This time last year: “New year, a new decade, new opportunities, new us.”
2020: “Think again”
It’s been a tough old year for everyone. While highlights have been few and far between, books, Netflix, music and social media continue to see us through. In this blog, our Leeds agency shares the top things that have been getting us through the pandemic.
Charlotte, Account Manager…
I’ve just been trying to find as much zen as possible in the past year! My ultimate go-to podcast has been Fearne Cotton’s ‘Happy Place’. Spotify boosted my day-to-day life with their ‘Daily Wellness’ playlist; a mix of chilled music, positive messaging and meditation. (Seriously, I didn’t know Irish accents could be so soothing!).
LuluLemon yoga videos help me set up my day, and I love winding down with my ‘Good Vibes, Good Life’ book by Vex King. Oh! And BBC Good Food always gave me some tasty, healthy meal inspo.
Zoe, Junior Marketing Exec…
Watching reality TV has definitely been my comfort blanket. ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ brought brilliant escapism and comedy to every evening late last year; who doesn’t enjoy watching Jordan North scream “Happy place, happy place Turfmore!” while covered in snakes?!
‘Gogglebox’ has been a staple show too. There’s something strangely cathartic about watching people take the mick out of Boris Johnson’s announcements.
Andy, Graphic Designer…
I’ve loved binge-watching ‘Ozarks’, ‘Succession’, ‘The Alienist’, ‘Gangs of London’ & ‘Better Call Saul’. But my favourite TV highlight of 2020 was the iconic moment that Liverpool won the Premier League title!
As for music, I’ve loved listening to Circa Waves, whom I saw live just before the first lockdown, and Jamie Webster’s debut album. The Peter Crouch podcast has also gave me some much-needed laughs.
Neil, Web Developer…
I haven’t been at a loss of things to watch thanks to countless streaming services. ‘Bojack Horseman’, ‘Better Call Saul’, ‘Bob’s Burgers’, ‘The Expanse’ and YouTube’s ‘Redlettermedia’ and ‘Awesome Games Done Quick’, are just a few of the shows I’ve loved.
I’ve also been playing ‘Overwatch’, ‘Rocket League’ and ‘Stardew Valley’; I’m especially proud of my ‘Stardew Valley’ farm in Autumn!
Photo credit: Stardew Valley
Sophie, Social Media Strategist…
For me, TikTok has been the ultimate rabbit hole I’ve found myself in. That, coupled with memes, (Gemma Collins you’re a queen) and binge-watching Netflix got me through 2020.
Some of my Netflix faves have to be ‘Tiger King’ (of course), ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ and ‘Bridgerton’!
Paul, Senior Web Developer…
My favourite podcasts were ‘Athletico Mince’ and ‘The Square Ball’, from Leeds. When it comes to TV, ‘Hell’s Kitchen’, ‘The Office US’, ‘Sons of Anarchy’ and the usual Netflix murder documentaries have been top of my list.
Music was a big one for me in 2020, I binge listened to rock music playlists and my favourite band released a new album – which got played on repeat, a lot.
Photo credit: Netflix
Helen, Studio Manager…
‘Strava’ & ‘The Fitmind’ app are amazing as running keeps me sane, and the meditation training app has some great meditation tracks, with lessons into the science behind it. ‘Gaia TV’ is also a fantastic streaming service with lots of mental and physical health resources.
One of my favourite lockdown reads is ‘Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself’ by Dr. Joe Dispenza. It’s all about the mind and the science behind changing how it behaves. Finally, my top TV shows in 2020 were, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, ‘Cobra Kai’ and anything related to prisons and hoarders.
Matt, Web Developer…
My all-time favourite show, ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ has been a lockdown highlight. It’s a show I’ve watched hundreds of times – but in lockdown, that has only increased. It’s a masterpiece with great character arcs and storytelling.
It’s also a big inspiration behind my creativity and motivation to work hard. As we all know too well, staying motivated in lockdown can be tricky.
Richard, Creative Director…
My Spotify Wrap told me I listened to a solid month of music during 2020. I enjoyed finding new playlists and sharing with friends. Twitter was my source of ridiculous humour on accounts such as @trouteyes. My podcast of choice was ‘Socially Distant Sports Bar’, alongside listening to ‘The BBC World Service’ for the first time in my life – an altogether nicer way to be presented with news of impending worldwide dystopia.
Lastly, my TV show of choice was ‘Gone Fishing’ – although I love Bob Mortimer, I couldn’t care less about fishing… but that isn’t the point of the show.
Bryony, Junior Marketing Exec…
In a year full of so much uncertainty, division and political ignorance, I’ve found myself listening to Rage Against the Machine’s discography on repeat (especially their self-titled album) – this band really got the blood pumping in my veins.
Aside from that I finally succumbed to TikTok, even though I said I wouldn’t. With an amazing Discord server and a great group of friends around the world, gaming is my main method of escapism – I’m not sure where I’d be without my community there. Even Neil joined in, too!
Photo credit: Socially Distant Sports Bar
After everything that’s happened, and what the human race has endured together, we hope you have found some solace and entertainment throughout Lockdown 1, 2 and 3. As always, stay safe, stay positive, and if you can – test negative.