Joe Wicks, gardening and ancestry: Journal readers’ ideas for keeping busy

We asked readers if they had any suggestions and Seanna McLaughlin had a whole host of ideas.

Seanna said: “Get on YouTube and learn a new skill, embroidery, needle punching, watercolours, felting, knitting, crochet, quilting, learn to revamp your clothing, upstyle clothes you don’t like anymore, create sculptures with paper mache or airdry clay, learn how to use polymer clay, learn about Zentangle drawing, or colouring (can download non copyrighted pics from internet and colour them) - extremely relaxing if feeling stressed.

“Being creative is a very good way to keep busy and in my opinion to help with stress. Give it a go, you may find you love it,” she added.

Victoria Mitchell was equally brimming with suggestions: “Learn a language, learn to play the piano, gardening, decluttering the house, online courses, PE with Joe Wicks, museum virtual tours, read, puzzle books, declutter the entire house, paint, draw, colour, organise family photo albums, walk, cycle, go for a drive.”

Mildred Garfield meanwhile shared: “I started a scrapbook about a year ago and of course never completed it, think I’ll pick up where I left of and finish it now.”

Gemma Lynch said: “Learning a language is a big one! DuoLingo is what we use.”

Nanci Ameling Munroe said she is working on her ancestry. “Just found more family from Derry yesterday! Last name Russel! My mum & I were planning a trip there this August, now I don’t think so!”

Rita Bradley Morris is also delving into her background. She said: “Join Ancestry. Takes hours to research but very rewarding.”

Nuala Shiels said: “I’m continuing to learn Irish and knitting soft toys. I’m cleaning cupboards and drawers that haven’t seen the light of day for years. I’m also staying in touch with friends and family via social media.”

Liz Biz suggested: “Do the chores you always wanted to get around to,” while Aislinn Cassidy urged people to start planting vegetables.

All that would keep anybody busy for a while. Thanks for your suggestions everybody!

And remember, if you have anything you feel strongly about or any thoughts you’d like to share, you can write to the Journal’s Letters to the Editor section by e-mailing: [email protected] and putting ‘Letter to the Editor’ in the subject line. Please include name and address and state whether you wish these details to be published.