To ask for what you're going to do through this new lockdown to survive - or even thrive?

[loveyouradvice]

I'm keen to hear what's helped you, and thought I'd share what helped me, especially when it surprised me how much it helped.

And I'm aware this is in the context for me at the moment of not having lost anyone - though several relatives are very vulnerable - and being okay financially (yes huge dip in income but have some savings which are enabling us to be okay). I know many others are not so fortunate.

Apart from it not being very different. My work has completely adapted to online/wfh and so there is no big change. Plus kids at school.

I have signed up for three months online training to get a bikini fitness model body so I can live my dream of competing in a bikini fitness competition at least once in my life!

@pandarific

Personally, I'm writing quite a lot of slash fanfic.

I'm writing one right now where handsome actor 1 is having quite a hard time experiencing some heavy character bleed (he's a Method actor) and his crush, handsome actor 2, has noticed and is about to knock on his hotel room door to see if he's okay. (He's not.) Some quite wonderful cuddling and maybe a shower together is on the cards. (Oh and next morning, when handsome actor 1 is a bit more his usual self, well - I'll leave it there.)

shrug I'm having fun!

I'm writing a lot of trash romantic fiction too, it's good escapism!

Personally, I'm trying not to view this as a "lockdown" and just pretending life is just a little limited for a few weeks. So far it seems to be working.

No big change for me tbh. Dh and I are still working (teachers), dc still at school. We always walk a lot in normal times anyway, because we have a big, energetic dog. But I'm certainly very grateful to live in a lovely rural area where there are lots of beautiful places to walk. I'm also doing lots of knitting in the evenings, which keeps me happy!

I'm still working through this one as I did the last. So far even though it has been cold and wet this lockdown has been much better than in the summer when I couldnt enjoy it anyway. We are moving into an apartment soon and I plan to get out and walk to explore every day (and to try and shift some weight). Our bubble will celebrate Thanksgiving (especially now, go Joe! and never seeing this neighbourhood ever again)

No big change for me, I’ve been wfh since March. The kids haven’t got their activities so well watch some more films, and go for a couple of long walks at the weekends, weather permitting. Aside from that they will stare at their electronics while I nag them to come off. We popped to the high street today and noticed a lot of people out.

I started employment during first lockdown, working 12 hour day/night shifts. But on the days at home I just try and catch up with household tasks and started sewing and knitting again, taught myself crochet.

Also hoping to go run walk in the park early morning

[quote Ted27]@MolotovMocktail

maybe the fuss is that people are losing their livilhoods.

I rarely go to the pub, I’m not a great shopper, but my autism support group can no longer meet, (some of the mum’s have very challenging children and rely on its support) its now 11 months since I’ve seen most of my family, I’ve seen my mum once this year and my previously happy, gregarious outgoing teenager is wilting on the vine.

Yes I’m going to find this hard.[/quote]
I go to a support group for special needs mums (have a autistic daughter)and its open as its allowed as its a support group, 15 maximum people allowed

Also respite is also allowed for vulnerable children which my daughter is called as , so my mum is going to have her in few weeks

I’ll be praying that I get a few weeks furlough to chill out! 😂 (sadly not likely).

Not much change for us this time round. The children are still at school and so am I. DH has mainly been working from home, only going into work when he needs to.

We haven't been eating out or doing much shopping since the start of the first lockdown. So only difference hear is the kids swimming has stopped, which is 5 days a week for DD and twice a week for DS. Well have to get the rower out again, and go for walk when we can.

Work work and more work sadly not wfh. Atleast the commute is quieter.

@Duggeehugs82

we aren’t an official group, just some mums who meet every week for breakfast in our local cafe

[quote Ted27]@Duggeehugs82

we aren’t an official group, just some mums who meet every week for breakfast in our local cafe[/quote]
Thats a shame im sorry to hear that 💗

I have been WFH at the kitchen table since March and while appreciating how lucky I am, I am still sick to the back teeth of my house!

