What have you actually gained from this experience so far?

[Stampy84]

It’s a very hard time for everyone, and when I feel the depression kicking in I try to think of positives and things I’m grateful for. Things that I’ve learnt from this.

What has changed in you after the isolating experience so far? What are you looking forward to doing most after it’s over? What have you learnt?

For me.. I’ve learnt a massive lesson in food wastage. I don’t waste any good anymore. Before, I’d have got lazy and ordered a takeaway even if there was food in the fridge. It probably would’ve gone off and got chucked. I’ve also learnt I ate out for lunch far too much! Even just stopping in a cafe and spending £7, it wasn’t a treat anymore! Now it will be.
I’ve realised I can entertain and enjoy my 17 month old without spending money all the time!
I’m enjoying just a walk through the field with her for our daily exercise! I love watching the wonder on her face at little things like a dog, plane or train..
I’ve also realised I’m very lucky to have a little garden for us to sit in, I didn’t give it a second thought before. I honestly really feel for people that don’t have an outdoor space for themselves or children to enjoy.
I’m so looking forward to seeing my whole family again! We really didn’t make the time to see each other when we could.
I’ve learnt how to get into a routine, and keep my house organised, can not believe how much that helps to clear your head!

What about you guys? What positives have come out of this so far for you?

@tinkerbellla I think we all need it right now! I have bouts of pure energy and dance round for about 10 mins- then I slump again! Was hoping to do lots of home exercise and come out of isolation like a Goddess, unfortunately I’ll be more like a wold boar being released from a cage

I have gained improved mental health. Like a lot of people I had been struggling with work related stress, and that has really abated since we are all WFH.

I have gained insight into what my priorities really are.

I have gained confidence in myself and my resilience.

Nice thread OP

@Stampy84 I keep saying I'm going to use this as an opportunity to transform my body and stop all of my vices. Then I eat 9000 Lindt balls with a bottle of wine and say 'it's just not the right time' to myself

I have fibromyalgia and ME and aside from having DD here, this is quite similar to my normal life. I WFH and venture out once a week to run any errands. Friends and family on the other side of the country so don’t see them regularly anyway.

Seeing everyone struggle so much with this makes me realise that a. I’m a lot stronger and more tenacious than I thought and b. It would be nice to move closer to my F and F ASAP

That the NHS really don't care for their staff. I may not be front line, bur I am going in everyday as they won't allow us to work from home but they have completely forgotten about us, our managers have been moved to help with covid-19 so essentially no managers, and no communication.

We’ve eaten dinner all together - usually I’m at work or DH is.
I’m appreciating my garden

That most people are absolute knobs

Gained a stone

Gained gratitude for Xbox and Nintendo which entertain kids for hours

Grateful for my garden , so so grateful

hen I eat 9000 Lindt balls with a bottle of wine and say 'it's just not the right time' to myself

Today's massive win (for DD) was half a selection box leftover from Christmas, tucked away in her toy cupboard

Last week was a huge struggle. I don't mind staying mainly at home, but trying to split myself in three to work from home, teach DD, and support my mum (shielding, lives round the corner) was so hard. But a good rest yesterday helped a lot. I'd say I've gained:

• remembering we are stronger inside than we think
• noticing all the ways DD's changed lately, she's getting so independent and her laugh is just beautiful
• recognising her lovely DD's relationship with my mum is. DD reads to her ever morning on FaceTime and both their faces are so sweet to watch
• creativity - making this work is turning me resourceful

It has curbed my nipping out to the shops,I'm on weekly shops with one shop for milk mid week.
On a plus note our local Tesco's had most things including flour(just in time).There was toilet roll but not many people seemed to need it.It cost a bit more because there was very little no branded stuff.The only thing I couldn't get was lemons.
It will s amazing how many people didn't have lists,and phone calls along the lines of 'they've got pizzas,how many should I get'.
My shop took 15 minutes to collect but the wait going in and then waiting for the checkout to open.It made me appreciate my teen who normally helps and is very good at packing.
I also like that total strangers nod and smile at each other as they pass.

That nothing is more important than your health!

