
If you’re into crime, Unnatural Causes by Richard Shepherd, a leading forensic pathologist, tells all about some of his most interesting and famous cases.
Podcast
Stacey Solomons podcast “Here we go again” is a really honest account of having a newborn – funny, heart wrenching at times and full of really useful tips and support available to new mums.
Exercise
With an ever growing bump and lots of time, I’ve been taking my cockapoo Teddy on lots of long walks in the sunshine during the daytime and using my evenings for some yoga, stretching and strengthening to help my achey back and hips!
Isolation Tip
Don’t feel pressured to be productive everyday – use this time to unwind too. I started off isolation with a very long to do list and faced with the worlds longest maternity leave before the baby even arrives. Yes we’ve got some jobs done, but also I haven’t felt bad about spending a day watching netflix, doing a jigsaw, or enjoying the sunshine and peace and quiet, because come July I’m not going to have that luxury!
If you’d like to share what you have been keeping yourself entertained with and would like to share some recommendations with us then please feel free to get in touch.
