Lockdown Life!

Yesterday I received an email from one of my readers, a lady calling herself Angel. Angel has written to me before, and has been one of my staunchest supporters. She wanted to ask if I could do a blog entry detailing what people like her, can do during these lockdown  measures, that we currently live under.

I am no expert in such matters, which is why I asked friends and family on facebook and twitter what they are doing, to help overcome their fears.

All of us have been thrown into a strange new World, that is alien in every respect. Keeping structure and order in our daily routines is important right now, as we not only deal with the horrors of Coronavirus, but we also prepare ourselves for the weeks and months ahead, by living a solitary existence, without regular contact with the outside World. These can be lonely challenging days, but with a little bit of thought and ingenuity all of us can strive to win the battles ahead and learn to cope in the COVID age!

Lynn

'I am doing Joe wicks, cooking, tidying and doing jigsaws... I'm lucky enough to be going out to work though.' Lynn has also managed to lose two inches from her waistline, something I could do with doing myself, when I am well enough. I think I'll have to give this Joe Wicks a bit of a watch!

Charlene

'My children have been doing gymnastics. They made a zoo out of Daddy's work tools and put the toy animals in. Cheerleading stunt pair Daddy and daughter. Been OCD cleaning daily lol and watching films, cooking bread, flapjacks, cakes and pizza. Home work outs bodyweight /weighted, and jumping on spin bike. Doing Max Whitlock and Joe Wicks work outs with the kids. And 3 school work tasks a day - we're on day 15 today. And me and the kids have only been out to collect something from school 1s. Daddy is the shop man.' Wow Charlene you are really busy and probably put the rest of us to shame, but when you have children to entertain, you never have a spare minute!

Helen

'Luckily for me I get to go to work every day, on days off we’ll go out for a nice 2-hour walk around the country lanes. I would literally go crazy if I couldn’t go to work, hopefully you’ll be able to get back soon, big hugs.' Helen lives on the beautiful Island of Jersey, which has also been affected by COVID-19.

Janet

'My garden, it has never looked so good; very therapeutic, vegetables and flowers. Am even growing some grape plants for wine !!!!!' Gardening is a great way to pass the time, nothing too strenuous though Janet!

Michelle

'Everyone has to find a way to cope with this awful situation. The emergency services and forces often use very dark humour to cope with the horrors they endure. It's human nature to try and respond positively and connect with each other and blogging like you do is a perfect way of doing that. The first thing we did at work was set up regular video meetings. We just check in on each other and are honest about how we are doing and it's been a really important way to get through this together with some of our mental health intact. I'm sorry you're feeling ill and you're so far away from your love. keep on blogging.' Thank you Michelle. You have always been a great source of inspiration for me and I always appreciate your advice. You are so right about video calling. My Aunt was able to talk to all her daughters and the kids together yesterday, which is so important right now. Stay safe my lovely! x

Danae

'Baking and watching box sets.' Now I've known Danae for a while and I never knew she baked cakes, but good on her for doing it, keeping her mind occupied and doing what needs to be done, surviving lockdown life!

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Michelle and Paul

'Well Paul and I have been sorting out all our cupboards and getting rid of huge amounts of paperwork.'  Two beautiful friends from Spain, who I was due to visit only last week. I know my Aunt has also been sorting out things she has been putting off, the perfect way to pass the time. Just be careful what you are throwing out my lovelies!

Steve

'Hope you're feeling better today. I've been going through all the old family photos and putting them in order. I've scanned them to my computer. There's an online company called Mixbook where you can create an album. You don't have to pay until you've finished or when you have funds. It's an enjoyable thing to do and passes the time. The Planet Mirth Adventures Two, my second children's book, will be out soon. I'll never forget the help you gave me with the first one. Stay in and stay safe,' My dear friend an author Steve, who once again was always an inspiration. It's good to see him occupied and busy. I'm sure he is also working on book number three!

Jo

'I would put money on 2 things, the divorce rate is going to be higher this year and there are going to be lots of new babies born December/January.' Good old Jo, she is right. I'm sure most people are just having some good old-fashioned fun and why not!

Johnny

'Downloading lots of things to binge-watch....but I usually do that anyway ;) Arguing with idiots on stalkbook (which I usually do as well). Gone back to being a kid......ordered some model kits off fleabay, THAAT should keep me busy for a while as I have crap eyesight and sausage fingers LOL - Stay safe brother. I'm quite lucky the way my brain works. If it's something I have no control over...then I don't even pay it a second thought. I should be worried; as I have copd, diabetes and plenty of over things wrong, I could just as easily get splattered crossing the road....so not worth stressing about ;) It's a shame I can't help in any way, as I know you can be quite a stress monster. My stress relief at the moment is channel "Now 70s" on the TV. Non-stop 70s music all day long. I can listen to this for hours at a time, and it takes me back to a happy, simpler time.' The wonderful Johnny. I went to school with this chap over 40 years ago and I know this is a really stressful time for him, even though he hates to show it. I know he will certainly do the right thing and stay safe!

Rita

'When I'm not at work a bit of baking.' Now I've tasted Rita's cakes, and they are to die for. She would be the perfect companion to be self-isolated with!

Linda

'I’ve been doing jigsaw puzzles on my iPad and going for regular walks around the garden and listening to music.' Linda is such a positive lady and always finds the good in everything. These maybe dark days, but we can let light in!

Zerina

'Laying in the garden reading a book while every one else is in doors,   it's nice just me.' For those who are well, it's the perfect time to rest and recharge, so enjoy the time Zerina, it won't be too long before you are back at work!

Pamela

'Watching films and TV, sleeping a lot, doing housework and cleaning and going shopping once a week for essentials and paying bills like  topping up electric.' Like so many others, Pam is doing what she can to carry on with normal life. Giving ourselves a sense of routine, despite the pandemic is so important right now!

People are great, aren't they? Everyone is doing what they can to overcome their own personal difficulties at this time. Of course, it is right to wish the NHS well, support our doctors and nurses, by doing the right thing and staying at home, but it is also important to recognise the challenges everyone is experiencing today.

Families up and down the country are having to adjust their lifestyles in order to stay safe  and hopefully ride out this storm. From cake baking, to reading, keeping fit to dancing, everyone is finding their way through this turmoil. With HM The Queen broadcasting to the nation tonight, I just hope we all continue to follow her example and stay calm in the face of disaster. The British people are known for their resilience; we will all embrace again one day!

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