Anyone enjoying lockdown at all?

[Paperdaisychain]

Hopefully a lighthearted thread to relieve the doom and gloom but I just wondered if anyone is enjoying the current lockdown? After the initial shock it’s been nice is some ways. Admittedly we are not badly affected my husband is able to work from home as am I (which I normally do). We are ok for money, have a car, and are able to get our shopping delivered for the time being.

It’s nice to be able to eat lunch together, we have also been going for a daily walk together. We live locally to the country so that’s been good. I’ve been teaching him yoga which he’s actually enjoying! I’ve been having “Tea and Cake” meets with my friends using zoom which I’ve really enjoyed and have even played some online games with some which has been great fun.

As a couple we have been playing board games in the evening, doing jigsaws and watching films (I recommend The Truth, streaming on Curzon at the moment).

I’ve been reading more and I’ve rediscovered long soaks in the bath, something I haven’t done since I was a teenager! I’ve also been getting through my house hold to do list which isn’t as fun but more bearable with the help of audiobooks and podcasts and it’s satisfying to see my clean, tidy cupboards!

We are also spending time helping out older relatives and neighbours. Even just being available for a chat or to get some shopping for them is lovely to be able to do.

I know that nobody is immune to the effects of this pandemic and we are very lucky, also we don’t have children which makes some of this possible and maybe easier but this thread is just a way of trying to focus on the nice things.

So go on tell me what you are enjoying about life at the moment?

Not really. Sorry.

Enjoying might be going a bit far but I'm ok with it. We're also very fortunate to have a nice house, enough money etc which makes a massive difference.

I like the pressure of not having to look at the clock or go anywhere. I'm also fortunate to be able to work from home although DH is a keyworker and is stil having to go out.

The DC are 7 & 9 so quite happy pottering about, the Wifi and screen time rules have had to be relaxed but I think lowering your standards and expectations help!

I've signed up for the NHS volunteer progamme so hopefully I'll be able to help out there too.

It certainly makes me realise how fortunate we are as I fully appreciate that for some its very difficult indeed.

Yes, there are upsides. It's all a bit stressful and I wish it wasn't happening, but the lovely weather means it's quite nice to have the time for more gardening and walking. Since there's nothing else to do! Gotta say I think Disney timed their release pretty perfectly too. It's a conspiracy initiated by Disney

@TheClaws I’m sorry, I know this will be so hard for many and I fully appreciate my privilege here! Also anyone could get sick and die from this so I’m just trying to appreciate what I have now as an antidote to the anxiety!

@TokyoSushi yes I agree this situation does make you appreciate how fortunate you are, so easy to take things for granted at times.Good luck with the volunteering, what an amazing thing to do!

@Tootletum Yes! That’s one conspiracy theory I can get behind! I was even thinking of signing up myself to see the Mandalorian!

Those who are able focus on the upsides while you can, especially as being happier can boost immunity!

www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-happiness-boosts-the-immune-system/

It’s ok so far quite honestly.

Though I say that, I’m aware, from a very privileged position. I’m quite comfortable in a big house with a large garden and can WFH so no issues with money.

No. Not everyone is comfortable with a nice cushion of money.
Glad you can lord it over the poor.

It's a horrible situation for the country to be in. But quite honestly it's not bothered me atall much. I'm a bit of an introvert really and have to 'force' myself to socialise, take dd to groups etc. I don't like people knocking on my door either. With 3 dcs and all the housework etc, I don't get bored. We are lucky to have a garden. It would be horrible without any outside space. It's nice not to have the pressure to do things.

And no, I'm not rich with a big cushion of money. We are used to getting by so it doesn't make much difference.

The only upside I have seen is that the roads are quieter when I go to work, it's like Christmas Day every day🤷‍♀️

The rest is shit.

I'm actually enjoying us all bring together. We are actually having meaningful conversation

I found the first day hard but now I am actually enjoying the quiet and more relaxed life focusing on the little things. DS is watching a bit too much TV but both DH and I need to get work done.

@AlphaJura I’m an introvert too so I think that does help a lot! Although I do always enjoy seeing my friends we can almost replicate via zoom!
I am so grateful to have a garden and a nice home although we can’t sit out too much at the moment as it’s still a bit wet where I am. If we can we will hopefully do some work done on the garden while this is all happening!

@cambergirl it’s not my intention to Lord it over anyone! However is not in anyone’s interest if we are all crippled with anxiety and panic. I’m trying to focus on the nice things and be grateful for them. I am sorry if my post has upset you.

It's something to be endured.
Some people are coping better than others.
I really feel for people that are not coping - this will affect them for a long time after - lets hope it doesn't last for months and months.

Reading the other threads over the past few days regarding this virus and the problems people are facing I have come to the conclusion that a minority are horrible, judgemental and downright nasty. The majority are inspirational though.

@maddy68 that sounds great, so often we don’t have time to properly connect, life is too busy!

