28 Things To Do To Get You Through Montreal’s 28 Day Lockdown

Lockdown can be extremely boring. Even those of us who were able to thrive during the long days that seemed to go on forever may have cursed their situation. Montreal’s new lockdown brings a whole new set of rules which, to most people, seem like the second coming of somber days. Well, don’t worry. We’re happy to help make this new 28 lockdown productive, fun, and relaxing for you and your family!

Here are 28 things to do to get you through Montreal’s 28-day lockdown. Your only worry will be choosing when to do them.

1. Art, art and art

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Long workdays and busy lives keep many of us from creating the art we want to create. Whether it’s painting, sculpting, fashion, creative writing, poetry, or music, these 28 days are the perfect time to make some much-needed, therapeutic, art. Always wanted to try art? Well, this is the best time to get a head-start and pick up a new hobby. It is never too late to become an artist.

2. Watch those movies you’ve been avoiding

Filling our Netflix watch list’s full of films is one thing. Actually watching them all is another. Hectic lives stop many of us from enjoying some movie time. Now, you have 28 days to watch those films you’ve been wanting to. Watching with friends using Netflix party is also a great alternative for those of us who prefer watching with friends. Not sure how to get started, buy a bottle of Chianti and start a watch party of Silence Of The Lambs, the thrilling 90s classic that is too creepy to stream alone!

3. Cooking, baking, and mixology

Cooking is undoubtedly one of the greatest pastimes for everyone. All you need is access to a stove, some utensils, a couple of ingredients, and you’re all set. Cooking or baking with things you already have in your cupboards will help you get rid of ingredients you no longer need and don’t want to waste. It’s time to get rid of these bags of flour, bottles of peppermint extract, and packets of cinnamon.

Perfecting your drink-making skills can also be beneficial for when lockdown is over and you can make your friends some mouthwatering drinks. There is also something therapeutic about using your hands. It keeps you in the NOW and grounds you. A lockdown fave are braided brioche breads and fanciful Roaring 20s cocktails.

4. Exercise

Going to the gym is an essential part of many people’s days and so far was deemed “essential” during 28 days of lockdown, so take advantage now incase they should close again. Staying healthy and in shape should be a priority especially during lockdown when we get exceedingly sedentary. At-home workouts are actually great and mostly free. Millions of fitness YouTubers have videos to get you active. Here is a great channel to get you started.

5. Books

As Ernest Hemingway once said: “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” If you love reading, this one is self-explanatory. If not you do not have to read books every second of every day. It’s just is a great way to pass the time when you’re tired and your eyes hurt from staring at a screen all day. Curl up in bed with a good book, a warm cup of tea, and relax. Everyone has time to unwind and escape into the pages of a good book.

6. Learn a new language

Mastering a new language can open our eyes to a whole new world. Duolingo is an amazing, free app, perfect for learning a new language. You can even polish up on a language you may have neglected in the past. Relatable teaching and accurate placement tests make Duolingo a great choice to learn a new language. You may be able to take an international trip and use your newfound skill in real life.

7. Pinterest Action!

If you’re anything like us, you most likely spend hours curating your Pinterest boards but never have the time to try any of the pins. Well, now is your time to shine. We suggest you get on Pinterest immediately and try to make that soap or to get a head start on D.I.Y. Halloween decorations.

8. Get in touch with old friends and family

Catching up with friends and family can be difficult when you have a million other things to do. Well, now you have 28 days to FaceTime all those people you’ve been meaning to talk to and partake in some much needed virtual reunions. No friends allowed in your house? Zoom, Google hangouts, and Whereby are here to save the day!

9. Create a photo album

It is never a bad idea to reminisce about the good old days. Dig deep into your camera roll and compile all your most nostalgic memories into a photo album. It will be great to have all your fave photos in one place to look back on in the future. IF you don’t feel like hosting the album, consider Instagram or Flickr to host them online. Fun Fact: those who suffer amnesia are able to job their memories back faster if they have access to their old photos!

10. Shop online

Supporting local businesses is more important today than ever before. Lockdown means that many stores will be relying solely on online orders. If shopping is a fave hobby, now is the time to do it safely, from the comfort of your own home. You can even send some friends with a couple of unique gifts. We try to support locals on Etsy, a wonderful marketplace of hand-made quality goods.

11. Order Takeout or walk to a curb-side-pickup

With restaurants closed, our next best option is to order in some delicious meals. Check if your local restaurants and cafes offer takeout and delivery options. Stay safe and enjoy some comforting meals and beverages from the comfort of your own home, or take a stroll to your nearest taco-pick-up!

12. Make lists

Making lists can inspire us to look forward to the future. Make a list of things you want to do when lockdown is over like places you want to visit once this is all over. You can also make digital lists of your fave movies, books, or songs and pass them around your friend group. This way you’ll have tons of new things to discover and, you’ll learn more about the people you spend your days with.

13. Change Your Appearance

This tip is obvious for those of us who dye our hair a new colour every week. For everyone else whose been longing for bubble gum pink hair, eyebrow designs, or henna freckles, it’s go time. If the above suggestions are too scary, you can also take a less drastic approach. Change your style, the way you do your makeup, your everyday hairstyle, grow a beard. The options are endless but hey, you’ve got all the time you’d ever need. A really fun option is a coloured conditioner.

