With the threat of a potential second lockdown looming, many people are considering what they would do differently this time. Would they eat less, perhaps using this time to diet and exercise? Or perhaps those who were so productive last time will want to use the time to just lie in bed and watch TV? Everyone is different and what is making the most of time for you is completely different to someone else, so that is the first thing to do differently if we have a second lockdown is to do what is right for you and don’t compare yourself to anyone else. If you’re worried about a second lockdown and how to make use of your time then here are some great tips for you:
Prepare
One of the biggest differences we will have if we go through a second lockdown is that we will have time to plan. Not masses of time, of course, but more than before. We know what to expect, and there’s no doubt that everyone has had the conversations about what they would do differently and with that in mind you can prepare. While many people stock-piled last time which wasn’t helpful for anyone, this time we have more knowledge about this and perhaps can prepare foods now to put in the freezer rather than panic buy. There are lots of ways to prepare, but with a slight warning that it could happen again, you can go into a second lockdown feeling ready to take it on which is far better than it was six months ago. Whether it’s cleaning and getting a DIY man in now while it’s allowed, getting HOODZ to come in and clean your oven in preparation for all the cooking and baking you’ll be doing, going to the hairdresser now just in case you can’t get there or buying the tools you need to work on your garden, you have a chance to prepare now before the second lockdown happens.
Get into your routine quicker
The last lockdown took a while to get used to, to find a routine and to find your way. No one knew how long it was going to last for and some people went straight for enjoying long lie-ins and watching plenty of TV and others knew they needed to be into a routine of getting up and exercising and being more productive with their day. Whichever camp you started off in last time, this time you might want to spend it differently, but luckily for you, you will be able to get into the swing of things a lot quicker than before.
Go somewhere else
If during the last lockdown you were living at home with your parents, and they drove you crazy, you were living alone and felt miserable with loneliness and isolation, lived with friends and had too much time with them or you missed your partner too much and wanted to live with them, well now is the time to get ready and make those changes. They don’t have to be permanent changes but if you felt lonely last time, then this time go to someone else’s house for lockdown, if you missed your partner the move in together. If it works, it works, if it doesn’t, then you move out after lockdown, at least you know.
Be Realistic
This time you’ll know realistically what you can and can’t achieve. While many people will think that lockdown is the perfect time to diet as there are no distractions or excuses, it’s also good to be realistic about the fact that it can be difficult as there’s not much else to look forward to. It might be difficult to get the food you need if people start panic buying and stock-piling again. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try, but at the same time, it’s important to be realistic about what you can achieve and how you’re going to be feeling during this time.
Reflect
Thanks to hindsight, you are able to reflect on what happened last time, how you acted and how you used your time. Use this second lockdown (if it happens) to reflect on last time and not just that but life before COVID. Think about what is important to you know what you really want in life and how you’re going to get it.
Save Money
While many people have struggled throughout the pandemic, there are others who were saving on their commute, their takeaway coffees and expensive lunches, but many of those people simply spent their money on Amazon deliveries and home improvements. While there is nothing wrong with this, it is important in these unprecedented times to be prepared for anything as you may have kept your job last time but could be one of the unlucky ones this time.
