Study reveals how Brits have been beating boredom during lockdown
It seems we’ve been productive...

By Debra Waters
A new study has revealed how Brits have been beating boredom during lockdown.
Here’s some heartening news; analysis of Google Trends by stairlift company Stannah has uncovered data about a nation that has become increasingly creative, skilled, resourceful and less wasteful as a result of lockdown.
Just some of the diverse skills we’ve decided to try our hands at are sign language, upcycling furniture and the art of mixology.
In March, during the first week of quarantine, searches for ‘sign language courses’ soared to 334% more than the same time last year.
Cocktail making also became a more common activity as people missing out on going out to bars, pubs and restaurants took to replicating their favourite tipples at home.
The search for ‘cocktail recipes’ was 14% higher at the end of May than it was at Christmas 2019 – a period when this search is usually at its peak.
Such was the popularity of cocktail making – made more enticing, no doubt, to the large number of furloughed employees who didn’t have to work on a hangover – that a new word entered the English language: ‘quarantini’. FYI, a 'quarantini' is not a new recipe but any cocktail made in lockdown.
Other Google searches that saw huge spikes were DIY and furniture upcycling projects.
Searches for ‘furniture paint’ rose by 177% in April, year-on-year. In the same month, Google recorded a 138% rise in the search term ‘sandpaper’, compared to the same month in 2019.
Other popular hobbies and pastimes have included arts and crafts, baking, playing instruments, working out, knitting, learning a language, online quizzes, writing and yoga.
MORE: Discover a new passion with this list of hobbies to do at home
Some of us have even taken the opportunity to go back to school – there are many virtual courses, including The Open University, which offers distance learning, and the University of the Third Age (U3A), which was set up specifically for people entering their ‘third age’ – that time in their lives when they’ve stopped working full-time and have finished raising a family.
Let's hope we can carry on our new hobbies once we start to come out of lockdown!
-
-
The messy bun is having a moment - here's how to perfect this classic style at home
There's more to a messy bun hairstyle than you may think
By Fiona McKim •
-
Shoppers say these high-waisted leggings are the softest they've ever owned — and they're now 45% off on Amazon
With over 50,000 reviews, these fan-favorite leggings tout a laundry list of bragging rights — here's why they belong in your closet
By Dominique McIntee •
-
What is tinnitus and how can it affect your health?
Plus, treatments to alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
By Amy Hunt •
-
Fitness for women – 5 ways to boost motivation and enjoy exercise
Our health guru, Annie Deadman, makes fitness for women achievable, fun and simple...
By Lucy Gornall •
-
An expert guide to cancerous moles and the skin cancer signs that should raise your suspicions
Itchy, raised or bleeding moles? Spotting the signs that could save your life…
By Faye M Smith •
-
Yoga for weight loss - why it works, when to practice and the three moves you need to know about
Want to stretch and slim? Then it's time to try yoga for weight loss...
By Rose Goodman •
-
How to be happy in nature – boost your mood instantly by going outside
Learning how to be happy is easier than you think. Try these simple tips to stay mentally strong
By Ali Horsfall •
-
Research reveals that 14.5% of women feel menopause is affecting their sex lives
New research has revealed that 14.5% of women feel that menopause is affecting their sex lives
By Aleesha Badkar •
-
Your most Googled sleep problems solved: from insomnia and night sweats to the best positions to stop pain
Sleep problems wreaking havoc with your wellbeing? We asked the experts the questions that are keeping you up at night...
By Rose Goodman •
-
The best sleep teas for relaxing at bedtime
Sleep teas can help relax your body and mind for a better night's rest
By Aleesha Badkar •