Is there a positive side to life during this pandemic?

[Deleted User]

It's difficult trying to live as normal a life as we can with the restrictions that covid-19 puts on our lives but is there a positive thing that's happened in life to make it less onerous? I'm finding it really comfortable to have no calls on my time other than what I choose to have, no work schedule, no appointments, no deadlines and as much time as I want to do the things I think matter in my life.  I've rediscovered the joy of being a home cook, of being able to use up garden produce even if 6 lettuces come ready at once or we get as many courgettes as we currently are every day and take the time to make something tasty from them not just let them go over and end up in compost. Is there anything you're finding is better in these strange days?

VJsmum

For me it is about spending a lot more time together as a family.  First child went to uni 6 years ago and, once she graduated, second child went so we've not had lots of time together of late.  He came ack in March and since then we've eaten almost every meal together and watched a lot of films as we have 'family film nights'.  I feel for those who aren't able to see children and grandchildren - that must be hard.

Also grateful for where we live - we've discovered loads of new walking and cycle routes.

Don't miss shops at all nor even going to pubs and restaurants much - but i do miss having a holiday to look forward to but that should be resolved soon.

ivyleaf

It's been lovely and quiet here - like it was when we moved here nearly 40 years ago, before all the extra bars and restaurants opened in the nearby high street. Not looking forward to them opening up again, though i'm sure if I actually worked in one of them I'd be only too glad.

Emptynester

As an early retiree the demands on my time were those I chose to have .  Having time to re-discover my love of gardening, sewing and walking has been good.  I've tried to make the best of the bad situation but isolation doesn't suit me.  The isolation and worry outweigh any perks for me.

comeandgo

I can't believe the money I used to spend.  Being on lockdown meant one trip a week to the supermarket, buy enough of everything  for a week and eat what ever looks like it is going off.  I have saved hundreds and plan to continue though will spend it when we can travel again.

Hard_Up_Hester

My mental health has suffered, no break from my husband who had a stroke some time ago. I get a lot of panic attacks. I used to get a couple of hours break once a fortnight but that stopped. I've also missed seeing family

Floss

I've saved money on petrol & parking costs but
have also found it very isolating - living alone & working from home since early March has meant no social contact with my family friends & colleagues.

maryb

I've really enjoyed having both my daughters here, we haven't all four of us been in the house for some time.  Having said that, I won't miss pegging out 56 socks and 28 knickers every week

ivyleaf

Positives and negatives for many of us, I guess!  I have a friend in a very similar situation to Hester, though luckily she and her ill DH have an adult son living with them and he's a big help, and gives her someone else to talk to, but I know she really misses her other children and grandchildren.

newlywed

I have reassessed my shopping habits and have saved loads of both money and time from being forced to food shop online. Also, I have reassessed what are wants and needs. 

Have also saved 2 hours a day commute time, and I don’t miss that. I get more work done at home and less interruptions than in a large open plan office. 

[Deleted User]

I've reviewed all of my life in this enforced time out, used it to reflect and sort out what is and isn't of value or important to    happiness and wellbeing in my life.  My values have changed, my perception of the world and the people in my world is different and I have removed from it all the people and things that were distractions from the real heart of what I need to be content and at peace.  I now have only what I need and I love them dearly and although covid is changing lives across the planet and that includes mine I count myself lucky to have had time to learn the value of what I already had .