If there’s one thing that lockdown has taught me, it’s that the small things count. The thoughtful check-ins with family, the neighbors who ask if you need anything, and actually mean it, the friends who send little care packages in the mail. But although the world is returning to some type of normal, it’s important not to let those little acts of kindness become extinct. Here are some of the lockdown habits I’ll be making a permanent fixture. Not all lockdown habits are here to stay, (I don’t know who needs to hear this but you really don’t need to place another Amazon order).
Counting My Blessings
Life in a pandemic has been truly rollercoaster-esque emotions wise. One minute you’re living your best lockdown life, drinking your tea through your Twix in your PJs enjoying the novelty of daytime TV while every so often firing off a token email so you’re co-workers think you are hard at work, truly grateful that you have a house to isolate in, the next you’re showing signs of seething discontent because your access to a MacDonald’s breakfast has been cruelly revoked and the realization hits that you’ve been one buttery muffin and rubbery fried egg away from a mini-meltdown your whole life. Meltdowns aside, I’ve found listing what I’m grateful for on a morning has really helped me keep my perspective on things when emotions run wild and I’ll be continuing to write in my gratitude journal long after lockdown ends. Also. Exciting news. Macdonalds breakfast is BACK. Race you there!
Sparing a Second to Lift Someone Up
This is such a simple thing to do. Support doesn’t cost a thing and it takes seconds. Your friend that’s starting a new online business, your Mum who’s starting a new fitness regime or your fave Instagrammer who is working with that brand they’ve always admired. A meme, a photo, a voice note. Check in weekly with those you love and let them know you are thinking about them. Just because lockdown life is a little less intense, it doesn’t mean everyone is instantly adjusting to this new normal. So, send a quick text. It could mean the world.
Sending a Hand-written Card
Even during a pandemic, I still managed to send handwritten cards. If you want to put a smile on someone’s face, you can’t beat a personal card. My family is big on handwritten thank you cards and I still send them to this day. It could be a note to your friend for the wonderfully apt birthday present, a few words of support for a family member who is having a hard time, or your neighbour for taking in your 1056 parcels during the lockdown. Don’t fancy the shops just yet? Go online and re-stock your card drawer (I can’t be the only person who has one of these) and make someone’s day with cards like these to get that personal touch.
De-cluttering and then Decluttering Again
I don’t know about you but I’ve halved my possessions during lockdown and have come out the other side some kind of minimalist. 1784 Amazon orders aside, I’ve worked my way from drawer to drawer and created keep, sell, donate piles like a pro. I think when we have no control over external influences, taking control of your living space is really therapeutic so I’ll be taking the little and often approach to clear outs from now on. Sidenote: I have a LOT of cooking books for someone whose signature dish is boiled eggs.
Sending Lovely Surprises in the Mail
Because. Well. Who doesn’t love receiving something lovely in the mail? My Mum always posts me letters filled with magazine cuttings that she has saved for me and they always make me happy. The element of surprise is everything here. Of course, no one can afford to be sending pricey packages to their friends and family all the time especially when job uncertainty is a thing. So send something sentimental. Pack up your most treasured novel, include a handwritten note on the first page and snacks they love or perhaps some fancy tea bags.
Self Care
I threw myself into self-care pretty hard during lockdown simply because I had nothing much else to do on an evening and while I’d like to tell you I’m coming out the other side with rapunzel hair looking like the best version of myself, that’s not exactly the truth. But, I have enjoyed planning in a little me time and I won’t be giving up my hour-long baths any time soon.
What lockdown habits with you be sticking with?
*This was a collaborative post but my opinions are 100% my own
