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How to find happiness during lockdown

Still loads of uncertainty, isn’t there? What does “lockdown” still mean?

Who else is confused? There appears to be new rules but is it making us more divisive? When will we have our freedom back?  When can we stop looking at every stranger (or friend, even) with suspicion when passing by on the street or grocery market?

I seem to go in waves of “Oh, isn’t this nice to spend time with my family” to “Get me away from these people and their loud eating”. I know we should feel lucky to live outside London with green space, there are definite ups and downs in this household. 

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Everyone is having their own experience on different extremes. Some are NHS nurses working in the front lines, exhausted from the hours and commute to their hospital. Others are busily working from home trying to balance their jobs and homeschooling demands. Some are teachers trying to keep students/parents happy AND homeschool their own kids. Some are working in grocery markets or delivering packages and not enjoying this sunny weather. “We are in the same storm but not in the same boat” is insightful.

No matter what situation you are in, it can feel unbearable at times. And there can be extreme lows.

But some positives have come out of this.

We can be truly empathetic.

There is some solace about being able to say “I’m just feeling low today” and have that friend look at you in the eye (via Zoom, of course) and say “I understand. Yesterday was a hard one for me too”.

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We are becoming a stronger community.

We are all in this together, despite the our different situations. People are doing more to help their neighbours. People are donating more to charity. Some are doing crazy or creative at-home challenges (Climbing your stairs to the height of Mt Everest is very impressive. How many people could run a marathon in their garden?). People are making the best they can out of a tough situation, and helping others. Tim is helping others feel better about their DIY skills by pursuing his “dream” of rebuilding the wood shed out of wooden pallets.

One great thing about our community is to have so many talented people. Many of our friends are taking the time to publish their music to uplift us.

  • Renee Cullen has been singing some amazing tunes from her coach house. Listen/watch here
  • Rob Castell has a great mix of music here and some fun videos here.
  • And for the kids, Concertini. The music is great for all ages.
  • One of our friends under the guise of DJ Tomer Falcon is mixing some very Ibiza beats here.
  • Our friend, Ant Utama, who has decided to leave the corporate world to pursue his singing dream has some fab acoustic recordings here

With this mix, you have a choice of all genres. How lucky are we? They are all taking time to pursue their passion and opening it up to us!

Even with fun resources and support, can we find happiness?

TIPS

  • Take some time out for yourself. Do it. Even if it’s 5 minutes outside, whilst your cohabitants are inside. Take a few slow breaths. I know in the thick of being upset, contrived “breathing” is the LAST thing you want to do. But try it.
  • If you are living by yourself, you may need the opposite. You might feel lonely. If you want an alternative to online fitness classes, perhaps you want to watch live music, or learn a new skill.
  • Simply go on a walk. I have noticed that people are friendlier than normal. So, more people will smile at you when you say “Hi”. Some may not, but I smile and say “Hi” to them anyway. It could make a big difference to their day. There is nothing better than a mindful walk to reset. Look around, listen. Try to stay in the moment.
Selfcare

Perhaps some of this is fairly obvious. Or perhaps this doesn’t help, as you have just lost your job. Or you want to see your parents, grandparents or grandkids. Remember that everything is temporary: Situations, feelings, thoughts. Allow yourself to have those feelings and thoughts. And then move on. No matter what, please be gentle on others and yourself.

“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”
~ Edmund Hillary (the first man to climb Mt. Everest)

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