22 seriously productive things you now have time to do at home during coronavirus lockdown

Many of us are guilty of saying the phrase “one day” when it comes to doing odd jobs around the house or trying something new.

Now that Surrey is on lockdown and we are spending more time at home, there could not be a better time to start ticking things off your “to-do list”.

From finally sorting out the paperwork that has been piling up into a small mountain, to cleaning the oven which hasn’t seen a sponge in years, the jobs you can do are endless.

But as well as those horrible tasks you’ve been avoiding, extra time on your hands allows you to do some activities that are enjoyable too.

Learning a new language, reading a book and baking something new are just some ideas we have included in the list below.

1. Learn a new language

Picking up a second language is not easy, especially if you haven’t touched on it since school.

But it can be a very rewarding hobby and one that looks fantastic on a CV.

2. Sort out your filing cabinet

While most bills and documents are paperless these days, there are still some important records that need filing away.

Give that messy pile of unopened post a good clear out.

3. Organise the music library on your phone

Listening to music is proven to help anxiety and make you feel good.

Either sort out the albums you already have or download some new tracks.

4. Clear and update your phone

Keep getting that “update now” pop up on your smart phone?

Now is the time to let it run.

5. Sort out photos for an album

Many of us don’t get photographs developed like we used to but there’s nothing quite like flicking through a photo book to bring back wonderful memories.

6. Prepare the garden for the spring

The jobs you can do in the garden are endless.

From pruning plants to mowing the lawn, you could even create a vegetable patch. It’s a great way to educate children on where food comes from.

7. Clean the oven

The job we all hate, but eventually needs to be done.

Put on those rubber gloves and get cracking.

8. Get up to date with your ironing

Similarly, this is another chore many of us loathe.

But not only will your house look tidy once the ironing pile has vanished, you will feel really good about it too.

9. Cook or bake something new

Coock some fantastic recipes that use store cupboard ingredients including tinned food.

If you’re worried about piling on the pounds being stuck indoors, download an exercise video.

There are plenty of workouts online to choose from as well as inspiration to get fit.

11. Read a book

If you tend to only read a book when you’re lying beside the pool or at the beach on holiday, why not dig out an old favourite?

You could even download a new book for your Kindle.

12. Catch up on that Netflix series

Most of us will be watching a lot more TV than normal so this one is not a groundbreaking idea.

However, if you’re looking for something new, we’ve jotted down a few crime programmes to check out on Netflix.

13. Moisturise

Without getting out and about as normal, your skin is likely to dry out.

So smother yourself is the moisturiser gift pack you received for Christmas and have yet to open.

14. Have a wardrobe clear out

While the charity shops are closed for the time being, that doesn’t stop you from having a clear out ready for when they reopen.

15. Fix those odd jobs

Need we say more.

SurreyLive NHS Heroes campaign