There is no doubt that lockdown has posed challenges for all of us. We’re missing friends, it’s odd to see everyone in masks, and it’s virtually impossible to escape scary headlines. Despite the tough times, there have been silver linings. As we look forward to the future with a degree of uncertainty and trepidation it’s important to try and be positive. Here are some silver linings to focus on.
Embracing a simpler life and valuing time
When the lockdown was first announced the vast majority of us suddenly shifted to a routine that involved spending all our waking hours at home. Pre-Covid-19, most people complained about a lack of time and being unable to take a rest or devote enough hours in the day to seeing their nearest and dearest or indulging hobbies and interests. Fast forward, and a global pandemic caused us to reassess what is important to value our time and to take the opportunity to spend more time with our families even if that meant hosting weekly virtual quizzes or spending an age on Facetime every day. With social events and work commitments cancelled, we embraced a simpler life, and for many of us, there was a sense of relief. Moving forward, we can learn from our lockdown experiences and use our time more wisely in the future. Try not to feel pressured into saying yes all the time or feeling like you need to have plans in the diary every single weekend. Take a step back, rest, and devote your time to people and interests that make you feel happy.
Getting to grips with our finances
The Covid-19 crisis has caused most of us to think about money. For some of us it’s been a time to save, to cut out luxuries and to build a foundation for the future. For others, it’s been an anxious time with incomes reduced and jobs lost. If you are struggling financially, there is help available, and it’s best to tackle any problems head-on before they get worse. Getting into debt is nothing to be ashamed of, and it can happen to anyone, especially at a time like this when people are losing their jobs on a daily basis and it’s harder to find new roles. If you’re finding it hard to keep up with bills, your credit card balance is increasing or you’re thinking about borrowing money, contact your bank and look for advice on the government website. There are support schemes and programmes running, and you may be able to postpone or temporarily freeze payments or increase benefits. Take a look at sites like https://www.dtss.us/freedom-and-success-education.html for more information about your rights when it comes to dealing with debt, and don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for advice. You can contact advisers at your bank or get in touch with debt charities.
Photo by Fabian Blank on Unsplash
Focusing on our health and wellbeing
A pandemic is a stark reminder that we should never take our health for granted. Many of us have used the lockdown to get in shape and think about ways we can improve our physical and mental health and this will be beneficial for years to come. Making simple changes to your lifestyle can make a massive difference, and it’s important to understand the importance of looking after yourself. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat well, move your body more and take steps to protect your mental health. Surround yourself with positive people, find an outlet if you’re feeling angry, frustrated or worried and express yourself. Be creative, talk to a friend or a family member or go for a jog in the park. Have confidence in your own abilities, be kind to yourself and seek help if you’re struggling. For more mental health tips, check out this useful article https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/top-tips-to-improve-your-mental-wellbeing/.
It’s also been shown that CBD can help with mental wellbeing by calming the brain and supporting the hippocampus. A daily intake of CBD from a trusted retailed like Blessed CBD can help us maintain a healthy emotional state.
The Covid-19 crisis has been extremely tough, but there are some silver linings. Focus on the positives and use your experiences to work towards a brighter future.
