Since the Covid-19 pandemic we have been in and out of lockdown, with different rules imposed on us all the time. We have spent the whole of 2021 in lockdown, unable to socialise or see family and friends. I myself have struggled massively and I know that most people feel the same. I miss normal life. I miss seeing my loved ones and my friends. I miss the simple things like going for tea or going to the cinema. It has been hard to stay positive during this pandemic as most things we enjoy as humans have been made illegal.

If the pandemic is good for one thing, it has made us appreciate the little things. Here are some of the things that have kept me sane in lockdown;

Cooking! Since March 2020 I have cooked so much more! Trying new recipes and cooking with my partner. Before we would have ordered food or gone out for tea, but we were forced to cook! This has opened my eyes so much more to the fact you can enjoy food just as much at home and not pay £50+ for your meal. I’m not saying cooking isn’t stressful because it really can be, but it is something that I have looked forward to doing.

Exercise and eating healthy! Throughout the pandemic I have tried my best to stay healthy during the week and exercise. It was important for me to do this as it would have been really easy to fall into bad habits. Eating healthy and exercising gave me a routine and made me feel so much better about myself rather than just sitting in the house! Outdoor exercise with friends sometimes just gives you a boost and makes you realise it’s the relationships you have in life what count the most.

It is important to remember that we are in a pandemic and whatever goals we achieve no matter if it’s as small as getting up and going for a walk or cleaning your car, it’s enough. If something makes you happy or takes your mind off the state of the world even if it’s for 10 minutes, it’s worth it.

By Oliver