The Economy has gone to pot, it’s all over the news, it's everywhere you look and, let me just throw a stat out there. The cost of living has gone up for most of us, two thirds of people, according to Ipsos, say the cost of food, goods and services have increased, but we are all much happier at home despite the fact we’re effectively in a recession.
I recognise there are more people on state benefits and those on the breadline are carrying a huge burden during these times particularly for the most vulnerable among us.
For some of the more fortune ones, lockdown life has offered a huge increase of feel good factors, such as more time to sleep, more time with pets and loved ones, comfort home cooking, and not having to deal with the temptations the outside world has to offer, have led to a greater sense of general wellbeing - imagine that, people have essentially become more content, living with the virus!
UCL is conducting an ongoing study about the psychological impact of the CoronaVirus Pandemic and the results so far has shown that although there was an initial drop in happiness at the beginning of lockdown, wellbeing has increased over the last few weeks, and anxiety levels have declined for both people with and without existing mental health problems. These results are based on responses of more than 74,000 people. If you’d like to be part of the study, you can take a few minutes to complete the survey.
Speaking to friends and family, I personally feel that most of us have embraced lockdown and have adapted to a new normal way of life. Queuing up at my local Sainsbury’s has become part of my daily ritual and has seemingly replaced my daily commute into work, but I really don’t mind it. There are lots you can do to make lockdown life more pleasant, but the one thing that has worked incredibly well for me is actually watching less mainstream news - I’ve consciously tuned out as my behaviour has gradually adjusted to a new lifestyle. We have flattened the curve! Shops and restaurants are open again and there’s much to be optimistic about and with relaxed laws, it has helped to increase morale and overall positivity in people. Before lockdown, I was laser focused, on measuring my day’s worth based on output in terms of how many emails, powerpoints and meetings I’ve done, which has shifted to appreciating time with the family, more exercise and experimenting in the kitchen, maybe overindulging slightly in baked goods, but we all must allow ourselves some of life's sugary decadence.
The pandemic’s harsh reminder of just how unpredictable life can be, has reminded me how to enjoy more of the simple things again, now all I really need is a few weeks away in the sun with my feet in the sand and I’ll be right as rain!
I read somewhere that there is a quiet revolution taking place in our gardens, bedrooms and kitchens, a revolution with a purpose that is detached from the monotony of our daily grind and productivity, instead coupled to the instant fulfilment of joy, and being able to just let go.
Let us know what you've been doing at home during your lockdown.
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