Lockdown Life Refections

Change isn’t everyones favourite friend. Most of the time change creates stress, fear and resistance. And when we have no knowledge of the outcome, this level of uncertainty can create anxiety or heighten anxiety that was already there before.

There was a quote from the government which suggested: “if your life has not changed and been effected by this, then you’re not doing it right.”

We went into sudden loss of not being able to do what we liked when we liked. Our daily routine shifted whether you are employed, self employed, a business owner, retired, at school or university. Somewhere in those following days you will have waited to see what was next, for you.

The plans for this new decade swiftly disappearing from beng postponed to cancelled. A new appreciation of life started to appear, and not just life; of people too.

The neighbour on your street who is a keyworker, you now stand on your doorstep, clap and show your appreciation for their sacrifices.

For some, a new appreciation for the school day, the journey to work, conversations with friends and colleagues, all now being acknowledged as you moved to study and work from home.

Watching as local small business owners and self employed adapt fast to move parts or all of their business online. For most their business and income was stopped within days. Those with vulnerable relatives or friends in hospital, care homes or hospices taking on a whole new emotional battle.

Everyone feels the impact of these changes.

Now we’ve a new normal on the horizon, and we can all play a part.

Having more time isn’t always a blessing, whilst those who are constantly busy crave it! When life isn’t as busy with school runs, clubs, meeting up with friends, work and fitness and ‘life admin’ what are we doing, who are we?

With more time and nothing to fill it with thoughts can start to creep in, that being busy pushed away. Alternatively, more time reminds us of the things we often wish we had more time for, like baking, gardening, decorating, relaxing to reading.

Were you able to spend more time phoning friends? End of the week drinks via video call with colleagues and friends you never had time for? How you spent time within your home? How you used your one hour of outside exercise per day? Were you scolling more on social media or less? Appreciating nature Spending money on more or less? Making time to relax and laugh more at home? Previous stresses and tensions did they get bigger or smaller?

Reflect on what you want to focus less on and more on in the months to come. Get really clear and gift yourself this space to move through these changes, and your life, in a way you will enjoy and appreciate more.

If you need support talk to the Samaritans 116 123, text SHOUT to 85258 or for men contact CALM available 5pm - midnight 0800 58 58 58 and visit https://mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus for more tips and resources.