Life Lessons / A Year in Lockdown

Hello! 

Having made my big comeback I spent the past week planning and brainstorming and also set up a new instagram page for this blog which you can find here! Seeing as we are soon approaching the end of a year long lockdown I thought it would be a good time to reflect upon some of the things I have learned from this rollercoaster of an experience.

Source - WDRFree

Appreciate the Smaller Things

If there’s one thing that has become a prominent aspect of everyone’s lives in lockdown, it’s gratitude. Being unable to spend time with those you love whether it be lunch with a friend, getting merry in a bar or setting that extra place on christmas day, has taught us how much human contact and interaction is detrimental to our everyday lives.

“It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.”

Even a friendly cashier at the supermarket can brighten your day more than you would have allowed in previous months. More than ever I appreciate every second I spend with the people that mean most to me, even if it’s a simple car journey to the shops or watching tv on a Saturday night.

Put YOU First

I think I speak for most if not everyone when I say that lockdown after lockdown and tier after tier slowly chips away at your mental health. The repetitive cycle of all work and no play is extremely draining whether that was frontline working, working from home or undergoing the job application process day in day out. I soon found that doing the smallest things for myself boosted my mood tenfold, and this came in such a variety of ways.

Source - Schurig Center

Self prioritisation might come in the form of a face mask/pamper, dedicated time to read a book or even cooking yourself a nice meal. Even completing the most menial tasks makes you feel like you’ve achieved so much, so put your favourite playlist on and put that pile of clothes away, sit down and plan your meals for the week, or run a bath and pour yourself a glass of wine, because when the going gets tough...the self care gets going!

Try Something New

Whether you continued working through the pandemic or not everyone found themselves with a lot more free time on their hands which resulted in a boom of banana bread recipes, obsessions over Joe Wicks workouts and the never ending Zoom quizzes. This was a perfect opportunity to try that thing you’ve been putting off for ages because you ‘don’t have time’. It took me three lockdowns to get crafty as I have just taken up the hobby of crocheting.

Source - The Independent

In today’s 21st century it was relieving doing something that didn’t involve a screen but kept me stimulated and busy at the same time. Obviously this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but it’s all about finding something that fits you. It could be home workouts, long treks, paint by numbers, anything! It’s so important to take the time out of your busy life to do something with no pressure added to it, and of course have fun whilst doing it! 

Move Your Body

I cannot stress how much of a wake up call I experienced throughout lockdown. How many times have you listened to people tell you that exercise is good for your mood just as much as it is your body, and disregarded everything they say because you’re not a hardcore gym goer? Well it’s true but there’s a nack to unlocking this endorphin boosting experience. Do something you actually love and enjoy.

Source - Opexgyms

You don’t have to jump into the deep end doing 60 minute long boot camp classes on Youtube, a walk around your local park is just as good because whilst you’re walking, moving your body and exercising your lungs you’re still doing more than the person who decided not to! Personally, it’s taken a long time to solidify my home workout routine but I finally landed on the app SHREDDY, complete with meal plans, real time workouts and guided 4-6 week workouts. This is what I have found works for me so it really is a trial and error process.

Hopefully this post was positively reflected upon the past year of lockdown and helps you appreciate everything you've been through. What were some of the times that got you through lockdown?

Until next time,

Shannon xx

Real Talk // The M Word

Hello! 

This blog has seen radio silence for 13 months and my my my, haven’t things changed just a tad. Alongside a digital makover, today I bring you a post related to the reasoning for my disappearance, motivation; or lack of it.

My last post (see here)  was something I am so passionate about and was one of the easiest pieces to write. Then life got a little busier and slightly crazy at work (Thanks Rona) and I just lost the motivation to write and express myself during my free time, I was mentally exhausted. But we’re here, starting again and hoping for the best; but how did I get here?

I’m going to write about some of the things that spurred me on when motivation was at an all time low but I was ready to get back on the horse!

First things first: Remember why you do it! 

Think back to why you do what you do. I love writing and expressing my thoughts in this particular way and I missed it! I created this blog eight years ago as a personal space to both express my passion for writing and share my thoughts on a range of things and this is something I let slip away from me.

Source - Skills You Need

This lull in motivation will catch up with you thought because I soon found myself applying for jobs in my desired creative field and of course a key component to any application is a strong portfolio or presentation of your own work...and mine was a year old because I had let myself fall behind on one of my greatest hobbies.This was enough to make me say  ‘No more!’ and kick started this first post back...even if it has been sat in the drafts folder since November.

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail! 

It’s easy to jump head first back into something but that might not always produce the best results. Reading any of these blog posts you might think I just sit down and whip out 1000 words willy nilly but you would be thoroughly deceived. It takes time, preparation and countless drafts but that is okay because perfection takes time but your future self will thank you for it . By preparing and constructing a thorough template, you’ll soon fall right back into the swing of things.

Source-  Cartoon Stock

This may be the first post back but I have four more sitting back ready to go when the time feels right. Because I have these pieces semi prepped and in the ‘blog bank’ I have comfort knowing I don’t need to stress about producing content - maybe just brewing up some new ideas! Everyone needs that safety net when the motivation takes a little holiday.

Easy on the pressure!

Who do you think is your biggest critic? Without being too cliche...It’s you. (a classic saying for a reason). No one will put more pressure on you to succeed than yourself and at the end of the day, there’s no need for it. Whilst diamonds are made under pressure you also can’t rush perfection. 

Source - Your Quote

Give yourself time to find your flow, your rhythm and re-discover the excitement and enjoyment that motivated you in the first place. Whatever it is should be fun, stress free and if it feels like it’s becoming a bit of a grey cloud over you step away, take a breather and go back when you’re ready. 

Of course all of these things are easier said than done, but once you start making active changes which positively affect your way of living you’ll begin to feel a build up of self gratitude and pride it will motivate you to carry on! I hope this has been a thought provoking and motivating post which has helped to enlighten you to the fact personal morale will have its bumps in the road but you can take charge to move forward and keep the movement going whatever the journey is. 

I've got a few posts being prepped and drafted so keep your eyes peeled for those!

Until next time,

Shannon xx