Let’s pull together to keep spirits up

This ‘gratitude checklist’ will help you refocus and reflect on the important things in life

Instead of being bogged down by the prospect of months spent in self-quarantine, many are seeing the pandemic as an opportunity. A post doing the rounds on social media extols the virtues this time can bring, from learning a heritage skill to re-organising your wardrobe, or reading the books that have been languishing on your shelves for the best part of a decade – a timely reminder that, surrounded by home comforts, a few months to refocus may prove something to be grateful for.

Our readers have been sharing their tips. “Being outside and walking with a friend or two, a few metres apart, drinking a cup of coffee or a glass of wine in the open air… [is] beneficial for all of us lucky enough to be mobile,” says Diana Humble in Beenham, West Berkshire. “We have a few new jigsaws to occupy us,” says Richard Cooke in Warwickshire. “Once we have done them a few times, we will do what my mother did in the war and solve them upside down instead.”

Over on Instagram, followers shared news of painting and reading, editing pictures and partaking in belly-dancing lessons on Youtube.

Noting things down in a gratitude journal may well be a meaningful way of recognising the value of time spent in self-isolation; a reminder that however difficult things may seem in the outside world, there is much to be thankful for. For that reason, we are asking readers to contribute tales of how they are spending their time in quarantine – and what they’re most grateful for.