We’ve been in lockdown for almost 8 weeks now and I have to admit it’s getting harder to keep motivated, also to stop yourself from staying in my pyjama’s for the entire day. (She types this as she’s sat in bed in her dressing gown!)
It’s a tough time for all. Everyone is going through it and we can only hope things will begin to get better.
Family and friends will be reunited, plans can begin to be made again, rather than crossing them all out in your diary of 2020 (what a waste of money my diary was this year)! We’ll all begin to look forward to some of the small things in life we enjoyed so much before lockdown. I certainly know that once we can and when things begin to reopen I will feel a huge sense of relief knowing that we’re starting to get back on track.
But until that day comes and lockdown is over (I hope you’ve got the Champagne in the fridge already chilling, ready to be popped when we’re free) I’ve thought about my time during the lockdown.
Facetime, Zoom and House Party
What would we do without this technology at this time? For providing us with the technology to allow us to speak to our loved ones, week after week, for hours.
Never before have I had so many Facetime’s, Zoom calls, House Party video calls scheduled in with different people, at different times but it’s amazing. Still being able to speak to your family and friends as much as we can, even when we’re apart.
From weekly quizzes, fancy dress, playing rounds of ‘would I lie to you’ (which revealed some very funny stories in our family that we hadn’t heard before) discussing the goss of the latest Netflix series you’ve just watched, talking about how you’re feeling through this time or simply smiling and laughing together whilst sipping gin.
Even though we’re separated and can’t see each other, the lockdown has certainly brought us all together. I feel incredibly thankful for all the video calls, to enable us to communicate so well with each other, creating special memories we may never have thought a lockdown could create.
Now instead of plans to meet up with friends, festivals and hair appointments my diary now consists of scheduled FaceTime’s with some very special people to me and I can only be thankful to have all these people in my life, to help get through it.
Along with this lockdown, it has given us time. Time to slow down. To reflect, to really talk to each other. Time to video call our loved ones on a weekly basis, despite not a lot changing in people’s everyday lives, there’s still something to talk about, stories to share and memories to be made.
Family quiz night fancy dress (festival wear)
Oh, Netflix how I love you…
What would we do without Netflix? Seriously, I wonder what lockdown would be like without the power of Netflix’s continuous selection of series, movies and documentaries to keep us all going. The series that then lead us to watch some hilarious Tik Tok videos being made, another bonus and also a great way to kill a few hours.
From ‘Tiger King’, 'The Stranger’, ‘You’ to ‘Cheer’ Netflix has already pulled out some addictive series we finally have the time to overindulge in. Along with the Netflix original films too, it’s safe to say we’ll never not have anything to watch during this time. My to-watch list has never been longer.
Lazy days
As much as we want to be productive and make the most of our time during the lockdown, sometimes you just need those lazy days, even when we may not be doing a whole lot.
Some days I wake up full of motivation with a list of jobs to get done and I will finish them. Other days I really lack that motivation, it’s just not there. I can’t say why, I guess that’s just life, some days are better than others and that’s ok. If you’re having one of those ‘off days’, stay in your pj’s, make yourself a cuppa and pop your butt on the sofa with Netflix and just chill.
Now I’m not suggesting to make a habit of this, because it’s important to keep yourself going but don’t feel guilty for the odd day where you feel like this. I know I’ve had a few myself and the next day I'll make sure I head outside for a long walk or I'll do a good workout.
But with everything that’s going on and the uncertainly of everything it’s ok to feel overwhelmed. It’s ok to give yourself a break and to just relax because even though we may not physically be doing much, lockdown certainly makes a huge impact on your mental health. So look after yourself, listen to your body and if you want a day time nap, pop your eye mask on and enjoy it.
Lazy days with Molly
Working out
Going onto the counter opposite to the last paragraph, working out and being active.
When I found out the gyms were closing, I can’t lie I was pretty gutted. Not because I’m some super-fit, gym goer but because I enjoy keeping fit. Going to the gym has always been a way to make me feel better, especially after doing a decent workout.
So without the gym, I was worried I’d let fitness slip and I really would end up looking like a potato at the end of lockdown.
But YouTube has saved me. Never before have I realised how many free workouts you can find not only on YouTube but also on so many different platforms too. With such a big choice of different workouts to chose from I really was spoilt for chose and I never thought that would be the case.
From trying yoga for the first time, different workouts and exercises, as well as my local gym live streaming one of their classes I used to go to, I was starting to enjoy not going to the gym.
Not only has it saved me a lot of time in the day not having to drive 20 minutes each way to get to my local gym but it’s also allowed me to try different workouts and moves I never thought of trying before, all in the comfort of my own home. The only downside is not having the equipment and different weights but you find a way to make do, plus it prompted me to buy myself some nicer resistant bands too!
New resistant bands (Syosin)
Trying Yoga for the first time
Birthdays in lockdown
If people know me, they’ll know how much I love my birthday and how much I big it up (I’ll make it last a week too). So luckily for me (and for people around me), my birthday was before lockdown happened.
But my brother’s, mum’s and dad’s have all been during the lockdown. Now I not only love my birthday but I also love other peoples.
I love decorating the house, wrapping presents and baking cakes. Luckily this is all still doable during lockdown with the help of online shopping and the local Tesco’s. But it made me wonder, how can we make a birthday special in lockdown where it feels like every day is pretty similar to the last, wanting to still create a special day despite the circumstances.
As a family we usually go out for a birthday meal, that being lunch or dinner. Sometimes we may even head somewhere for the day or go to Westonbirt Arboretum for a family walk together but with the loom of a birthday in lockdown, I wasn’t sure what we’d do.
But then I had a brainwave (they don’t happen often)… afternoon tea at home for mum. I know mum loves afternoon tea and I had already thought about taking her out for one before the lockdown had begun so if we can’t go to the afternoon tea, the afternoon tea will come to us!
Birthday afternoon tea
With freshly made cakes, bought scones (there’s no way I was attempting those as well as cakes!) homemade sandwiches and some birthday bubbles, we had ourselves our own champagne afternoon tea.
And then for Dad, who’s more of a savoury fan, we adjusted the afternoon tea to an afternoon tapas selection…
Our savoury version
Another homemade cake, bought goods from the local Waitrose, homemade quiches and scotch eggs along with another bottle of fizz we had ourselves another birthday set up!
And luckily for us, a few of us were still at home, so we were fortunate to be together to celebrate. So pop on some party hats, put some decorations up and crack open the bubbles and you’ve got yourself a lockdown birthday party!
Party hats and birthday bubbles
And after the success of our birthday lockdown parties, we thought we might do it again even when we’re not in lockdown. It certainly shows you that you don’t have to go out all the time, all that matters is who you’re with.
As much as lockdown has brought unexpected special memories and moments I'll remember for a long time, I am excited for it to end when it’s the right time to do so.
But for now, stay patient, keep smiling and stay safe.
Amy x