As we move into the 7th week of isolation, we all have one question on our mind: when will this all be over? Chloe Weaver tells us 10 things she’s learnt from her lockdown experience…
Lockdown has been an eye-opening experience for most of us. Still, instead of threatening over the uncertainty of our futures, we should take some time to reflect on the journey we have made as a nation and focus on the silver linings.
Here’s a list of the 10 lessons I have learned about myself and others throughout my time in lockdown.
1. Routine is key
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It’s incredibly easy to fall into the habit of sleeping all day and scrolling all night. But sticking to a daily routine of getting up early, eating breakfast and changing out of your pyjamas works wonders. Add in weekly workouts, self-care schedules, or customary cleaning jobs to add purpose to your days.
2. Music now has a new meaning
The feeling of being isolated or looking forward to hard times passing has often been the subjects of many songs, but now they have whole new meanings behind it. It’s like we’ve unearthed new hidden messages in the songs, messages even the artist themselves didn’t know existed until the pandemic took over. For me, this has resulted in a much deeper appreciation and connection to music.
3. TikTok is great
I’ll admit it, before lockdown I refused to download TikTok and openly judged all my friends who were obsessing over it. I downloaded it to smugly prove to my friends just how awful the app was, but in fact, I became immediately obsessed. They say laughter is the best medicine and spending an hour or so a day laughing hysterically at my phone is a cure I didn’t know I needed.
4. Keeping a daily diary helps
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To quote Marilyn Monroe, to ‘think in Ink’ is a great way to stay on top of your thoughts. If, like mine, your mind is going at a million miles per hour, taking ten minutes at the end of the day to reflect and document your thoughts and feelings can help with your mental health. Remember to focus on the positives instead of dwelling on the negatives.
5. I can cook – I just didn’t want to
Before isolation, I would probably eat out 4-5 times a week, using ‘I can’t cook’ as an excuse. But as it turns out, cooking is something I am actually good at – and quite enjoy. Experimenting with new recipes and baking delicious treats is a great way to pass the time and challenge yourself.
6. Meditation improves mindset
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I know it sounds cliché, and you may not be the most ‘mindful person’, but meditating can completely change your mindset and soothe your anxieties. Just 20 minutes in the morning or right before bed can make a huge impact on the productivity of your day or the quality of your sleep.
7. Binge-watching is not un-productive
Before isolation, I would have felt judged if I admitted to watching two series in a day. But now, its perfectly fine. In fact, it provides the ideal escape during lockdown. So, now I can feel free to load Netflix and watch my favourite programmes for hours on end without judgment.
8. It’s the small things in life that matter
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Whether it’s hugging a family member or laughing with friends, these are the little things we miss the most, and they are the moments we will forever cherish once this is all over.
9. There is no wrong way of coping
Some are using this time to learn a new skill, some are reconnecting with family, and some are just taking each day as it comes, we all have different ways of coping. I’ve learnt not to compare myself to my friends or celebrities. After all, there is no right way to deal with these unforeseen circumstances!
10. It’s ok not to be ok
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Feeling down or stressed about the pandemic is completely normal. The NHS has provided a list of mental health apps and helplines to guide us through this tough time. Just remember, we are all going through this together, and we are not alone.
Written by Chloe Weaver
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