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?

The only thing I've gained is weight.....

We try to cook from scratch anyway but have been meal planning much more and using what we have rather than getting extra bits.

I'm really really unfit and we've been exercising in the garden most days including running laps using weights etc. I can now run 3k when a few weeks ago 30 seconds would be a struggle. Determined not to get fatter.

Realising how lucky we are as both can WFH and on full pay in secure jobs. 2 of my brothers and several friends are self employed or have lost their jobs.

Having more time to read and not just binge watching box sets though we had a
sofa day yesterday which was lovely.

Garden has never been so thoroughly weeded hedges and shrubs trimmed etc (not usually a priority and mature garden so can get away with it to an extent).

Both making a real effort to stay positive and just be nice to each other.

Missing family and friends and colleagues but again looking forward to get togethers when we're allowed.

Someone on my street has set up a Whatsapp group and as we only really know neighbours either side it's been lovely to realise what a nice bunch live on our road. Planning a street party when it's all over.

I've gained the realisation that there isn't one person outside my children (who live with me) that I miss or I'm desperate to see. My family live in a different country so I'm used to not seeing them and I don't have 'real' friends in the UK.

My life is exactly the same (I go to work being a key worker) and apart from being unable to travel to a certain shop for the groceries that we use, everything is the same. I was taking part in the 'No spend 2020' so I don't miss general shopping anyway.

I'm glad about that realisation and I love doing everything I can to not waste food :-)

The respite I get for my disabled children. I have no idea when this will start up again, but my god that will be a very welcome day. It’s so relentless when there is no break in sight.

Definitely a massive lesson in food waste. I have been trying to walk more to local independent shops, taking a list and only buying what I need. This has just reinforced how much we can live without massive 24 hour supermarkets and how much extras we as a family have been needlessly picking up. I have been self isolating for just over 2 weeks because of my asthma and have been lucky that the local shops have been delivering around to those who can't get out easily.

People need to stop judging people by their job. Bin men, shop workers, warehouse packers, cleaners, all these supposedly low skilled workers are keeping this country alive right now. Massively appreciative of all of them right now

I have nice neighbours (mostly) and we have been helping each other out where we can.

I hope when we do return to normality as it where, we as a society appreciate the small things going forward and don't all jump two footed in to running around like headless chickens all the time. Life has been stressful recently so I'm trying to be thankful for the break

I'm not usually much of an outdoors person but OMG I miss going outside. We live near London and when all this is over, I will be making more of an effort to visit my favourite places more often, and take DS too

That I am lucky to have a decent , comfortable home. Lockdown must be difficult in cramped conditions

Realised how lucky I am to have my dh. He is a lovely man

Definitely not wasting food anymore

Health is wealth

I've been made redundant during maternity leave (was due to go back in May). My self-employed builder partner is not working for the foreseeable.

Although I am freaking out about how to repay debts of 20k, it is only money.

We have a gorgeous 4 month old baby who my partner can now spend time with, precious time as he is so young.

The baby will also benefit from me not going back to a job that I hated.

Having a baby has changed everything. Jobs come and go. As long as he is healthy and happy I couldn't be richer

It’s been lovely reading all your reply’s! I really do think at times like this, it’s best to try and think of positives. A few have mentioned this is their everyday life anyway.. would you do anything different now when this is over?
I could easily spiral into depression, like a lot of us could, but I really know that will not help me or my daughter. So it’s important to remind ourselves what we have to be gradual for, that we took for granted in the past!

What are you most looking forward to doing?
I’m going to take my daughter to the sea and eat ice creams watching the waves! Heaven!

A fully weeded back garden

How much me and DP actually get along. I was worried that we'd argue and bicker like cat and dog but we're actually getting along better than ever which has really surprised me

Gained a new love for the outdoors. I'm not usually an outdoorsy type but I've loved going round the local park/wood every day this week

A lot of money! I used to go to Costa every morning and make random trips to shopping centres, out for tea, takeaway etc. I'm going to save a lot of money throughout this

@Buscake I'm sorry, that sounds very very hard. I hope things go back to normal for you soon.

I thought I was really misanthropic and nihilistic

Now I realise I’m a 100x more that than I thought.

I consider that a gain in understanding myself.

Also, in a week I’ve discovered- I actually CAN draw. And maybe then in time I can move on to painting etc and might have a hobby for life, which is great.

After having been more ill than I have ever been in my entire life with Covid symptoms, and finally beginning to feel better, I will be grateful every day for my usual good health.
A new appreciation for Alec Guinness films - so far I've seen Kind Hearts and Coronets (the best), The man in a White Suit (fab) and The Card (odd but charming) - all available for free through YouTube. Very enjoyable if you're feeling too ill/stressed to concentrate on trickier plots.
Great thread OP.

Taking a real interest in my sons education and realising I could do so much more to help him.

I used to worry about the summer holidays and how I’d entertain them. Now I’ve realised that they are easily pleased and all they want is my attention. When I devote that to them 100% they’re happy.

I have learned how utterly filthy and cluttered we had let our home become. Both working and too tired at weekend had really led to the place being neglected. Its looking a lot smarter now.
V grateful for garden, but always am.
Aware more of community and the people around me. I feel more part of things than i did before
Am getting out and walking more(ironically)

Stampy84

@tinkerbelllaI 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

Bookmark

🤣🤣

I dont spend less as i only shop once a week. Im still working 30 hours a week. Kids love being at home. And i meal plan anyway. I still walk/run daily.

Best thing is ample parking space at work and no queues at the supermarket.

An increased electricity bill.

I'm finding it a bit hard ATM so I'm not sure what I've gained yet. I'm sure that there will be something once the fog lifts though and the fog will lift! This is a cheering read though, threads like this are important for morale

Spending less - cleaning more
Missing my family
Not enjoying working from home - but so grateful I have a great team n we are trying to help even more people who are struggling with all this

According to my fitbit my resting heart rate has dropped from 70 to 62 over a week of wfh.

@Wineislifex
😂🤣😂
But I am sure the feeling is mutual !

I have gained a very sparkling clean ovens/hob, a very tidy house, 1 professional exam (taken online.with a proctor) and cash as I dont pay £40 a day to commute/park/lunch.

That my own company is ok

I remembered how much I like to garden.

To take things slower.

That it's very nice not wearing a bra and living in leggings.