Tell us the positives you've found in this lockdown

[refusetobeasheep]

For me, it's being able to insert the word "discombobulated" into a sentence more times this week than I've managed during all my life pre-lockdown.

I've been sent from my normal job to work in the military HQ planning government support. It's really professional and although the days are long and we do 6 day weeks... the atmosphere is brilliant. Plus there's no traffic. Winning.

Spending time with my family, quiet roads, bird song, chatting to neighbours over the fence.
Bringing back the memories of growing up in the 70's when it was similar to now in some respects.
No aircraft and beautiful skies.

My house is spotless and, as it stands, dh and I are still working full time but not paying nursery fees so have the opportunity to pay off some debt. Nursery is usually 800 pounds a month so while it's tough juggling, this could help us out in the long run

Workaholic DH has been forced to reevaluate the important things.
He has realised how close dd and I are and how much he's missing out.
He has been teaching dd maths, putting things in the dishwasher, and generally helping with things without expecting a medal.
At the end of this he's going to be so much more considerate and we will be stronger and a family.

I have never been the maternal type but really enjoying time with my 2 year old and husband at home. My dd is a delight and seeing her develop and spending so much time with her is something I never thought I would really enjoy (had pnd during maternity leave)

Love your reason OP.

I'm actually loving spending the time with my family. Teenagers are engaging with us so much more than normal because we've had to severely limit gadget time. Makes me appreciate what I've got.

Also, I'm guessing the fact that we're all more rested must help us fight the virus. That's what I like to think anyway!

Me and DP are still working but both on reduced hours. DP has had more time to bake which he loves, and he gets in earlier so we can all sit together in the evening and have dinner as a family.

I've not realised much, more enjoyed how peaceful its been, but dh has realised how often I sweep the floors and clean the kitchen 😂

We had got in the habit of spending so much money on shit, expensive days out, eating out, going to shops when we don't really need to.

We are going to learn to enjoy the simple things in life.

Being able to travel home from work in the same time that it takes me to travel there; saves me half an hour and some fuel.

Finding out what matters, and what doesn't.

On a much lighter note: being forced to go grey instead of pussyfooting around with the "how" and "when".

My family time, far less rushing around, midday cuddles with the children, loving the sunshine every day so far! I'm enjoying all the video calling with friends who I normally wouldn't :) am loving not having to travel anywhere!

No make up, washed my hair for the first time in over a week, leggings are my friends

On a more serious note, I will not be spending money on crap I don't need when wandering around the shops so hoping to pay off some extra on my credit card

-Hearing and seeing children playing in their gardens and spending more time with parents.
-Taking the time to do things more slowly, time to learn new things

• less traffic, less planes, much less emergency vehicle siren noise going by ( not sure how long that one wil last obviously)
• air smells much cleaner
• observing people communicating more and being more considerate

Cooking proper nutritious meals rather than throwing something together quickly after work. A joyous dog.

Seeing how some many people are quietly getting on and helping. No big show of it, but just asking what they can do to help, and doing it. And then the messages of thanks from people who have been helped.
It may have brought out the worst in some people, but the best in a lot.

Its making me slow down. I will earn less but Im eeking it out over the period given because after this there will be no more for a while (because the systems have shut down).

I have no idea if I will be able to claim for the self employed allowance from when Ive finished because although it will definitely have affected my income in short term, possibly by the end of my year next year I will have recovered? I just dont know.

Using local shops. Theyve really stepped up to what must be an enormous challenge with protecting their own staff too.

We must remember them after this.

It’s always upset me how many mums ( and dads) on here have to forego time with their precious children in order to make ends meet and put food on the table.
So it’s really heartwarming for me to read how much time you are now able to spend with your children and are loving it.
My mum was a stay at home mum and so was I , so yes life at present does seem very much like the 50s through to the 80s . It reminds me of the quieter roads when I first learned to drive in 1973 .
It was a pleasure then and it’s not so much now.
I can’t say I have got any positives out of this yet.
As a pensioner I’m just missing my old life and the freedom I had, as I’m sure we all are, as I spent a lot of time around the homestead anyway.

Taking my time rather than rushing. Just being with DH and the DDs, doing our own thing in companiable silence. Sitting in the garden watching a pair of blue tits in and about the nest box. More meaningful contact with neighbours and family - at the required social distance obv. Oh, and finally getting to grips with that video chat thing to talk to friends I hadn't seen for a while.

Just enjoying time together. We are not rushing anywhere and we can just sit and relax.

Our DS (2.5years) is confused as to why he cant see his friends and grandparents, but after 2 mins , he is fine and enjoying himself as normal.

DH is working from home so he has no travelling and sitting on motorways, he has set provision to expect to be back in the office possibly by the end of june but potentially sept.

I think when we come out of this, I will reduce our commitments to keep us free at home more often through the week.

My house is tidier. I'm enjoying time with DH and DD. I've make time to call my parents daily.

DD is very good company when she's not being stroppy.
I do actually quite like my own company.
I'm back WFH, which pleases me because my ancient dog was used to me being around all the time. When I changed jobs I wasn't - but now I am again.
Petrol prices have plummeted!
Links with more distant family members have really strengthened as I've recognised the capabilities of Zoom and WhatsApp.
My garden may actually be manageable, even for me!

House is spotless
Washing ( and I mean everything - rucksacks etc ) up to date
Garden getting a spring clean makeover
More time with partner
Peace and quiet
Birdsong - and I'm in a busy town
I haven't worn a bra for over a week
Listened to audible whilst doing work

DHound is living her best life!
Family around all the time, decent walk every day, snoozing in the sunshine in between times, lots of cuddles. It makes me happy just seeing her so content.

Less traffic, more wildlife around, even in our city garden. Quite enjoying the relatively empty schedule, although DS is struggling more with not seeing friends in person.

DH and I both working frontline NHS, so work is busier than usual, but no daft meetings or ridiculous initiatives, just lots of clinical work and people pulling together.
I found the clapping for the NHS last Thursday really emotional, and I'm feeling paradoxically less burned out than I have in years. Better PPE would be appreciated though!