I still cannot quiet believe we are back in lockdown. I am always a glass half full type of girl but I was quite downhearted last week after the announcements. Lockdown in the summer is certainly a different kettle of fish to the winter. Juggling work, homeschooling, working hard as a key worker, shielding, missing family & friends, whatever your dealing with always seems worse when the days are shorter & colder.
Over the weekend I gave myself a talking to, dug out my positive pants (bit bigger than last March) & slowly but surely I am taking small steps to feeling more positive about things. I thought I would share a few of the things that help me keep positive on a day to day basis & ready to tackle what is thrown at me.
1). Walk – get outside…. even if its just a short stroll I promise it will make you feel better. I have also enjoyed my morning coffee in the garden this week. It has cleared my head & made me appreciate the small things (you will need a duvet coat, rug, gloves & hat but I promise you its worth it)
2). Pop on some make up and perfume. It makes you feel so much better … even if its just a flash of mascara & blusher… call it your homeschooling war paint if your back in the classroom!
3). Wear colour, it really boosts your mood I promise. Dress up a bit even if its just for you! I have been enjoying my scarves, blue star studs & bangle bobbles for a pop of colour during the day.
4).Do a spot of cleaning or organising a space in the house. I cleaned out my pantry cupboard this week & it really gave me a sense of achievement. I was a welcome focus on something different. I now smile when I open the cupboard doors & also found some ingredients that I didn’t know I had.
5). Get creative …. cook something new, plan a new area in your garden, order some seeds to plant in spring, treat yourself to some flowers & enjoy arranging them, dance to your favourite tune, join your children in some art (I loved drawing with Flora this week in her art lesson!), plant some bulbs to enjoy in your home…. I could do all these things all day if I could!
6). Take some time out for you … I have been loving a hot bath, a book or a magazine, giving myself a pamper with a face pack & a manicure … I have already enjoyed lots of my Christmas pressies that I would normally save for a rainy day !! Good Housekeeping, Balance Me tan drops & Aromatherapy Bath oils are my all time saviors!
7). Re- jig a room in your home. Move a sofa or sideboard, move a few pictures or home accessories to create a new look or create a new little cosy reading corner in your house. Just use what you already have & move a few things around. I love changing the location of plates, vases, plants & pictures in my home. In fact I normally have a spring clean & a rejig at the same time. As you know I love colour & I have been popping colourful bud vases & candles around the house to cheer it up now that the Christmas decorations are down.
8). Dress for dinner & enjoy a nice meal at the weekend. In the first lockdown we did this as a family & planned different themes every Saturday night (Italian, Mexican etc) However this lockdown we have enjoyed a family roast on a Sunday & then Nick & I have had a meal together on a Friday or Saturday which has been really good fun.
9). Ring a friend…its sometimes hard to find time amongst the daily juggle but this really does cheer you up (and them) I promise.
10). Enjoy a tv series or a podcast. TV wise I have loved Bridgeton on Netflix, The Serpent on BBC 1, Emily In Paris on Netflix & The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix. Podcasts that I have been listening to have been Happy Place by Fearne Cotton, Woman’s Hour on BBC Sounds (radio 4) & Mid Point with Gabby Logan. I cannot wait for Duchess in February which showcases the life of different Duchesses & Ladies in our modern age.
But most of all be kind to yourself. Its a difficult time & we all deal with situations in a different way…. it seems like its never-ending at the moment but it will pass, spring will be here before we know it & we will be able to hug friends & family soon.
In the words of the amazing Charlie Mackesy “This storm is making me tired” said the boy. “Storms get tired too” said the horse ” so hold on”.
