Lockdown has been a strange time. At points, it’s been pure peace without the pressure of socialising. And without thinking about putting makeup on every day. But it’s also been tough for a lot of us as we’ve not been able to see loved ones. I’m not the best on video calls and they’re not my favourite way to communicate. But it’s been a necessity during this times. I actually started a brand new job during the lockdown which has been rather strange. But at the same time pretty amazing that I’ve navigated starting a new role during such a tough time.
Most of our lives have changed massively since lockdown started. And they’ll continue to change as the future months evolve. One thing is for sure it’s going to be a long time before our lives return to any form of normality. But here are some things I appreciate even more thanks to lockdown.
A slower pace of life
I was always on the go and rarely took proper time to relax and look after myself. It was super rare for me to have a full day at the weekend free, never mind a whole weekend. I’d be meeting friends for brunch, heading into London or going to a show or gig. Things were pretty full-on. But lockdown has made me step back and take a slower pace of life. I can’t go out and do any of the things I did before, and I’m okay with that.
My body has enjoyed the extra sleep, my skin has appreciated the upped skincare routine, and my mental health is doing pretty good. When things get back to some sort of normality I want to keep a slightly slower pace of life going. Maybe going out less evenings in the week, or having one day each weekend as me-time at home.
Lockdown has made me appreciate skincare even more
I’ve been a skincare junkie for a long time now, but the lockdown has pushed it to new proportions. My bi-monthly face masking has turned into weekly masking. And both my AM and PM routines have been upped. I’m using a serum every single morning and evening. My morning routine includes a vitamin C, and so much more. My skin is loving the opportunity to try new products and drink up all the goodness I’m feeding it.
It’s also giving me a great reason to use up some of my stash. I’m trying not to buy too much more, but I’ve had the odd treat or two. You’ve got to do it right?!
Cooking and meal preparation isn’t all that tough
Before lockdown, we definitely ate out and had takeaways far more than we should have. With Luke being self-employed and losing a lot of work during the period we stepped back from takeaways to save money. And the option to physically eat out isn’t there.
To avoid too much food waste and to ensure I get everything we need in our once a week shop I’ve been meal planning a lot more. Before I go shopping I’ll have my plan for the week ahead and my list. It has been really fun to find recipes and think up dinner ideas. Even if we have rotated a lot of the same meals around.
We’ve also cooked a lot more during the lockdown which I’ve enjoyed. It’s made me realise how much healthier and just better it can be than convenience food and takeaways.