I’m not going to lie, I was a bit of an emotional mess last week. I was getting a little overwhelmed by coronavirus anxiety. Like so many people around the world, I’m terrified one of my loved ones will catch the virus. I’ve found myself getting into a spiral of negativity, thinking about all the terrible ‘what if’ scenarios that could happen during this pandemic.
Mother’s Day was particularly heart-wrenching. Again, like so many others, I followed government advice to stay away from my mum. I saw her very briefly to pass her present to her through a car window, but didn’t get to spend any quality time together. The most upsetting thing is that it could be months before we see one another again.
Despite the upset and upheaval, since Boris Johnson announced the UK lockdown at the start of the week, I actually feel a lot better about the whole situation. Instead of being frustrated at being cooped up inside like I thought I would, I actually feel safer knowing that people have to largely stay at home now. I think I’ve got my head around it a bit more and am starting to adjust to the new normal.
Given I worked from home before the crisis, I know I’m starting from a better place than many others, who are having to adjust to a completely new way of working while also potentially trying to home school their kids at the same time. I feel very lucky to be able to work at the moment as I know that’s unfortunately not the case for everyone at the moment.
I think the way to get through this situation is to make the best of what I have. That’s kind of what I’ve done this week. Instead of scrolling through constant streams of coronavirus news, I’ve taken a step back and thought about the things I can do to make myself feel better. Exercise has been a big part of that and I’ve definitely upped my game on that this week, doing at least 30 minutes most days.
It’s also about finding new ways to connect to the outside world. In normal times, I volunteer at a local theatre and I really miss the joy that brings me. While it’s not the same as being in the theatre, I signed up to be an NHS volunteer this week, which I’m hoping will make a difference to people, as well as making me feel more connected. My boyfriend and I joined a virtual pub quiz this week hosted by friends which may sound like forced fun but was actually really enjoyable. I had a right laugh (but we were unfortunately robbed of the victory). I think we’re all just going to have to get used to living life through a screen and finding new ways to adapt.
There’s quite a bit of uncertainty for me as I go into a new week (as there is for everyone at the moment). I know I will have my working hours reduced by my boss, I just don’t know by how much yet. That’s clearly something that’s playing on my mind and could potentially have significant implications. Whatever happens, I’m grateful to still be in work (at least for now) and will try to continue to make the best of what I have rather than yearn for what is lost.
