Create and thrive in lockdown
Sydney is in a long lockdown. Other cities may have a lockdown at some time. It is not easy. But there is an up side. Let's see an opportunity in this phase of the pandemic. Turn lemons into lemonade. Create something new. Practice self-care. Do what you need to feel better.
Yes, the work-from-home requirements and the family juggle can take our time. Isolation is difficult for us all. But if you have a bit of time and energy in the day, now is the time to transform that potential into something abundant.
Self publishing online
Share your own content in a meaningful way. This could become a hobby or source of income. Don't put any stressful pressure on your creativity. Make action and let it happen organically.
Film yourself and your life
Be on Youtube. Why not? Maybe sit down and talk about a topic that matters to you. Show your groceries. People might want ideas for what they could buy. Film your garden if you have one. Be real. Be anything.
Record a podcast
Got something to say? Get your voice heard in a podcast. People might have more time to listen right now. Zoom with someone who is knowledgeable and interesting. Get chatty if you want to.
Write on a blog
Write about anything you know. Narrow it down to a niche. Did you bake the best sourdough last year? Write about it. Did you successfully learn to cut your own hair when the hairdressers were closed? Write about it. Share the knowledge you recently discovered. It could be from fascinating research. Or some expertise you knew for years. An old hobby. Anything.
Entertaining
The world needs more entertainment however possible in these stressful times. You could help people to relax or even laugh. Maybe elevate hope.
You don't have to be a pro. If you are, that's great. Try performing for anyone who would appreciate your style. Virtually gather a few friends together. Or attract hundreds of people (at the socially distanced computer screen of course). These are difficult times for anyone who prefers to be around lots of people. Make the most of the situation. Do it your way, however you can.
Play a musical instrument in spare time. Image: Pixabay creative commons, filtered.
Play a musical instrument
Are you already skilled or talented at performing music? Even as a basic hobby or more? Set up a Facebook Live event. Maybe register to host sessions on Insight Timer or similar. Or create an exclusive Zoom performance. Bring people together.
Humanity can connect through shared experiences of music, wherever we are. Music can express feelings beyond words. It can be soothing and reassuring.
If you don't know how to play a musical instrument? This could be a good time to learn. It could provide a feeling of achievement at every step of the learning journey. There might be a spare hour or two in the day. Look online for cheap deals on second hand musical instruments. That is the most sustainable option I can think of. Find online demonstrations or lessons to learn some basics.
Music can be a therapy for healing. See if you could learn how to create therapeutic music. I don't know if the socially distanced phase is a barrier for genuine mastery of this skill.
Visual art for therapy and expression
I'll be honest. I don't perceive myself to be a visually artistic person. I enjoy graphics on the computer. But not in some kind of revolutionary way. And I have rarely picked up a paint brush and felt confident. However, in times of great change and uncertainty, I am open to something different. This idea is not about me anyway. It's an option for those who feel comfortable as creators of visual art of any sort.
If you already feel confident about your creations, try making more and selling things online. Sell photographs, handmade accessories, anything. It could be a side hustle if that's what you want.
Get crafty
Make something you need. Or anything. Customise old furniture. Make DIY activities for the kids. Create decorations to cheer up the home. Visit a crafts store (online if necessary) and get inspired. Reuse existing materials like packing paper from parcels. Do some crafts in a sustainable joyful way. Make anything.
Experiment in the kitchen
Cooking can be a form of creativity. Try new combinations of foods. Learn to bake. Or if you love baking, decorate the treats in new ways. Involve the whole family or fly solo in the kitchen. Share pictures of your delicious delights on social media. Or simply enjoy the result of your hard work in the quietness of the home.
The best attitude when creating
Remember to have fun in the process of any creation. It should be a positive rewarding experience. Not always easy. But worth the effort. Creativity is not about perfection. Make something. Because you can. A vulnerable real process could be freeing in these challenging times. Express your feelings. Share your views. Be yourself. Make anything.
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