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Week 3 of Lockdown

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Here we are. Into week 3.

What has changed?

Have you torn up your schedules and routines? Or are you still working your socks off from home or in the NHS, education, care, food, or keeping your small business afloat? But with the added complication of social distancing and no childcare.

It’s the Easter holidays. But without the holidays.

It's all a bit topsy turvy.

Just like all of our emotions.

It will end, eventually. We’ll all be a little bit changed by it. As will our economy, our communities, our jobs, businesses and our children’s education.

So, how are you coping?

Some of the top tips I’ve seen and tried and applied are the following

  1. Creating a daily routine - even if as simple as a set time for breakfast, lunch and an evening meal.

  2. Daily exercise - have we EVER had so much emphasis on exercise to protect our physical and mental health? Whether a walk/run/bike ride, or Joe Wick’s PE or a more interactive online fitness class. Make this a part of your daily schedule.

  3. Allowing yourself to have good days and bad days. Some you’ll be on top of it, and some you want to hide under the duvet and stay in your PJs all day. Maybe we need to indulge the bad days are there and reach out for a little extra support, to touch base with friends and family.

  4. Write it out. When your head is feeling foggy and uncertain, take pen to paper and write it all down. A list of all the things you’re worried about, or a to do list, or just your rambling undirected thoughts. It can help you process them, make them more coherent and you less anxious.

  5. Connect. We can’t connect in person but creating virtual connections has never been so valuable. Regular chats with family and friends helps. Especially on the tough days.

And, of course, Spring is springing and the sun has been shining. I’ve been taking time daily to really really pay attention to nature around me, and it’s lovely to see how it all seems to be business as usual for the birds, bees, trees and flowers. It’s even inspired me to plant some seeds and look ahead to future harvests.