Hey everyone. Ok so where do we start? Who would have ever thought that in our lifetime we would be experiencing what we are currently going through? First, the serious bit. I hope you are all staying at home. The quicker we do this, the quicker we’ll be allowed out again. Never again will I underestimate the value of my freedom, friends, activities and just day to day living. I am not going to grumble and talk about what I have not got. There is little point.
On a daily basis we are witnessing such devastating outcomes on a global scale. It’s like we’re living an episode of Black Mirror. Everyone will have a different story to tell at the end of this. I was in the right place, totally enjoying my University days, my training and matches with my teams and really enjoying my course and spending all the time I could with my friends and Dan. This change of routine hit me hard and at first I could not contemplate how I would manage my time and emotions, particularly anxiety, under these current circumstances. We are all such social beings.
However, I have made a new routine which I think is really important. I will give you some examples of this shortly.
My overriding message to anyone reading this blog is simple. Life is what you make it and despite not being able to do things that we want to do, you can be creative. Who knew that teaching my grandparents and Nan to FaceTime would be fun for all of us to make that daily connection. It has made me realise it is so important to keep in touch with our loved ones to let each other know how much they mean to us. No, we cannot hug each other, but words can be the physical contact we have lost. They can be powerful.
So, let’s lighten the mood. Here is a list of things I have been doing during only five days in lockdown.
- Avoiding mum’s list of house jobs
- FaceTime calls with family, friends and Dan 🙂 <3
- Going out on my bike – although I nearly cycled into a bush today because of how windy it was
- Swingball – a timeless classic and boy does it help to get your frustrations out
- Colouring – therapeutic and good for the mind
- Scrapbooking – putting all your favourite memories into one book really does bring out your smile
- Playing with your pets – If there is one dog who is at her most happiest at the moment, it is Bella. All this human attention is obviously great for her
- Baking – not started this just yet due to lack of flour but it’s on the agenda
- Netty B – how would I ever miss this from the list. I have my trusy post and Dad for suitable GK requirements
- Daily workouts – whether it be my daily HIIT, a toilet roll challenge or resistance bands. I don’t want to go back into the outside world like a sloth
Finally, one thing I have noticed are the small things. When you do go out on your walk, actually saying hi to people across the street and feeling lifted by that contact. As you walk around, small things get highlighted that you never really noticed before; even the birds in the trees. I think there will be some positives from this. Connectivity with those around us will be something we will all realise the true meaning of. Value each other. Stay safe. Stay indoors.