Key for me is a daily lunchtime walk when it's dry to get out. I'm also going to do yoga (with adriene) or a 30 min treadmill run each day as I notice my mood darkens if I don't exercise.

Lovely ideas OP

No real difference here as I'm still working though I'm quieter than usual due to lockdown and clients not needing me as they're home full-time.

The quieter days are nice, especially when it's pissing with rain (I'm a dog walker) - only being out in it for two hours is much nicer than being out for six! The loss of money isn't great but DH is working as usual and we have enough savings.

I can’t say life feels any different. We’re both nhs so still working and the DC are at school.

We went out yesterday and there were so many people out, the park near us was packed.

Not a greal deal of difference here, the only things I won’t be able to do are rugby training and running my rugby tots sessions.

I’m learning to do basic knitting, I had my first online lesson last night, I have already done todays knitting practice.

I work in 'essential' retail. No kids left at home, DH retired and doesn't go out much. My day consists of dog walk, commute, work, commute, dog walk, dinner, bed...on repeat. We dont go to pubs or restaurants. Only difference this year was being unable to go on holiday more than the once (caravanning) due to the restrictions and available times.
I play a sport that has been postponed, thats all I miss.
I dont enjoy shopping at the best of times so don't miss any of that.

WFH since March & only quietened recently,
Need to get out daily weather permitting for a walk even just 20 or 30 mins helps. I love to listen to audible books when out.
Take more breaks from the screen in the day. I ve found podcasts on spotify & have them on in the background or music helos me to focus on work better.
Adopted a set meal plan took the stress of decision making & made grocery shopping easier. We mix it up at weekend to stop boredum. I always did a little baking but this year we made our own christmas pudding & I tried out some bread making!
We have beer & movvie nite on Sat with DS's. Older teens! As they can't be at uni or meet friends.
Sunday afternoon is now self care time, I ve curly hair so I do my hair and maybe a pedicure ect or a face mask. I have been reading again! Thinking of online bookclub!
I like soothing crafts anyway but some are card making, memory keeping in project life, dot to dot or wordsearch, colouring or art journal. Now that its colder I want to crochet a blanket I use a type of fleecy yarn and it so soft! I do very simple patterns!
I listen to a gratitude meditation to go to sleep at night. Just started a "be proud" line a day in my journal where I write one thing or more that I am proud of that day!
Facetime the grandparents who are sheilding instead of just calling, has made a big difference to them as they get to see us!

Great ideas, everyone.

I'd like to learn to crochet. I am the least crafty person you will meet, ever. Can anyone recommend any online resources and what to buy to get started (very simply !)

Cheers

For me, lockdown changes very little. The kids are still at school and I'm still workin from home. I'm in a bubble with the only person I'd particularly need to see regularly, don't eat out much and don't really miss shopping in person much. I used to go to the city centre 3-5 times a week on my way to work but have been just once since mid-March!

I've got some projects too though- rather than ordering a new Lego advent calendar for the kids, I'm using our existing Lego to make one. I'm also knitting a massive blanket for someone for Christmas, about halfway through.

Hardly any change for me. I'm still going out to work 5 days a week, the kids are in schools and college, I can go to the supermarket, the park, the local forest for walks etc. I reall dont think there is much I'll really miss.
I understand I'm luckier than many. I think going out to work is my life line, as I still see people and once in work, the environment is as 'normal' as can be.

One Day At A Time.

I’m doing a VLCD. No cafes or restaurants. No lunch with friends so might as well take advantage of the suspension in normal activity.

Trying to go for a walk everyday and enjoy the autumn leaves, the parakeets in Hyde Park and yesterday a heron swooping right over my head. My issue now is that I’m lonely. I’m quite introverted anyway but this is hard and I’ve used up all my resources. I’m a single parent WFH and I’d quite like someone to go for a walk with. Messaging a few friends to see if anyone also fancies a walk.