Ten Positives After Life In Lockdown

July 10, 2020

• Topical

For me, busy means happy. From the classroom to the tennis court, a hectic lifestyle has always seen me thrive. Lockdown was therefore a shock, as suddenly, I was deprived of the activities I loved most.  Reflecting now, I really appreciate some old ways but excitingly I have found some new pleasures too. 

1. Taking time for myself

I previously thrived from long school days. Lockdown has seen me  slow down and finally have time to read and relax. I now appreciate time for myself each day. Still productive but without the stress. A much better balance. 

2. Family time

Finding time with my two older siblings has always been difficult. Mixed blessing though this has occasionally been, lockdown created quality time for us – including quality fall-outs at times! Competitive Bridge and Perudo and lovely long lunches were not possible prior to lockdown and I now appreciate the time that I do get to spend with my family – despite the arguments!

3. Technology as communication 

In lockdown, technology has kept us all connected. Whilst not ideal, ironically I have had more contact than usual with my extended family. Weekly zoom calls have kept me in touch with my uncle in Belgium. They have enabled me to see his new puppy grow each week, something that we never would have thought to do, had it not been for lockdown. 

4. Exploring the local area

Travel restrictions have opened my eyes to the places right under my nose! On my daily dog walks I have discovered new places, including an undiscovered beautiful lake, ten minutes from my front door!

5. Different ways of socialising

Socially-distanced picnics in the park have demonstrated that in order to have an enjoyable time with your friends, all that you need is a rug and some food – no need for expensive outings! This new way of spending time together is something that I am grateful for (and so is my wallet!). 

6. Making the most of opportunities

Lockdown has taught me to make the most of every opportunity, as you never know what is going to happen. Previously undecided about a gap year, I now know that I’ll take one, as it’s not the opportunities that you take in life that you regret but the ones that you don’t. We never know when the world might be locked down again, so it has inspired me to take every possible chance to travel and given me plenty of time to plan it!  

7. Running

Unable to do my usual forms of exercise, I decided to take the plunge and start Couch to 5k. As someone who has never enjoyed running, I would have laughed 12 weeks ago if someone asked me to run for half an hour but this is a skill that I have been able to build up. I have seen both the mental and physical benefits that running bring and it is a new-found skill that I plan to take with me into the future.

8. Cooking and baking at home 

Limited access to restaurants, combined with more free-time has encouraged me to experiment more in the kitchen. Although this has had limited success, including stodgy muffins and overflowing ganache, I have found a love for baking and some great new recipes.

9. Creativity

In an effort to keep myself entertained, lockdown has taught me to be more creative with my free time, giving me the patience to finally complete my 1000-piece jigsaw. I’ve learnt to think outside the box instead of just resorting to boredom.  

10. Appreciation

Ultimately, the main thing that I’ve taken from lockdown is appreciation for ordinary life, something that we all took for granted. I don’t think I will ever have been as happy to return to school, as I will be in September and it has made me regret every time that I complained about it in the past. Fundamentally, I have learned a lot and grown as a person as a result of my experiences during lockdown. I will strive to continue incorporating these things into my daily life, while making the most of the world as it begins to open up again once more.

This blog has been written by our intern Jemima