Activities for those stuck inside during COVID-19

This has resulted in people's creativity being put to the test in terms of at-home activities to keep them and their families occupied.

Many are turning to board games, puzzles, activity books and models as a way of passing the time inside.

Gamesworld Plus on St John Street remains open. Owner Shirley Clifford said in recent weeks the store had experienced plenty of customers stocking up on items to keep themselves engaged with over the coming months.

"Customers were even stocking up on items to give to their neighbours who were unable to get it themselves," she said.

"I think there's been a growing popularity over the last two or three years for board games, it's sort of bringing people together ... it's about getting families away from technology like iPads and video games and television.

"It's all about them interacting together."

As well as allowing for off-screen time, Mrs Clifford said board games and other similar activities were helpful for a person's mental health.

"Board games help reduce stress because it's a distraction," she said.

"Puzzles are really similar ... it's sort of a release and it takes you away from all the worry when your focused on a task.

"Research shows that negativity, depression and stress can reduce your ability to fight disease so having healthy thoughts and laughter are actually really good."

Mrs Clifford added that her business sold a lot of puzzle books such as Sudoku, which also helps keep the mind sharp during tough times.

"We sell an awful lot of puzzles to people with Alzheimer's - it keeps their mind still working and improves their short term memory," she said.

Particular games recommended by Mrs Clifford and fellow Gamesworld staff member Kim Templar included Cluedo, The Game of Life and Settlers of Catan.

Mrs Clifford joked that while Monopoly was also a fun family board game, it had the ability to divide households.

"It's really important to keep your mind active and a lot of people might not be able to go outside and exercise, it's something different for them to do."

Project-like activities such as assembling models and Lego sets were also seeing a boost in popularity.

Mrs Clifford said these sorts of activities were great for giving people long-term projects and the satisfaction of completing something.

As well as practising in-store hygiene, Mrs Clifford said Gamesworld Plus was available for online or phone delivery.

With gyms shutting their doors, those who partake in regular exercise are also left to their own devices.

Method Plus Action co-owner Melody Dingemanse recommended people engaged in more body-weighted exercises while indoors, such as push-ups, lunges and burpees.

"We're in the process of writing some home-workouts for our clients ... we're putting in equipment pieces like water bottles or something that's heavy in their house they can use during things such as squats," she said.

"We're also seeing some crazy home gyms being made at the moment ... people are getting really creative."

Ms Dingemanse said the number one thing for people was consistency in terms of exercise and nutrition over what could be six months of coronavirus life.

"Generally, I say to my clients to get up and go for a walk first thing in the morning, even before you have breakfast to get yourself going," she said.

"If your working at home you want to take that into account and then always have a lunch break with either an exercise routine or another walk.

"A lot of our clients, particularly males are worried about losing their 'gains', but they need to realise that it won't happen that quickly."

Nutrition-wise, Ms Dingemanse said people should eat meals at the same time everyday and if they're in the mood for a snack due to boredom, try grabbing a glass of water or go for a walk.

"Because that's where your calories will start to build up: if your bored eating."