As we in the UK are going through our third lockdown, as I’m sure other countries are going through something similar too, I look back at 21 things I have learned over the past year during quarantine. Have you experienced any of these too?
1. Sometimes you just can’t plan ahead. Like 2020 has shown us, our future is unpredictable and we should try to adapt as best as we can.
2. Home workouts hurt. They do get the job done and if YouTube didn’t exist, these lockdowns would have been a lot worse! That being said, I do miss the gym and feel like I took it for granted when I had the option to go.
3. I took a lot for granted. Like the gym I underestimated how much I would miss certain things. Even window shopping, something I dreaded was at least an excuse to catch up with friends/family and leave the house.
4. I enjoy going for walks. Maybe it’s the working and studying from home that makes me appreciate the outdoors more. But I didn’t realise how better I felt after coming back from a long walk. The fresh air is like therapy.
5. I like trying new recipes at home. I love food and eating. But I also love eating at restaurants I’ve never been to before. I’m happy to say in these lockdowns there have been a few new recipes that I have tried and are now a regular in my meals!
6. I can braid my own hair! Although it takes at least 8 hours and multiple breaks, I am officially able to box braid and knotless braid my hair. Each time I attempted it, the braids looked neater and I’ve never been so proud. :’) Check it out here.
7. Clubhouse is a hit or miss type of app. Some rooms are quite useful, and some are full of banter, but a lot of the people on there just love the sound of their own voice.
8. Solitude is survival. I love my own privacy but I also love being social, so being in lockdown hasn’t been too difficult for me. Those who aren’t used to all this alone time or live by themselves and can’t see anyone have struggled, but it’s amazing to see them keep going. You’ve got this!
9. Technology is thriving. Zoom has become our best friend or worst enemies during this pandemic! The ability for millions to work, study and communicate from home just shows how adaptable and convenient our resources are.
10. It’s okay to not be doing anything. Sometimes your mental health may be telling you to take a break. You may feel down or just not in the mood to continue for the moment. Don’t beat yourself up about it, take the time you need and refocus. Check out my post for more details on taking breaks.
11. Social media rushes you and that’s not cool. You may see a post of someone moving out or buying a property and thinking you’re not doing enough right now. Stop! Try and not compare your life to the one you seen online, your timing is the best for you. Stick to what you’ve got going on and remain determined!
12. Drinking wine is essential. To me it has been! When the days have been really stressful and anxiety has taken over, what has been my go to at the end of the day? A glass of red of course.
13. It may be time to cut people off. Lets say you’ve not communicated with someone for months and the vibe is no longer the same. Or the relationship dynamic isn’t what you agree with anymore, then it may be time to leave that person and continue with your growth. Think about it…
14. Family and loved ones are so crucial. Yes you may have cut people off, but do not neglect the ones that are in your life and care about you!
15. Reading is a great time passer. Staring at screens all day is a strain and can make you feel a bit rubbish too. Pick up a book or order a new read to keep you stimulated. Learn something new!
16. Everyone is coping differently. Some people may decide to spend their time on social media, i.e. creating TikTok content or starting a YouTube channel. If you feel drawn to any of these creative outlets, then do it! Don’t let others dictate how you should live your life or want to express yourself.
17. How to take care of houseplants. Over the last year I have accumulated a number of plants, given them names and welcomed them into the family! It has been fun to watch them grow and flourish. Also been good to keep track of their watering habits which I do with the trusty Planta app.
18. Lockdown weight is harder to shift. The more I eat, the more I don’t want to workout! Since I’m indoors for the majority of the day, I can sometimes fall into the habit of not keeping active, that is slowly changing!
19. Cleaning the house is therapeutic. There’s something about listening to music and watching the clutter disappear that is so satisfying to me.
20. Running myself a bath is also therapeutic. A few times a week I find myself sat in the bath. From steaming hot baths to bubble baths or ones with essential oils and cleansing salts are all good. Include a good book and I can be in there for over an hour. Thriving…
21. My relationship with God has improved so much! Being alone has helped me reflect on a daily basis. And who better to speak to than my all knowing guide and protector?!
What are some of the things you learned in lockdown? Were any of the ones on my list familiar to you? Let me know!
And if you are looking for an amazing YouTube channel that discusses all things to do with God, life, insecurities and everyday reflection, check out my sis Iyinoluwa on Everyday Iyin. You won’t regret it!
Seraphina
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Words By Seraphina 