Silver Linings - What to be grateful for in lockdown

These are pretty unusual and stressful times we are living in right now. Tensions and emotions are running high, and no one really knows what to do or how to feel.

Looking around the world right there is so much going on, so much to be worried or scared about, so much negativity. But there are also a lot of positives.

Whether it be the clap for carers movement, the chance to try new things or simply spending time with family, I’m sure every one of us has at least one thing to be grateful for during this time.

I’m a big fan of this ‘Lockdown Silver Linings’ tag. It’s so important during hard times to try and look for any positives in your life, anything to be thankful for, to help you through. No matter how small they may be.

Thank you to Leo from the Anxious Teacher blog for nominating me to put forward my silver linings from lockdown.

No time to read now? Pin it for later.

Lockdown Silver Linings

Being able to work from home

Maybe this is an odd one to start of with, but I am really grateful that I can still work during this lockdown and for the freedom working from home has given me.

I work on a flexitime basis, and this time has allowed me to build my hours up more than I ever would have if I was in the office. I’ve worked over 34 extra hours since working from home three weeks ago and it’s really helped as this is the busiest period of the year.

I wouldn’t have been able to work this much if I had to travel to and from work every day, I barely manage my normal working hours let alone anything more. So I don’t know how we would’ve made our way through the masses of work we had to do.

I’m also very grateful for the job security I have, I’m very fortunate that this hasn’t affected my work life very much and I certainly don’t want to take that for granted.

Quality time

I live with my lovely other half and I have to say it’s been so nice to spend this much time with him during this lockdown.

Normally, even though we live together, we don’t actually get to spend that much time together. Because of ME/CFS I need a lot of sleep and rest, and I don’t get out very much. So on weekdays we usually just eat dinner together then I go to bed. I also often spend the weekends resting and sleeping, and he goes out with friends and plays sports.

It can be quite lonely for me, and although he is probably hating not being able to go out with friends I am absolutely loving him being here with me and not being on my own all the time. I think it’s going to be quite a struggle when things go back to normal – one thing in not looking forward to once this is all over.

Chocolate

It’s chocolate an essential item? Absolutely, in my eyes.

Honestly I don’t know what I would do without chocolate. I’m trying really hard not to completely binge on it, but it does bring me still much joy. How is it possible for a food to make someone so happy? Chocolate is like a little piece of magic, of heaven.

And it is especially important when it feels like the whole world is falling apart, to find the things that make you feel good and hold on to them. Chocolate is one of mine, and thankfully it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.

Sunshine

I may not really be able to go out in it, but the sunny weather outside really does make all the difference. Not only does it keep our flat warm, but it also works wonders on my mood.

I can’t imagine what it would be like if we were all quarantined during the winter months, when it is cold and dreary and just miserable. I find it hard enough to be happy on those days as it is, let alone with everything else that is going on right now.

We may not have a garden, and we may not be able to go to a beer garden or to picnic in the park, but merely having the sun streaming in through the windows is amazing. We’ve had such horrendous weather this year, it’s great to finally see some sun.

I’m still getting up and putting on my summer dresses every day (in fact I bought some new ones), and enjoying this season to the best of my ability.

Yoga

Or more specifically having the time and energy to do yoga.

I am planning on writing a more detailed post about yoga, but it’s the only form of exercise I’ve found that I can actually do without over doing my body. This lockdown has actually given me the opportunity to dedicate to it and get my body stronger.

Normally when I get home from work I am in a compete daze. I don’t have the energy for anything else. I kind of just get home and slump on the sofa trying not to move.

In lockdown though I can finish work and do about 20 minutes of yoga to unwind my mind, and strengthen my body. Some days I do more, some days I do less, some days I can manage a tougher workout, some days I need a slower and calmer one.

For the last 3 weeks I have done some form of yoga workout every day. It’s been a great way to make sure I’m looking after my body when I’m not moving around as much. It’s also so good for anxiety and relaxation.

I’m really hoping I’ll be able to keep it up when all this is over!

Bonus: Disney+

Could this have been released at a better time? I really don’t think we would have even considered it if it wasn’t for lockdown, but I’m so glad we did.

It’s brought me so much joy rewatching all the films and tv shows that I enjoyed when I was young. I’ve also discovered some new ones. It’s definitely worth it!

My Silver Linings Nominees

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my lockdown silver linings, if you’d like to share any of your own place feel free to leave me a comment. I’d love to hear all yours!

The people I tag to reveal their silver linings are:

Brooke – Blue to Bliss
Maddison – Foster Family Travels
Bethany – Simply Bethany Megan

Simply create a post all about the good things going on in your life right now and tag some of your blogger friends to take part too.