By Sophia Hadef
A lockdown? Again? No worries. It is a difficult time, and an uncertain future lies ahead, but there are many things to do to help us have a great time at home and feel better about the situation. Why not rediscover some retro treasures?
Music is a great way to relax. You can dance, you can close your eyes and rest, as so many genres can help you to turn off from the world. Looking for songs that will make you feel dynamic? ABBA have great tunes for a happy moment.
ABBA, the Swedish Europop group was among the most commercially successful bands in pop music history. Listen to ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Take a Chance On Me’, ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘Lay All Your Love On Me’ and the dance floor will invite itself into your room.
If you prefer classic songs from the 60’s, one of my favourite bands, The Doors, will make you have a pleasant and psychedelic moment. I love listening to Jim Morrison’s voice when I’m studying or reading. It is relaxing, ethereal and has a dreamy touch that we all need these days. Escaping the daily routine with music is very good for your mental health. There is lots of data that proves that listening to music can help soothe you in situations where you might feel anxious or depressed.
Series and movies are also there to help you to turn off your mind for a few hours. One interesting recommendation is Desperate Housewives! It is not an old series, but it is considered a retro one because of its past success. And I can assure you that following the lives of Gabrielle, Lynette, Bree and Susan will make you addicted to it. It is funny, dramatic, and full of family secrets that we all love watching on the screen. Want to spend a cosy time with a hot chocolate and a good old series? Gilmore Girls is the perfect fit. The mother-daughter dramedy is here to cheer you up anytime.
Not in a mood for a series but a movie instead? I always thought that old films in black and white have something relaxing about them. I would recommend watching An American in Paris (1951) with Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron singing, dancing and looking just fabulous. Lawrence of Arabia (1962) is a classic that we all need to watch. It’s a live-action adventure with talented actors.
Do you miss visiting museums? You can find great documentaries online or watch art biopics . Lust For Life (1956) is a brilliant film about Vincent van Gogh’s life. It’s beautiful, and you will learn a lot about the tormented artist. There are great retro documentaries that you can watch at home such as Beat City (1963), a journey from London to Liverpool documenting the 1960’s music scene. With this list, you have everything you need to cheer up and bring culture and art to this gloomy start of 2021.
As a book lover, I also have to recommend a classic, a retro-treasure from France, Arsene Lupin, Gentlemen Thief by Maurice Leblanc. It’s a fascinating story about a French aristocrat, who is charming, mischievous and incredibly smart. Arsene Lupin is also a new series on Netflix that you can watch after reading the book.
