With the end of this second lockdown for England now in sight, I have been reflecting on how I have felt this time round. The second lockdown, for me at least, was quite a bit different than the first. Back at the end of March, when Boris Johnson made the now infamous speech, putting the nation into complete lockdown, life at home was a bit manic.
I went from being in the office four days a week to suddenly being cooped up at home with all three children and Ed. I was attempting to home school the older two kids, whilst juggling my new work from home role, and keeping Benjamin entertained as well. Ed was trying to teach his classes of secondary school children over video call, and everything was just a bit crazy really, wasn’t it?
This time round, I have been at home mostly alone. I had already started working back from home just before lockdown, as it made sense, but then I was recently put on furlough, so this time I have not only been home alone, as the schools have remained open, but I have also not had much to keep me occupied, other than packing up the house and sorting through our belongings ready for our upcoming house move. It has been strange, and I have felt a little uncertain during this time.
To keep myself distracted, I have found I have been reading more books, to escape from my own head a bit, and to avoid scrolling endlessly through social media feeds full of speculation on what the new rules will be, and what will happen about Christmas (obviously now we sort of know this, although nothing is ever guaranteed these days).
I have also been walking as much as possible. I feel trapped when I am at home for extended periods of time, and I would really look forward to my daily walk during the original lockdown. This time, we are allowed to drive a short distance for exercise, and I have been taking advantage of this and heading to the beach and the forests in the local area for a bit of a change of scenery.
As well as this, I have been trying to find some purpose whilst sat at home and I have been doing some blog and general life admin, as well as getting back into my online learning. I hate sitting around with nothing to do, so I have really been trying to keep myself busy.
Although lockdown two is over a week today, and I am looking forward to getting out and about and socialising a little more, it is obviously important to continue to be safe, so I have been trying to set out some activities that I enjoy, in the comfort of my own home, whilst the virus is still a very real risk across the UK and the world.
If you have any suggestions of other activities I could do during my time at home, please do let me know in the comments!