I don't think I've learnt anything I didn't know already, but I am enjoying the cleaner air and peacefulness outside. We enjoy each other's company and enjoy being indoors, so we don't feel any hardship.

I love a positive thread!

We all get on so are managing fine, the shops have food and I although I always appreciate a takeaway coffee as a treat it will be like nectar when I finally get another one!

My DH is dieting (SW) so we'd stopped our (food) takeaways a while back which I did miss on those nights when it feels a hassle to cook and normally you'd suggest a takeaway - it turns out it was excellent practice!

Although I'd normally avoid any type of video conferencing like the plague, I've done one this week for a family member and I've been impressed at the efforts that some of DD's out-of-school activities have gone to in setting up online alternatives for them all to keep in touch.

DD's school have been great at setting work consistently and responding to work submitted or queries (secondary level, not primary). DD has coped really well with the change and has been sticking to her normal timetable and doing her work.

I'm using social media to keep in touch with friends and family which might not be the same as meeting up but it's still nice.

I've stopped biting my nails.

Also, have spent more time contacting family and friends. I have elderly relatives, who are not in good health, and I have been putting off visits for a while. Not because I don't want to go - I love them dearly - but because life is always so busy. Now that I can't go and see them, I am terrified that I won't get another chance. I have been writing and phoning far more often, and will continue to do so, until things calm down and I can visit them again.

A very rough idea of what rationing must have been like.

Getting better at not wasting food - I even have a list of food in my frudge by expriy date.

DS13 can happily sit in front of a screen until the world ends.

I'm full of shit with regards to all the things I've ever said I'd do if I had the time.

Netflix is seriously under valued.

• We’re talking to our extended family more - chatting most days. I miss them so much and I’m really looking forward to seeing them when this is over.
• I’m exercising every day- just 20 minute videos but I’m sticking with it.
• My bread making has improved, and we’re eating healthily.

On the whole, though, I really miss my life. DD misses her friends, she’s an only child and we’ve put TTC on hold, and I’m worried we might not get another child. I miss work, I miss having childcare, I’m scared DH or I might lose our parents. This has been very hard for my mental health.

A whole new appreciation for the land I have around my house and the fact that I live in a beautiful place. I am enjoying looking out of my windows each day and seeing the hills.

I am appreciating having more time to cook meals- so often, I am rushing to cook because of work/DS activities etc.

That we don't need to eat out/buy takeaways as often as we did. I am enjoying simple lunches ar home. Soup has become a new favourite.

A slightly slower pace of life. I am still working from home (secondary teacher) and have a lot to do, plus supporting DS(6) with the work his school have sent home but the lack of commuting to work and having to get up so early and every minute of the day being scheduled is a welcome relief.

I am also enjoying seeing community spirit, people supporting each other and keeping eachother going. Even in the small queue for lidl the other day, people were chatting to each other (at a safe distance). Normally, we probably wouldn't have had/made time to talk.

About 6kg

Absolutely appreciating DH more. There’s nobody else I’d rather be on lockdown with.I always knew I loved him loads but he is my absolute favourite toy!

Lovely thread, thank you OP 🙂.

As for me, I've been stunned at how quickly my children adapted. My youngest is autistic and he's (mostly) been good as gold. My eldest has voluntarily cleaned the bathroom, tidied up his room and created videos for 2 new YouTube channels.

New outlook at cooking meals and wasting food. Me and dp are a bit shit for sticking rigidly to ingredients lists. Now we are just chucking things in, like veg etc and our food wastage has dropped to zero!

I’ve learned that I really enjoy the quiet evening walks we’ve been taking together. I’ve learned my kids can get along well if they’ve got no choice! I’ve enjoyed cooking and baking again.

I miss my work and my friends and my family though. It’s day 13 here and I’m very up and down in terms of mood.

Like most people on here I've reset my views on food and preparing cooked meals - both Mr Noodle and I have been cooking and spending time thinking about what we can make, and not relying on pre-prepared ingredients etc. We'll be keeping this up when the apocalypse ends.

I've also realised how much I truly love Mr. Noodle and enjoy being around him.