13 May 2020

Hell yeah, can I get a TGIF!?

Well for the past eight weeks (not like I’m counting or anything), that’s what I wish I was saying on Friday nights. But alas, here we are. Stuck indoors for another weekend.

Thankfully, restrictions are slowly being lifted across States. For most of us, we’re allowed to venture out for a dine-in feed, go to outside gyms and see more than just one friend this weekend.

Let me tell you, it sure was getting awkward catching two of your mates on Snap Map together but realising the reason why they didn’t invite you was because of, you know, the law.

But still a lot of our time has been spent in our homes- whether that’s remotely learning about Pythagoras in your loungeroom or committing to the 9-5 grind in your bedroom (woah, get your mind out of the gutter). By the time the weekend rolls around, it can be hard to read between the lines of work life, home life and relaxation when it all blends into one.

So, lo’ and behold a few ways I found helpful in unwinding after a long week in isolation.

1. Zoom art parties

Trivia, UNO, Poker… been there, done that. C’mon, it gets dry after eight weeks! But Zoom isn’t limited to just hosting trivia nights. Take it upon yourself to gather your mates and organise an artsy night on Zoom. I’m talking Art Attack arty (heaps old show, way older than me tbh it’s just engrained into my psyche for some reason).

My mates and I have done a Paint ‘n’ Sip night but with a twist. We had three categories:

  • Who we’re painting (have to be people that are participating in Paint ‘n’ Sip)
  • Celebrity (think obscure, like Kevin Rudd)
  • Event (go nuts)

We all submitted one answer for each category and put them in three hats to draw out of randomly. One at a time, we pulled from each hat and that was what the person had to paint. You can make this as wild as you want- I’d love to share what I had to create but unfortunately, it’s not PG.

Guaranteed for a laugh.

2. Arvo walks and runs

I’d suggest early morning walks and runs, but only psychopaths get up at the crack of dawn during Autumn/Winter. There’s just something about the warm rays of the afternoon sun hitting your skin. It’s wholesome as, I just can’t elaborate.

Guaranteed for a wholesome, warm feeling to help you relax and renew.

3. Rearrange your room

Okay this sounds counterintuitive because sometimes rearranging your room can be an absolute nightmare. But boy oh boy, it’s worth it for the sake of changing scenery.

I got sick of sitting in the same spot for eight weeks, so last weekend I took it upon myself to give my room the makeover it deserved. We’re talking new bed position, sheets, plans from FlowerPower, reorganising my vinyl, sparking incense – the works, baby. It certainly passed the time and helped me relax not only for the weekend, but the week ahead just because it was fresh and exciting.

Guaranteed to rejuvenate your motivation.

4. Treat yo self

There’s nothing like unwinding than indulging, am I right!? Whether it’s retail therapy, eating absolute junk or having a bit too many bevs – treat your goddamn self.

For me, it’s online shopping atm. If I don’t have a package coming, I feel like my will to live disappears. So, I just order another package. Is it unhealthy? Absolutely. Is it my life though? Absolutely.

Guaranteed to fuel your will to live once more.

5. See your mates face-to-face

As I mentioned earlier, chances are your State will now allow you to see some of your mates – maximum five. Man, it would suck to be the sixth mate.

Jokes aside, actually organise to hang out with your mates. If you can’t have em’ over (which is completely understandable, btw), go for walks around the block together and just talk. Relish in the noise pollution from your mates’ terrible stories or insufferable gossip. It’s certainly something we took for granted, but never again. Just keep your distance - you know the drill.

Guaranteed to put a smile on your dial at the end of a long week… in isolation.