Good things to come out of being on lockdown

[GlummyMcGlummerson]

My kids have learnt the joys of staying indoors and playing in the garden - they would always nag to go to soft play, trampoline park etc but I think lockdown has given them a renewed appreciation for home life.

I've caught up on reading and have read 4 books since lockdown

The gorgeous weather - I'm not much of a scientist but I'm pretty sure no planes being in the sky has contributed to the beautiful weather we've had lately

No space invaders in the supermarket- for me this is bliss, I hate when people are half a step behind you in the queue

Easier avoiding people I dislike

Spent 1-1 time with my baby, he's 6 months old and we had a tough first 4 months with hospital stays and I never felt like I had him all to myself, I was always kind of wary.

I've got a fab relationship with him and we have so much fun. Obviously there are negatives to him being stuck in lockdown but I'm being selfish and loving having him all to myself .

BAKING!! I've baked soooo much and made my first carrot cake.

I finished Gilmore girls on Netflix, been meaning to do this for years.

My skin is so much better cos I'm not wearing makeup

Saved lots of money!

Got on top of housework And cleaned my yard

Made good use of my slow cooker too

I've had time to stop rushing around and sit down.

Easier avoiding people I dislike (family)

Def. this. I've been feeling guilty for wishing it could last longer!

Not having to go into the office, a horrible noisy little room, which I was doing 3 days a week, spending time with people I simply don't miss. I was in at that frequency to train someone but as soon as I can when this is relaxed I want to work only one day in there. There is nothing there I can't do at home.

We can hear the birds beautifully in our garden.
Im enjoying gardening for the first time ever.
No rush. Life glides on infront of us. I don't have to squash everything into my day off.
My children have lower expectations of what we'll do every day.
I've lowered my expectations on life 😂

Spending one on one time with my husband and hubby getting to spend quality time with the kids everyday without the normal hectic routine of life.

Prioritised relationships, decided i will only return to seeing meaningful friends and family and not the social chit chat with folks just because we've known each other since the beginning of time. This will enable me to have more down time, I've learned how important that it's to me. I've been able to invest time in hobbies that i really enjoy but am normally too tired to do.

I've stopped shaving my underarms and think I'll stick with that. Also I've learned deodorant isn't necessary, and i get pleasure from wearing my nice perfume entryway m everyday.

I've learned how to wear day clothes at home, instead of lounge wear, and it will change how i dress for work.

Having time to just sit and to do things without rushing.

Cooking properly.

I've lost half a stone of weight so far, purely through home cooking (including cakes) and going out for a walk most days. If things go back to normal, I hope I'll be motivated enough to make a packed lunch every day. It'd save a lot of money too.

Not had to make a single pack lunch or clean one out 😁

Watching the DCs play. Especially with the good weather.

Going on long walks with the DCs. They're getting even fitter (the long winter and one having a nasty virus at Christmas took its toll on them). A month ago they were tired doing 6 miles. Today they did 8 miles. We live in a lumpy county too so not the easiest.

The dry weather has made it easier to explore some quieter footpaths that are prone to getting quite muddy. We can walk multiple kms without seeing anyone else. The DC are learning more about nature. They loved todays ducklings and have spotted all sorts from rabbits to bats on various walks. We've been star gazing and seen satelites and glorious sunsets.

I've rested, like properly rested.
I've found places in my town I never knew existed.
It turns out I can cook.
I now love the outdoors and walking.
I've lost weight.
I've got a tan.
I've had time to do the little things like a mini home facial.
Fresh, line dried bedding more regularly.
People have better hygiene.
Less cars on the roads.
The town is much quieter.
More of a social life (via the phone and Zoom of course but it's still an improvement).

For the first time in 6 years at this house we've managed to properly get on top of the garden. We now have less jungle and more lawn and today we created a flat terraced area to put a table and chairs on. No more sliding downhill! Hard work and we're exhausted now, but this is going to make a massive difference to how we use the garden.

We’ve stopped wasting food.
I’ve had time to do all those niggly jobs.
Everything is so much more relaxed.
No social obligations.

I feel like I've gotten my teens back a bit. They grow up and have their own lives most of the time. They've been forced to spend more time with me and it's been lovely.

And how have all of you lot lost weight? I'm getting fatter by the day with all the nice food!

Retirement is now how I imagined it would be. Getting on with stuff in the garden, various hobbies and time spent together. Missing the Grandchildren but not spending 3 days a week looking after them.

And how have all of you lot lost weight? I'm getting fatter by the day with all the nice food!

Because there's no office cake and all the restaurants are closed. We usually eat out a couple of times a week and you never really know how many calories are in the food - I'm sure a lot of stuff is fried in butter, and if I go to the pub quiz then even fruit juice is adding calories. With home cooking it's rare for us to have dessert, and most home baking gets eaten as a meal for breakfast instead of a snack.

Realising that I don’t have to go to the supermarket every few days . I’ve been meal planning and using what’s here . Very much take it or leave it . Should have done it years ago rather than cooking different meals every night ( my own fault )

I'm not a snacker and I don't do desserts but I have made some cracking dinners- think the large portions and the wine are probably the issue. That and I'm much more sedentary.

“ I'm not much of a scientist but I'm pretty sure no planes being in the sky has contributed to the beautiful weather we've had lately”

So how do you explain the week of predicted rain?

Dd2 has gained a bit if weight (she is five and was skinny and grey- anxiety I suspect - she has ASD - and was struggling with school. She has colour in her cheeks and now smiles, today she was laughing so much at something and it was refreshing to hear.

I am more relaxed, and more patient (mostly).

Dd1 is less stroppy (she is a hormonal teen and also asd so still has her moments!)

We are wasting less food.

The alarm not going off at 7am and gaining an extra hour and a half due to no travel time to and from work.

Missing a lot of things but looking on the bright side...I can now almost run 5k! (Have found a regular route round the village so within all guidelines). It’s being slightly negated by all the homemade cake though.

Oh, and an hour’s lie in every morning too (wfh).

Being able to work from home more.
Doing my gardening and being able to sit in it.
Not having strangers invading my personal space.
Being able to go out for walks and enjoy the countryside.
Wearing my walking boots more had been great.