14. Rearrange your home

Rearranging your furniture makes your house seem brand new. A change, no matter how slight, can make your life a bit more interesting. Add some seasonal decorations to really spice it up and soon, you won’t ever want to leave. A few suggestions for a magical exotic feel are our friends at Design Zola.

15. Swap Streaming service logins!

With so many streaming services one cannot help but wonder what movies and shows they all offer. 28 days is just enough time to take advantage of 30-day free-trials! and find some shows you can’t find on Netflix. Beverly Hills 90210 on Crave TV and The Simpsons on Disney+ will take you back to simpler times. A popular swap-with-friends is Prime and Crave as both offer a drove of well-produced and riveting TV series.

16. Discover new music

Using Shazam to unleash the artist’s name, is a common thing to do while in a resto or bar but what if you want to discover new music at home? Gnod to the rescue. Prepare to discover sooooo many bands that you didn’t even know existed as this powerful AI literally curates your music based on the genres and names you currently like. The accuracy is uncanny!

17. Dance, dance, dance

Always wanted to try belly dancing? Well, now you have 28 days to get started. YouTube tutorials go a long way in learning new dances, Just search up the dance you want to perfect and get started. Put on those Irish ballads and get jigging. You can never be too prepared for St. Patrick’s Day.

18. Video Games

Video games help you escape reality and enter a new, magical world where lockdown is unheard of. Live out your dreams on The Sims 4. Other great games include Among Us, The Walking Dead, Minecraft, and much more. Just be careful though, they can be seriously addictive.

19. Diary

Starting a diary has many benefits. It’ll keep you writing and feeling productive, even if you barely did anything. humans enjoy a living witness, which is why living in a couple can be so rewarding. Especially for those many singles, keeping a diary feels like having a living witness. Write about what you ate, your dreams, the friend who annoyed you this week, or a secret crush.

Get your dark and deep thoughts out of your mind and onto some pages. It’s a great place to vent and unleash your days’ stress as it is for your eyes only. Diary entries don’t even have to be every day. If it sounds like too much of a commitment, you can write whenever you feel like it. Looking back on your life in lockdown in the future can be fun. It may even end up in the hands of a niece, grandkid, or a museum!

20. Self-care

In order to be content, it is crucial to take care of your mental and physical well-being. Pamper yourself by taking bubble baths with a glass of wine and doing at home facials and manicures. Headspace is also a great, free app to get you meditating. Wind down and take it easy, use this time to really recharge and become your best self.

21. Social Media

Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Snapchat can be emotionally draining. Nonetheless, they are still great ways to pass the time and connect with friends. Use them wisely and you’ll have no complaints, only laughs.

22. Knit, sew, crochet

The time has come to knit little hats for your pets. Pick up some wool and get crafting. Making new garments will also be great for keeping your hands busy while you’re watching TV.

23. Become a second-hand seller

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to happen in Spring. In fact, you can go into your closet right now and try on your clothes. The one’s you don’t like can be sold virtually on Depop or donated. Clear your closet and make room for all the new stuff you ordered or crocheted.

24. Good old fashion letter writing

Writing letters seems like a thing of the past. Surprise someone by sending them a hand-written letter. It’s thousand times more special than sending an email and will show them that you really put a lot of effort into it. You could also get really medieval and try to send them by using the pigeons in your backyard.

25. Organization is key

You know the universal “miscellaneous drawer”? Well, it may be time to finally organize your junk drawer. Colour coding sock, underwear, and stationery drawers can also be a productive way to spend your time. You’ll find what you need in seconds when it’s finally time to get back out into the world.

26. Plants are friends

Lockdown means no more visitors in your home. Keep your space from feeling empty by filling it with some plants. Water them and watch them grow. You’ll form an emotional attachment in days! Wanna go all out? Purchase some seeds and see if you can grow your own produce. Your homegrown tomatoes will make your weekly pasta dinner even tastier.

27. Interview family members

Conduction FaceTime interviews with grandparents, aunts, and other people you look up to can be a great way to get a first-hand look at their lives. They may not be around much longer to tell their stories. Don’t let their experiences die with them. Find out as much as you can. You can even start a book full of your family’s adventures, successes, trials, and tribulations.

28. Last, but definitely not least: Sleep

Sleeping is essential to our well-being. Try avoiding all-nighters and get the sleep your body needs. Forget early alarms and clubbing until the early hours of the morning. This 28-day lockdown is the time to get all the sleep your body needs. Sleep now and feel energetic and rejuvenated when it’s time to get back to real life. Do yourself a favour and sleep. Your body and your mind will thank you.

This 28-day lockdown is a great time to recharge your social battery and take care of yourself. Don’t feel overwhelmed by all the options. You certainly do not need to write a book to have. A productive lockdown, there are so many things to do. Getting tons of sleep and relaxing is just as productive as creating your next masterpiece. After all that hard work, reward yourself with these Netflix picks.