*Disclaimer: I wrote this at the beginning of lockdown 2.0, three weeks ago now, so some things may sound a little out of date. This was how I was feeling right after lockdown 2.0 was announced suddenly on 23.01.21 by the States of Guernsey.
As Guernsey is plunged into a second lockdown, you might be feeling a little strange, I know I am. For me, it’s a mixture of sadness for an island that has done so well and come so far since the first outbreak in March last year, pride towards the swift action taken by our government and community, anxiety for the health and wellbeing of my nearest and dearest, the list goes on.
It’s safe to say I am overwhelmed, and if you are too, I thought it might be helpful to share a few things that helped me stay positive, motivated and sane throughout last year’s lockdown.
Space. A living space becomes so much more than a living space when you have no choice but to spend 95% of your time within it. Whether your own space is an entire house or just a small bedroom like mine, I believe environment plays a crucial part in caring for our wellbeing.
Each lockdown I have taken the time to figure out what about my space will make me feel better; this could be anything from clearing out storage spaces to simply buying some new plants. Creating a space that is bright, clean and tidy makes all the difference to my mental headspace, especially when working from home.
Journal. As much as I enjoy writing, journaling has always been something I have struggled to keep up with. However, over the past few months I have realised that journaling can be something as simple as noting down three things that you are grateful for each day. There doesn’t have to be any rhyme or reason to journaling, but there is something very therapeutic about getting those thoughts out of your head and on to paper, especially during such extraordinary times.
Get up, get dressed. If you’re working from home and struggling with productivity, one of my biggest tips is to get up and put on something other than your pyjamas. As inviting as working in pyjamas sounds, all it does is make me want to crawl back into bed – which is much easier to do when your bed and workspace are only a few meters away from each other!
Move your body. My motivation to exercise has dropped considerably compared to the first lockdown. I am putting this down to the lack of sunshine and willingness to get outside, alongside the general feeling of ‘I am so fed up of this pandemic that I have no desire to do anything at all.’
This lockdown I have taken a slightly different approach, and that is to simply listen to my body. I try to do one form of exercise every day, because it is important and because I love the way it makes me feel. Currently, this will either be swimming, running or something simple like yoga or a dog walk. Some days I wake up with so much energy and my body wants to move and run and sweat, and other days I’m so lethargic I can only manage to stretch my body out with some yoga – and by the way, both of these approaches are absolutely fine.
Fresh air. And finally, being outside. It goes without saying that even in the winter, fresh air does wonders. I have noticed that staying indoors for too long gives me that ‘foggy head’ feeling, which then proceeds to make me feel anxious and tired. So, whenever possible, I get outside for my daily two hours. No one ever feels worse after getting some good old fashioned fresh air.
I hope everyone in lockdown right now continues to hang in there and think of all the good times ahead of us. In the meantime, let’s continue to find even the smallest positives wherever we can.
Stay safe.
Katie xx
“In the rush to return to normal, use this time to consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to.”
dave hollis
Daily Katie 
Hi Katie,
As soon as I got a notification that the blog is back, I promise you I never clicked faster on a link… I was so eager and excited to read it.. and I loved it as I expected!!
Thank you ever so much for these blogs Katie😊,
Mahmoud El Sebai
LikeLike
Thanks Mahmoud, I’m glad you liked it! I always love reading your comments 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally agree with you! I’ve recently adapted my room to feel much lighter and tidier which has helped! Also, exercise (I’m loving Pilates) and the fresh air has been much needed in these dark, cold months
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Katie,
As soon as I seen your blog was back up, I knew I had to get back on here to read all your rambles and stories again. I have to say a big thank you for writing this blog as it actually inspired me to write my own and speak about my thoughts and feelings about different situations.
This post has made me come to terms more with this lockdown we are in and that I’m not the only that has made changes to their lifestyle to try and make this lockdown better. Such as getting some exercise done in anyway and writing down a positive each day to prevent myself from being hard on myself.
Your blogs have helped me in the past and they continue to help me overcome my overthinking. I am from Scotland so this is a hard lockdown especially with it being my last year of school and having to pick a future with no exams
Thank you so much, and keep safe!!
Rach x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the feedback Rachael! I love seeing your comments 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never been so glad to hear that the blog is back!! Lockdown has been strange to say the least, but hopefully things will get back to normal soon (fingers crossed!).
I love your blogs, they’re great to sit down and read after a long day.
Keep up the good work Katie. I can’t wait to read more!
Sasha x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always struggle with my poor work ethic, especially during these lockdowns, seeing your positivity and productivity helps inspire me to be the best I can be x
LikeLiked by 1 person
So proud of you katie!! Love the new layout ❤ x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey love! I love reading your blogs, I think it’s so important to always keep active during these times! I think it’s so nice about how you can express how your opinions on the lockdown because it makes others feel like they aren’t alone. Thank you so much ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Katie. Love your blogs. I have just broken up with my bf. We’ve only been together for 2 yrs but I am still quite upset. Please could you write a blog about how to overcome this difficult situation. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this! I’ve definetly found myseld trying to do some of these, especially getting up and getting ready! Any sense of normality i think is good for our minds during all of this!
Love your blog! xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
hi katie! i’ve just stumbled across your blog and im so so happy i did! i needed to hear this today as im finding it particularly hard this week during lockdown so these tips have made me feel more motivated to do more to keep my mind and body entertained and like u said, find the little positives in things 🙂 i cant wait to read more blog posts in the future !! thanks again ✨❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Katie!
I have seen your blog floating around my Instagram feed for so long and tonight I decided to have a read. It’s safe to say your words are so engaging and really provoke me to think about my own thoughts and future.
I really enjoyed reading the blog, new year, new me was definitely a favourite. Reading your blog has reflected such a beautiful soul, I can tell you are a lovely person!
Could you talk about music, day in your life, friendships, how to make new ones or meet new people and how you maintain healthy friendships during lockdown also any book recommendations (how did one book a month go!!?)
p.s
Your Instagram has been top of the chart recently, keep those posts going?
p.p.s post more of you chatting on your story!!
Jessica xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person