Life lessons from lockdown
After weeks at home restrictions are slowly being lifted. Here, ALISON DAVIES looks at what we can learn from time in isolation
THE PAST weeks have been seriously challenging as we have navigated the unique changes and limitations placed upon our lives. From homeschooling and missing family and friends, to health and financial worries, it’s been a tricky time for everyone. However, some surprising benefits have also come out of lockdown. Here we look at the habits we should keep with us as life slowly returns to normal.
EATING TOGETHER
Sitting down to dinner together is one of the best things you can do for your family’s health and happiness.
It strengthens family bonds, improves communication and according to research, teens who eat regular family meals feel emotionally stronger than those who eat solo. The evidence also suggests that younger children feel more secure and adults are less stressed out when they eat together.
COOKING FROM SCRATCH
Lockdown has turned us into creative cooks, rooting through the cupboards and combining ingredients to produce something nourishing, while trying to reduce food waste.
The benefits are obvious. You know exactly what is going into each meal, so you can make it healthy and delicious. It’s good for the budget as you’re using store cupboard staples and it provides a mental challenge by encouraging you to be inventive in the kitchen.
EXERCISING MORE
Whether you’ve been doing Joe Wicks’s workout every morning or have taken up running or yoga, exercise has become a regular feature in many households.
According to fitness experts, sticking to a routine is the hardest part of any exercise plan – and lockdown has helped many of us develop a fitness habit.
Now we’ve realised how easy it is to do, there are no excuses.
DITCHING MAKE-UP
If you’ve been going bare-faced, you’ll have noticed changes.
Smaller pores and clear skin are top of the list thanks to using less foundation and powder. Dermatologists say make-up accelerates the ageing process by highlighting imperfections like wrinkles, and the residue it leaves behind stops new skin forming while you sleep, leading to a dry, dull complexion.
GETTING INTO GARDENING
The garden has become a welcome sanctuary and given us a reason to get outside. Evidence suggests that gardening reduces the risk of a stroke or a heart attack and helps to release endorphins which lift your mood.
For those missing the gym, it is the perfect substitute, with one hour of hard work in the garden burning around 300 calories.
Being exposed to all that vitamin D-infused sunshine gives the immune system a boost, too.
WASHING HAIR LESS
Unwashed hair may not be your usual look but it has its benefits. Parabens and other chemicals in shampoo can irritate the scalp, so a break from daily washing can improve hair health and quality.
Sebum is nature’s conditioner, and the oil produced from not washing protects the hair strand, giving it a glossy appearance.
WAKING NATURALLY
Instead of jolting awake at the sound of the alarm, there’s something to be said for rising gradually, with the sunshine as your wake-up buddy.The reason for this is your body’s circadian rhythm. This complex timekeeping machine balances feelings of sleepiness and wakefulness.
Research suggests if you follow your natural body clock – rising when you naturally wake, snoozing when you feel the need and going to bed when you’re tired – you will get a better quality of sleep and have more energy.
GOING BRA-LESS
A French study found that not wearing a bra while we work from home can improve breast health, as it aids circulation and enhances the skin condition. The same study also suggests going bra-less improves the shape and tone of the breast, making it perkier in the long run.
CHATTING TO NEIGHBOURS
Community is the key, as we pull together to defeat the virus and look after each other – and there’s a reason why this feels so good.
Evidence shows that doing something nice, like checking in on neighbours, gives us a sense of belonging and reduces isolation.
When we show kindness and help others it promotes physiological changes in the brain linked to happiness, which results in a more positive outlook.
KEEPING DOWNTIME
Social space has been limitless in lockdown. Schedules that were once packed have emptied, leaving us room to breathe. This is not a bad thing. Evidence suggests that when we set boundaries and allow some space in the diary, we give ourselves the freedom to make the right choices and decisions.With fewer distractions and people vying for our time, we’re able to think clearly and perform at our best.
BEING GRATEFUL
During these difficult times we’ve learnt to count our blessings and there’s a reason to continue.
Giving thanks is an instant mood lifter, improving health and wellbeing. Research shows that grateful people have lower levels of stress and depression and sleep better. By acknowledging the good things, however small, you’ll feel more satisfied with your overall life experience and this puts you in a positive mindset.
DOING NOTHING
Switching off and doing nothing might be considered idle by some, but research shows it is essential for mental health and creativity.
It allows the unconscious brain to process events and issues and can be crucial for problem-solving.
Studies into boredom reveal that it triggers creativity, as the mind finds new ways to generate interest and excitement.
So doing nothing, even for a few minutes a day, stimulates the brain.