The positives of lockdown...

[40somethingJBJ]

When all this first started, my anxiety was through the roof and I had a full blown panic attack for the first time in years. However, as time’s passing, I’m managing to see some positives:

My relationship with 14yo ds has definitely improved, as he’s a much nicer person to be around whilst he’s not in school. There’s no more arguments over getting up in the morning, he’s not in a foul mood after school and is getting on with his schoolwork without much complaint.

He’s always been a very picky eater, but, thanks to some interesting supermarket substitutions, he’s tried more new things these last few weeks than he had in the previous year, and seems to be enjoying things he previously wouldn’t have touched.

We’re both eating less crap as there’s not the temptation of nipping in the shop for sweets/getting an ice cream when the van stops outside/grabbing a chocolate bar when getting milk from the corner shop etc. I’m getting a click and collect or a delivery when I can, supplementing with a veg box/meat box and that is that; not set foot in a shop in weeks.

I’ve overcome my irrational hatred of FaceTime/group video calls and I’m actually talking to friends and family more than usual as we’re arranging regular calls each week.

My house is becoming more organised as I’ve got time to sort out cupboards and drawers that I’ve previously ignored, and have sorted all our clothes out into charity bags which I’ve been putting off for ages.

I’m actually spending less money as I’m not tempted by that middle aisle at Aldi and Lidl, not filling the car up as much as only going out to collect shopping and drop at various people’s houses, and not making as many impulse purchases.

I’m trying to concentrate on the positives and push the negatives to the back of my mind a bit, as I don’t have the best mental health and I’m at risk of obsessing about things, so keeping myself busy is a good distraction.

So, what positives are you all finding in this awful situation?

[40somethingJBJ]

Oops, just seen there’s already a thread on this, sorry for duplicating

[HadALockdownMeltdown]

I live in a shared house. I’ve been here 8 months.Me & 3 guys.
We occasionally say hi but we can go weeks without speaking to each other.
We had our first house BBQ on Friday , repeated yesterday & we are having another one today.
Everyone has chipped in. We’ve had a mixing bowl of sangria (no pitchers), we’ve talked !!!! In true male style I’ve done all the washing up but I don’t really mind.
When 1 goes to the shop we are now asking each other if they need anything.
The men have talked about feelings

[Biancadelrioisback]

I'm loving spending so much time with DS and DH. There are no time pressures, were all sleeping well and enjoying our days together. Every day were walking a new route or making something to post to friends and family, baking or cooking whatever we have lying around. I will never get this time with DS back. He's only 3 and it's so, so precious.

[jamrollyolly]

I love getting to see in all the reporters houses! Not in a mean way, just fun to see how their homes match what you might think they'd be like.
My house is definitely much tidier than usual, I've been able to have a good sort out. Much prefer wfh!

[KenDodd]

Hopefully head lice might be taking a battering.

[Poppyfr33]

When we leave the house to go to local shops everyone saying hello. Communities have together with helping hands, takes me back to my childhood, we have time

[Spudina]

Last month I had money left in my account before pay day. That’s never happened before!! I’ve had a chance to meet my new neighbours (from a social I come home from work to my husband. My family have been playing weekly Zoom games. I actually ‘see’ more of them!

[lovelyupnorth]

Just moved house so we’ve got loads of jobs done that would have taken months.

Also means at a time of the year when we’re normally flat out with work as both work in and around tourism. We’ve got time off. Money wise we’re fucked though.

[BriefDisaster]

I am enjoying spending time with the kids (6 and 3). I am ashamed to admit I always hated weekends and holidays before, it just seemed like non stop moaning and whining. Now I've learned how to amuse them better (still a struggle at times though!).

We are also cooking a lot more and the kids are both eating much more variety. Spending lots of time in the garden too which is great, although my neighbours are miserable sods who seem to think that young children should be absolutley silent at all time - worst of it being that they have young kids themselves! The older, childfree neighbours don't mind at all. (My kids aren't out screaming btw but they are talking and laughing cause y'know they are 6 and 3).

We are also saving a fortune!

[Ginfordinner]

AS DH works from home, and I work part time, the only significant change for me has been no commute during the rush hour. I am now working from home, and DD is home from university.

I am doing pilates classes via zoom and Joe Wicks fitness videos, but I admit that I miss seeing my workmates. I miss the friendship and banter. I miss just being able to go out when I please. I miss socialising with my friends. I miss wearing nice clothes.

[Jessikka]

I'm due my first baby in 6 days and my partner has isolated with me since the start of lockdown. Its given up 3 weeks just us before our lives change forever and I've enjoyed every second

[Jessikka]

Sorry I meant to say, we have lived together 11 years but he's isolated as in hasnt been to work - so we've been together in the house constantly.

[IDontDrinkTea]

Im secretly loving lockdown especially in this sunny weather. Just me, dh and my 13 month old dd playing in the garden, getting inventive with food, spending time together.