10 Things That Lockdown Has Taught Me

 

Let's face it, after Lockdowns 1.0, 2.0 & 3.0, we're getting pretty well versed at them, aren't we? (Doesn't make them any less crap each and every time though!) 

While I can't let myself get too hopeful that we really are coming to the end of this pandemic in the not-too-distant future, now that we're about to be allowed to at least sit in someone's garden (hooray!), I'm feeling a bit reflective about the past year and what this whole experience has taught me. So, here's 10 lessons I've learned over lockdown.

1. Slow the F down!

For a very long time, I've lived at a hundred miles an hour. I worked 10 hours a day, followed by putting every spare moment into my blog, and when I wasn't doing that I was trying to keep up with all of my other responsibilities or running around making plans, without actually taking time to rest. 

When I found myself on furlough a year ago, I was forced to slow down. I still had my blog and content to give me some sense of purpose and focus, but without spending 8am-6pm in the office, I had no choice but to rest more. Even when I went back to work, without being able to go out at the weekend, those two days per week became mine to actually chill out and reset.

This is something I definitely want to carry through even when lockdown is over. I have a habit of saying yes to everything, even when I'm exhausted because I feel I should. But now that I've realised that cosy days at home are, in fact, one of my favourite things ever, I'm going to be trying to make sure I'm spending time actually resting at home and continuing to slow down a bit. 

2. You don't need to be physically close to your friends to feel like you're closer than ever.

One of the biggest things that I am grateful for at the moment are how this whole pandemic has strengthened my friendships, especially the long-distance ones. I used to see my best friends from uni three times a year, and occasionally speak in-between. Now, we FaceTime once every couple of weeks, check in on each other regularly and I feel like our friendship is stronger than it has been since we graduated. It just goes to show that distance doesn't have to mean all that much! (Although I still can't wait to see their faces again!)

3. To be grateful for the small things.

Small things like driving to the supermarket on a sunny day with the window down. Or spending a cosy afternoon with a blanket and a book. Or like opening a drawing from a friend's little one with a note saying that they miss you. 

And small things that are actually really big things like the fact that my family and friends are all healthy. Or that I have a job when many don't. 

4. That you're very lucky to have great work colleagues - even if they do drive you crazy.

I've been working as normal through lockdowns 2 & 3, and while that's had its own worries and uncertainties, it has meant that I've been able to see people every day and not had to worry about the loneliness that might come with working from home.

My colleagues are like having 6 or 7 siblings that do your head in but you do like them deep down. And on the whole, they have really helped to keep me sane, made me laugh when I've been having a wobbly day and I'm pretty lucky to have that.

5. Zoom quizzes were definitely just a novelty - and that novelty wore off quick.

Don't get me wrong, the first few were fun! But I've definitely had enough now.

6. Being neighbourly is still a thing - and it's lovely.

We started getting to know our neighbours during the Clap for Carers on a Thursday, after we clapped and listened to one of the neighbours playing Somewhere Over The Rainbow on his trombone (which never stopped being cute, by the way), we'd stand on our doorsteps and have a chat. Since then we've started chatting regularly, putting each others bins out, we sent one of our neighbours some brownies when they were having a bit of a rough time. And we love that, who knew being friends with your neighbours was still a thing these days! We keep talking about having a party when lockdown is over, which I can't wait for! 

7. You still need to make an effort with your other half - even when you're in the same house all the time.

It's SO EASY to get stuck in a rut when you can't go out for tea or meet friends or go to the cinema. And it's easy to think that because you're in the same room, you're spending quality time together but that isn't always the case. Making time for each other is still really important - mine and Dan's favourites have been having a picnic on the living room floor with blankets, party food and a Marvel film, or spending an evening playing silly card games! 

8. I miss hugs. A lot.

I can't wait to hug every. Single. Person. I know.

9. Sunshine and exercise are the most underrated mood-lifters.

I didn't do much in the way of exercising in lockdown 1.0, mostly because I just couldn't bring myself to. I felt like I didn't have the mental space for it. But recently, exercise has really helped me through. I've become one of those people who gets up early to exercise! (I know, who am I?!) but I just feel like it sets up my day really well, gets the endorphins going and it's then really difficult for me to go into the office in a bad mood.

And there is no better feeling than the sunshine on your face. The BEST.

10. Bloody hell, I'm much stronger than I thought I was.

What has lockdown taught you?

Love,

Sian xo