GUEST BLOG FROM ANNIE BRYAN

7 Lessons I’ve Learned In Lockdown

Lockdown has been a weird time for everyone, hasn’t it? There have been some days when I’ve wanted to pull my hair out and some days when isolation has been surprisingly enjoyable.

It seems the world has been put on pause, allowing us all to reflect on our lives. Before I forget how strange these times have been, I’ve made a list of what lockdown has taught me, as a nineteen-year-old, over the last few weeks, good things and bad.

 

#1 How privileged I am and how much I took for granted

Before lockdown, I took lots of things for granted, but now I’ve begun to practice gratitude, which has changed my outlook on life. For example, I’ve realised how lucky I am to have a garden to sit outside in, allowing me to enjoy the lovely weather we’ve had. I’m also grateful for my family who I’ve been able to isolate with, and technology to allow me to stay in contact with friends. And of course, we’re all grateful for the National Health Service we have here in the UK.

 

#2 Time on your own is necessary and enjoyable

I’ve learned that I don’t need to have a weekend filled with lots of plans, seeing lots of different people to have fun. Since the start of lockdown, I’ve started to really enjoy time on my own, as it allows me to have that needed contemplation time and be more mindful.

 

#3 There’s no point worrying about things that are out of your control

When the lockdown restrictions were first put into place, I spent so long feeling frustrated about my summer plans being cancelled such as festivals and holidays with friends, and whether or not I would be able to start University in September. However, now I understand that everything happens for a reason, and even though it might not make sense at first, in the end, it will. Learning to see the good in every situation is much more powerful than worrying about the negatives.

 

#4 Money can’t buy you everything

Money can buy you a lot of things, but it cannot buy you immunity to a virus or a vaccine that hasn’t been invented yet. I think the most interesting thing about this pandemic is that it does not discriminate due to wealth, every person on the planet is at risk. I think that is a powerful reminder that we are all equal.

 

#5 To appreciate the simple pleasures

Life in lockdown for me has meant spending more time with family. We’ve been having family quizzes and barbeques at home, things which before wouldn’t have excited me. I’ve also started to look forward to going food shopping, which I never thought I’d hear myself say!

 

#6 To appreciate what is on my doorstep

Instead of travelling to different cities at weekends to visit friends, lockdown has allowed me to explore some of the beautiful countryside here in Yorkshire that I’m lucky to have right on my doorstep. I’ve discovered how much difference going for a walk and getting some fresh air can make to your mood when you’ve been isolated in your house for a few days.

 

#7 To live in the now

Lockdown has taught me that life is so unpredictable and moves so fast. Before I was a big planner and thrived off having a busy schedule, but now I’ve been forced to spend less time planning and waiting for things to happen, and instead, live in the moment.

 

I wonder what your lessons have been…?

 

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