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.
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
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