This time has been incredibly challenging for most people and I am definitely a part of that cohort. It’s been hard not being able to see my friends as usual and staying on my own, home alone with my thoughts appearing in every corner. 

Despite all the hardships that this time has brought, there have been many good things coming out of it.

TIME FOR MINDFULNESS

This has been a big one for me, I used to carry out a very busy life between work, assignments and social life. I used to have little or no time for myself. Mostly, when I would find a spare 2 hours to just spend in my own company, I would decide to scroll Instagram until my thumb was about to fall off. 

With lockdown, life has changed drastically. I now have more time on my hands and since I don’t have to spend it travelling or working, I have discovered the importance of spending 20 minutes a day for mindfulness practices. 

I started meditating. Let me tell you, I am not an expert but one thing I know for sure: meditation is not a method of relaxation. You heard me right. Meditating made me come to touch parts of myself that I was trying to hide. Some days after my 15 minute practice I would feel happy, but others I would feel angry and exhausted.

Meditation gives me the opportunity to become less judgmental of my thoughts and emotions, it is certainly something that I wish to continue. 

READ MORE, WRITE MORE

Lockdown made me realise how much I love reading and writing and how much I rely on them. Having more time allowed me to throw myself into books I was long waiting to read. 

I love movies and the internet but nothing feels better than a good old book before going to bed. Reading has become a good habit of mine now. Before going to bed, I always read a chapter or two to help me fall asleep better. It also helps me dream and leave nightmares in the corner. 

Writing. Writing is such a big passion of mine and lately I’ve had so much time to write. It is definitely something that I want to keep doing even when lockdown ends. It allows me to see my thoughts and feelings and when I write I feel like I am in a totally comfortable space. 

If you ever feel like you need to make a big decision, I highly recommend you start writing to help you out.  

COOKING OVER SNACKING

This one has been a massive revelation. I always thought I was an awful cook, but the truth is I have never actually tried cooking properly. Surprise, surprise I am not that bad. I made a huge amount of pies and cooked so many different types of pasta. I even made pasta from scratch. I mean, who am I? 

Baking has also been pretty interesting, I made some vegan cakes that are so good. I want to be able to create at least 3 meals a week homemade when lockdown ends. There is something magical in knowing that you put effort into what you are eating. Also, it’s a lot of fun. 

It really makes a difference in the way I think of myself and my body. Knowing what nutrients I am ingesting has been a type of self-love. We truly are what we eat. Since I started cooking more I have a lot more energy, and eating at the table has become a pleasure rather than a chore.

All in all, the lockdown has taught me to slow down and enjoy the little things in life. It has definitely been a very hard time but it has also given me the opportunity to look at my life differently. Remember that sometimes it is good to slow down. 

Written by Cloe Grampa

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