Over the weekend things seemed quiet, but normal. I think I have become use to the feeling of being in lock down, social distancing and going on walks in remote places. The restrictions are not as harsh as the original lock down and some shops are operating at full capacity – no real change apart from the amount of people in the stores.
My Sister and husband have been over from France for a month now, originally isolating in Devon for 2 weeks before visiting family and friends. They spent the last week with my Mum but, due to the changes made, I couldn’t go and see them, as planned, and they returned home yesterday morning. A small sacrifice made to ensure the safety of everyone and abide by the rules. We live to fight another day!
Everyone has had to adjust and make sacrifices in different ways which is having an impact leading towards Christmas. Amazon must be rubbing their hands. In all instances there are people who do better than others, depending on the industry they are in.
My Son, Jack, decided that he wanted a change of jobs so 5 weeks ago started the process of applying for a driving job delivering parcels. The timing couldn’t have been better with the announcement of the second lock down. The demand for drivers immediately went up and he has completed his interview, induction and has just finished his first week of deliveries.
My Daughter, on the other hand, is furloughed again, which has an affect on her income at a time of year where the hospitality industry should be booking parties and getting busier.
Things are different for everyone and the impact varies immensely. On a walk down the beach I saw a couple of women running. One lady was ‘angry running’. (You could tell that she was angry by the way she was running) Every pore of her body seemed to be screaming at her training partner, who was nodding and agreeing whilst running. It was her way of releasing the tension and, I can imagine, helped her to deal with the rest of the day with her family.
We all need a release, a way of downloading our emotions and the ability to scream at the top of our voices, it helps to deal with the frustrations we are experiencing. Problems can arise if we bottle things up and try the ‘stiff upper lip’ approach because, eventually, the lids blows off and the damage is greater.
How do you let off steam? Who can you talk to and vent? How do you remain in control?
As my wife is now furloughed (still working 2 days a week) I am enjoying the walks together. I am still getting a cycle in and doing some exercise. We have set up a small space with weights, skipping ropes, mats and some CV kit so we can do a 30 minute workout if we are getting restless. Without these releases, I think I’d go mad!
I am no good to anyone if I am not thinking straight so these things are important, to have in my life, not only for me but for those around me.
Have an amazing week and plan your next 6 weeks of restrictions, how are you going to stay calm, considerate and happy?