Well what a time. Time is getting harder as we are being made to stay indoors, finding things to do. It’s only been a couple of days since the PM told us to stay away from others (social distancing). It’s hard to think that people out there are bulk buying very odd items, mainly food, but for some reason people are fighting over toilet roll and other odd bits. 

I’m a 23-year-old care leaver who unfortunately lives alone. This is my little story on how we can keep busy in this time of boredom. I’m not lucky enough to drive so I have to risk catching COVID-19 by jumping on the bus. A lot of us young adults don’t have the savings to put towards getting our licences or if you are lucky enough to have your licence can’t afford a car because the wages we under 25’s get can barely see us through. If you’re like me, you’re most likely worried more about your families than yourself. For me I’m worried about my grandad who is in his 80’s who also lives alone and my Mum who is always the rock that makes me feel better.

We may be stuck inside but there are many different ways to spend time. My work coach gave me a few ideas:

• If you always have a load of energy like me the best that I can recommend is a workout. For example: challenge yourself at how many push ups and sit ups you can do. Set a goal to beat. 
• The best part about having all this alone time is you can be as weird as you want. Put some music on and dance like no one is watching. (I do this all the time). 
• If you are a singer, then sing your heart out. Write your own songs and perform them for your friends and family over skype or FaceTime. Lighten up their lives by being happy and yourself. 
• For me I love to write. It was my birthday last week and all I wanted was a laptop so I could do things like this blog and write my novels. My dream one day is to be published even though I’m not that good.  
• If you’re lucky enough to have pets, you can play with them. Watching the enjoyment in animals is one of my favourite things to do. 
• I have a guitar that I never took the time to learn but now I know a fair bit about it. You could take the time to learn either a new skill or improve your knowledge of a subject you’ve had an interest in for a while. 

These are only a few things to think about. Just remember that although we are now told to keep our distance (social separation) friends and family are only a phone call away. I hope you all stay safe, happy and smiling. 

Reece Crisford is an active member of the Drive Forward Policy Forum.