11 Lockdown Lessons
I have been very quiet on here, and some of that has been because I was really really busy for the first few months of the year. Literally praying for a quieter week. [note to self: be careful what you wish for]
Part of the reason has been because I have found some personal issues very difficult.
And part of the reason has been lockdown. Me and being at home 24/7 (minus my exercise and occasional trip to the supermarket) are not happy partners.
Not seeing friends, not being away from home, not working flat out. My life is pretty unrecognisable .
John and I have always spent substantial time apart. I used to joke and say it was the secret to a happy marriage. Nearly two months into lockdown and thankfully we are not reliant on distance for a happy relationship.
But boy oh boy have I found it hard. Here are some things I have learnt, I hope they may help.
- When a five year old starts crying and says, ‘Mummy, I miss my friends so much,’ it perfectly acceptable, if not helpful, to cry a bit too and say, ‘So do I.’ Show empathy at this time, be kind.
- Taking time out is good. Just 15 mins here, 30 mins there, or longer if you can. Read a bit. Listen to something. Have a bath.
- Exercise is vital. Whatever makes you happy, I have run a lot (of course), but I am also loving my twice weekly virtual PT session and I have just (tonight) started 1-2-1 pilates.
- Drinking every night is a bad idea, always was, is especially so now. If you need help, ask.
- Volunteering is fantastic. I chair a charity and it has been very challenging (more on that in a future post) but also given me focus and purpose on days when I have been looking for that. It’s also been quite stressful on days when I have been so busy, but it is still very good for the soul and such a privilege.
- Support your friends. I love writing letters and cards. The response has been very moving, for the cost of a stamp (and it is a good use of the daily* exercise) as well as I hope offering some support and motivation at these difficult times).
- Cooking simple food is good. Tonight the fritatta that took 10 mins tasted as good as a complex dish I would usually make.
- Talk. Meet virtually (but not so much it’s a burden). Be honest. Be kind.
- Make structure. Honestly just try it for three days, if it doesn’t work, then OK maybe I am wrong, but I think it will. Set the alarm. Get up. Exercise. Have a shower. Get dressed. Put on whatever makes you happy – make up, earrings, a tie. Whatever. Build some structure.
- Don’t feel pressured to do anything new. This might not the time to learn latin, after all.
- Be honest. I have not been OK. I am feeling 100 time better because I have done some of these things, some of the time. I am OK with that too.
Clearly guidance is changing, especially on how often we can exercise * outside. But I thought these ideas might still help. And I wanted to write something. I’ve missed it.
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