Ten Things I’ve Learnt During Lockdown
‘these are unprecedented times’
It’s been a long few months hasn’t it… but there is beginning to be some light at the end of the tunnel. Not only this, but the optimist in me means that I am starting to look at the positives in this strange and albeit negative period of history.
The extended period of time we have spent in this ‘new normal’ without our usual routines has meant things have had to change quite dramatically. As always, it is nice to reflect, especially on the last few months of madness. It struck me that I have taken quite a few learnings out of this pandemic. Simple, yet beautiful learnings that you wouldn’t have truly realised without all of this happening.
This has been a time for learning and growth for me personally, so to honour sharing them, here are some of the things I have learnt during lockdown…
- To appreciate the small things — the sunshine, the birds tweeting, the sunrise, nature at its finest, sitting down and eating meals as a household, the smell and feel of fresh bed sheets and even a few boardgames. It’s always the small things. We forget about them when we become too engrossed and bogged down with our busy lives. We have well and truly gone back to basics and I won’t lie… it feels good!
- I go out to eat A LOT — until you have to cook breakfast, lunch, dinner and if you’re me, find room for snacks 7 days a week, I hadn’t realised how much I used to go out to eat! It is a luxury that I will no longer take for granted
- I can get a lot done without leaving the house — who would have thought that you wouldn’t even need to leave the house to get things done. Food shops, clothes, takeaways, working from home, home workouts you are all sorted. Of course, it gets a little monotonous staring at the same four walls, but it is possible!
- Kindness is contagious — we’ve come together wonderfully. We’ve been patient and kind with each other (for the most part) and in return have seen the world start to heal itself not just with the virus itself, but the climate and the planet too. Here’s hoping this kindness and good spirit lasts when this finally comes to an end
- Taking a moment for yourself — I think everyone has come to realise how important their own personal wellbeing is. As a holistic lifestyle coach, it has been amazing seeing people come to this realisation. Creating your own sacred routine, exercising, walking, drawing, reading, meditating, whatever it is that you want to do for yourself do it. Your sanity is everything. This time in lockdown has taught us to make our wellbeing a real priority. Find the things that bring you joy and lose yourself in those moments
- To come out of my comfort zone and push even more boundaries — like with all businesses, now has been the time to think differently, get outside the box and get uncomfortable to make things work. Online training was totally new for me, as well as posting more content online. Something I was never truly comfortable with. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going
- Technology is a life saver — where would we be without it! What an unbelievable resource. Recipe inspiration, zoom meetings, birthday parties and quizzes, FaceTime, your work servers, emails, social media, endless searches for anything you need, online shopping, the list is endless
- There’s no replacement for physical contact — say no more. I don’t even remember what a hug feels like!
- I feel closer to those I live with and my local community — after being cooped up with my brother for the past few months, I definitely feel closer to him… not sure what he’d say about that. Meal times together, cooking for each other, getting things done around the house and just having some company in this difficult time has been lovely. Not only this but I now know my neighbours (despite living on the same road for 21 years) and our local independent stores have been amazing to support
- Family and friendship is everything — your love and care for your family despite what has gone on in the past and any unstable relationships is kind of put to bed at the moment. You see who your true friends are and these friendships blossom even more. Those who value you will be there for you
There has been a lot of time for reflection the past few months during the COVID-19 pandemic. Who would have thought so many simple realisations would have become so powerfully poignant during this time. What I will say is that these learnings are things that I will now be forever grateful for.
Has this got you thinking? What have you learnt during lockdown?