@Themostwonderfultimeoftheyear. I’m also enjoying the slower pace of life!

no need for that cambergirl - just because someone is happy it doesn't mean they are glad you are not.

Plenty of ppl are struggling but it's nice to appreciate the positives, this mentality will help everyone

It’s ok so far, very lucky to have a garden and wide spaces nearby, day to day life is fine at the moment but I’m very aware that when we come out the other side of this I’m totally screwed in every way.

I hate the thought that other people are finding it much tougher in small houses, with unpleasant partners and all the other reasons this will be a miserable or dangerous time.

Taking life a day at a time and finding pleasure where I can.

I’m enjoying some aspects. Being together more, doing stuff at home we don’t usually get around to.

Some things don’t feel very different... DH is wfh which he often does anyway and I’m still on maternity leave. However, DD4 is home now and I’m due back to work in April so things will get harder and feel very different then.

However, I hate not seeing friends and family and I worry for my dad who is very high risk. I’m certain he wouldn’t survive the virus if he got it.

I really Worry about all the frontline workers and the vulnerable. And I’m angry about people who can’t seem to stick to the rules.

So I’m not hating the experience, though I find the circumstances scary, and I’m trying to be positive about what we are able to enjoy.

i am missing my normal routines of gym and juijitsu, bar that i'm still working but i'm enjoying seeing the kids on my days off during the week. Loving the sense of community and support

Single parent, not much money, wfh about 75%, trying to teach DD 7 and yes I'm ok with it as I am also an introvert. Enjoying slow mornings not rushing to get anywhere, DD more harmonious, love pottering, doing jigsaws etc and every night we've snuggled in my bed and watched a movie. Also enjoying our daily walks.

Appreciate that it's a very difficult horrible time for many but honestly, apart from being able to go to shops I've not changes my lifestyle a lot!!!

Nope. Still got to work. Back on shift on Sunday.

It's ok at the moment but we are only a short way in and having decent weather really helps with my mood. Ask me again in a week.

I just hope that we don't get more serious lock down measures.

I like it too.
I have ME so my days are normally quite similar to being in isolation. I rarely go out (not enough energy) and when I did, that was to go to my (very part time) work.
Now I am doing the same than before but wo the pressure of having to go to work. This means I actually have a bit of spare energy to spend with my dcs too....

I’ve noticed the same than the OP. I am spending more time with my teens and they are talking more to me and to each other, probably because they don’t have anyone else to talk to lol. Dcs aren’t involved in so many activities too. So basically we can (re)connect which im quite happy about.

This doesn’t mean I’m expecting everyone to feel the same. I’m very aware that the people that will the worst hit by all this are the most vulnerable, either due to health or due to poverty.
It’s more than I have made the decision to see what good will come out of that. Otherwise I would be a trembling mess of anxiety, which will not help neither myself, nor my family and not any of the vulnerable people around me (eg my FIL who has terminal cancer, my father with diabetes and cancer or anyone else for that matter)

@inwood I agree the daily exercise outside is a life saver, everyone around here is being sensible so I don’t see a need for stricter lockdowns but it may be different elsewhere.

There are difficulties, definitely.

But there are also some reliefs from regular day-to-day stresses.

Activities are all cancelled. So we are not spending all weekend ferrying DD to hockey and other sports. DH is not spending hours standing on the sidelines of pitches. I am not having to organise Cub Scout meetings and tidy up the Den after the precious darlings. While there is still some organising to do for Cubs, and for junior sailing (I have responsibility locally, DH has a national responsibility) - it is paperwork just now rather than paperwork and events and long days away from home and listening to all the woes of other parents and sorting all the problems. Admittedly, we are looking to see what we can do remotely for the Cubs -but that is far more at my leisure than regular weekly meetings are.

We are both WFH. But DH has a good set up in the home office and I have a decent office chair in the kitchen so its working ok. And I just changed role internally so its a lot of reading to do as that section cannot progress things until we both get a new government and Covid is under control.

DD is schooling at home, but embracing it so following a full timetable in her room at her desk, and is actually still learning and engaging.

And we are having family lunches, and have time to cook proper dinners again and eat together. Normally DH and I are out until late and throwing together food, while DD stays at school until 8.30 for evening study and eats there.

DD is showing a different side to her personality as she wants to help out at home - normally she is too busy and just doesn't have the time.

I would like to get organised enough to do some crafting in the evenings, but we are still settling into it and have a number of deep cleaning and organising things we need to do first. But we were able to get on with some last weekend and intend to finish one room and start another this weekend, and have a different room thoroughly organised in case we need an isolation room at some point.

Yes, there's lots to hate about all this. But we are looking on the positive sides, playing some board and card games, watching tv as a family, enjoying eating and chatting together, and even getting some baking done for the first time in AGES, so those are nice things.

And the extended family have been in touch far more as their lives have all slowed down. Which is also nice.