Searching for the positives...

Okay, whilst I cannot say that in any way, shape or form Coronavirus has any positives - because that is just bloody ludicrous. I can say that I think lockdown has.
You know, Boris did his little chat earlier this week, which as we are all very aware made the Da Vinchi Code look easy to crack...nevertheless though we are still a long way until normal life resumes and as I was going on a massive long walk the other week, listening to some podcasts to uplift my mood, I was trying to put together a mental list of all the positives that have been a result of the lockdown. So here they are; 

Reconnecting with Nature 

Without fail I was taking full advantage of my one outing a day. To go for a long walk, run or cycle ride and it has been bliss. I've completely been in the moment and sucked up all the beauty that nature has to offer me. 

I don't know if it's because of slowing down, because I am more grateful for this time outside or purely because it's Spring! But, I have noticed so much on these outings. All of the different colours of flowers, leaves on the trees, backdrops and views in places I have walked 100000 times but never noticed before. It's crazy. 

I love seeing how many people are out also (social distancing though obvs), all just walking, running or whatever and taking in the sunshine. Enjoying their moment of bliss. We no longer have gyms to go to and I truly think this is a great opportunity to come to terms with how much better it is to exercise outside in nature; not just for your physical health but for your mental health too. 

Reconnecting with Family 

How on earth my parents and I haven't had more arguments during the lockdown I have no idea! It's currently day 42 (FUCK! FORTY TWO DAYS) for us socially isolating and I can't even count one proper argument we've had...Yes, there's been days where one of us is irritable and lethargic of the monotony of everyday...but we haven't taken it out on each other and it's been wonderful to live in a house right now that is somewhat positive, albeit it a little bit crazy. 

I was due to move out literally around the end of April and obviously that's been postponed with the pandemic which is really upsetting. However, in a way i'm feeling grateful for this extra time I get to spend with my parents....because as soon as lockdown is over - I'M OUTTA HERE! Haha just kidding (sort of...) I know though, that I'll never get this time back and so to spend a little bit longer living here in a room i've made my own and I'm comfortable in, with people who (obviously) love me, well it isn't all bad hey!

I just want to do a little shoutout here to all the people I know that are and have been living in lockdown or shielding on their own. I honestly couldn't have done it and I take my hat off to you for managing to cope with everything that comes with it. 

Being more mindful and slowing down
I am just one of those people that feels they have to stay busy and do some productive things throughout the day to gain a sense of achievement and satisfaction which will then have a positive knock-on affect for my mental health. And yeah so, it's fair to say in the first couple of weeks of lockdown I was one of those that was like RIGHT i'm going to get this, this and THIS done. I'm gonna be super productive and use this time wisely, I'll bake cakes and become a pianist, I will write a book, a play, songs, I will be a YouTube and TikTok SENSATION yahdeyahdeyah....but as the weeks have gone on I am literally just like **oh Fuuuuck thatttttt**

I have actually really enjoyed and now have come to making the most of just slowing down and spending some days just not doing very much, just pottering about the house and getting odd jobs done like the washing...and do you know what, that's enough for the day. I've liked making my to-do lists and then mehhh if I don't finish them, so what? They'll still be there tomorrow. 

I've enjoyed being able to wake up in the morning and gauge how I am feeling and what I actually want and need from the day ahead. I've learnt to celebrate the small wins instead...oh I've managed to finish a chapter of my book, oh I managed to get tan lines whilst laying in the sun, fuck it - I've actually washed my hair today. All great wins in my eyes!

With slowing down I've been able to take more time to 'go within' and get to know myself better. Now is as good time as any to realise how to look after yourself and get in touch with your emotions! On top of the usual meditations and gratitude lists I collate, I've started journalling. I've never really done it before, but i've noticed it's a great way to ease anxiety if i'm having an off day because once i've written everything down and it's sitting there on the page in-front of me, it's out of my head and it doesn't seem so bad anymore. 

Togetherness 

How great is it that when you are out on your daily walks/runs/skips or whatever, there is such a sense of mutual togetherness when passing people in the street. The nods, smiles and hellos mean so much more now and I feel like everyone is appreciating any little bit of social interaction that little bit more. Which I think is great!
While running and I see all of the rainbows scribbled on pieces of paper stuck on the front windows of people's houses and teddybears being propped up on window ledges for the world to see. I can't help but have a boost in my morale just thinking about and physically seeing the unity & support this lockdown has encouraged in all of us. 

Books 
I have always wanted to get back into reading but probably like a lot of people, never thought I 'had enough time'. There is so much escapism you can gain from a good book which makes isolation the perfect time to do so. I've finally been picking up those books that have been gathering dust on my shelf and losing myself completely in another world. I've loved it. So much so, I've joined a Book Club that one of my friends put together and it's definitely made me remember how incredible reading is. I'll definitely be taking this with me after the lockdown has completely eased off and vow to never let myself believe i'm too time-poor for it again! 

Gratitude
All that's left to say is that like my last post on gratitude, the lockdown has taught us ultimate gratefulness for our 'normal' lives. It goes without saying that we are all grateful for the small things, with how much we want these small things back. Not just this though, there are things I used to take for granted which now, in lockdown, makes a normal day, a really great day. The weather for example. If it's the weekend and the sun is actually shining, jesus how great is that. I would NEVER have cared pre-lockdown, now I realise how these little things can have a huge impact day-to-day and in which I won't be taking for granted again! 

I also believe one of the huge positives from the lockdown is that in some ways, it has forced people who look to external outlets for escapism and distraction from their normal lives, to actually just sit at home and look in the mirror. To slow down, look within and to assess what we are even doing with our lives and why we feel the need to be so busy all the time, what are we avoiding?...am I happy, am I in a rut, am I in a never-ending cycle of making the same decisions but expecting a different outcome, am I showing up everyday as the best version of me? 

 As a collective right now, we have had to surrender to the universe and to what it has in store for us. It's made us realise how much lack of control we really have over our lives and why, in a world full of uncertainty right now, you can be thankful for the things you are certain about. Your family, your friends, your hope, your love. 

Ultimately. it should make us realise there is an easier way to live. Less stresses if we just focus less on the things we can't control. If we are grateful for the things we can. If we take each day as it comes and don't over analyse everything...we will be living in a much happier place.