Category: Lockdown Life

Livin’ The Vida Lockdown: Day Eight – Books To Cheer You Up In Lockdown

Livin’ The Vida Lockdown: Day Nine – Gaining Weight During Lockdown

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Come on, I know that at least some of you have been thinking about it so I’m going to talk about it – I know I have. For 3 and a half weeks before this all kicked off I was working with a personal trainer, going to the gym 1-2 times a week and I’d cut down what I was eating. I’d managed to lose a good chunk of weight and was seeing results.

The we went into lockdown – which just seems to be the story of everything at the moment, right? First I couldn’t get my protein, then the gym shut and then, honestly, I didn’t have the motivation or the mental energy to think about it.

I’ve seen a lot of people loving Joe Wicks workouts, setting themselves goals and getting fit. I’m really pleased it’s working for them but, mentally that isn’t me right now. Will I put the weight back on that I lost? Probably. I can’t help but think though in the grand scheme of things – does it matter?

Of course I want to look good for my wedding but it’s 9 months away, adding another thing in my life to get stressed about isn’t going to help me right now and it probably isn’t going to help you either.

If you’re struggling with motivation it’s ok! If you’re off your normal healthier eating plan, that’s ok too. These times aren’t normal and we all need to do what we need to do to get through. On the flip side if working out and trying to stay as normal as possible helps – that’s cool too!

Basically now is the time to be kind to yourself and your mind. If that includes eating the contents of your kitchen that’s fine. We will have time after this to hit the gym and (hopefully) get out in some sunshine.

Also, balls to being ‘summer ready’ – I’d much rather have a bigger arse and a healthier mind when I get out of this then be down 2 dress sizes.

Livin' The Vida Lockdown: Day Eight - Books To Cheer You Up In Lockdown

Livin’ The Vida Lockdown: Day Eight – Books To Cheer You Up In Lockdown

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We’ve made it over a week into lockdown and my reading mojo is back! Yippie! When I was looking at my shelves to plan for this post I realised something – I don’t reach for happy or cheerful books first.

Recently though I’ve found myself really liking romance books as a way to escape, which has come in handy during lockdown as they’ve been the books getting me out of my slump.

So these are some of the books I’ve read that I think will make you smile or cheer you up – also I definitely need to invest in some more cheerful books once things are back to normal…

Red White and Royal Blue – Casey McQuiston

This was huge online last year and for good reason! The First Son of the USA and the Prince of Wales, enemies to lovers and some steamy chapters. What’s not to love in this? Like the sound of it? You can read my review here.

How To be Champion – Sarah Millican

I’m a big fan of Sarah’s comedy and had planned to pick up her book but it happened to come into my life at just the right time. I’d lost my job and was in need of a little boost and this was perfect. It’s really funny and I’d recommend checking out the audiobook too. You can check out my review here.

The Flatshare – Beth O’Leary

I did warn you I like romances at the moment! This has been everywhere recently and for good reason. It’s an absolutely adorable story with a few twists and turns one of which make me shout ‘oh my god you bastard’ out loud while listening. Thankfully I was in my own home while listening…

Also I adored the audiobook, in which Carrie Hope Fletcher narrated as Tiffy. All of my thoughts are here.

Heartstopper – Alice Oseman

One of my favourites and there are 3 volumes out right now so you can really enjoy it! Two teenage friends who fall in love. It is absolutely adorable.

Although, as a warning, things to get more serious in volume 3. You can read my review of volume 1 here to give you and idea of how damn sweet it is.

Dear Girls – Ali Wong

Ali Wong is hilarious, just watch her stand up and she only went and wrote a book too! Equal parts nose snorting funny and really sweet, I highly recommend…as long as you’re not easily offended. Review here.

The Paper & Hearts Society – Lucy Powrie

A book about friendship and finding your place in the world. The second book is due to come out this year so it’s the perfect time to get started in this absolutely wonderful series. I wrote about it here.

These are some that I thought would make you smile right now, while some might have a part which isn’t as happy I’m sure by the end of it.

Do you have any you’d recommend? Let me know below!

Livin' The Vida Lockdown: Day Seven - Little Wins

Livin’ The Vida Lockdown: Day Seven – Little Wins

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Yesterday I fell asleep at 8.30pm, hence there lack of blog and I think I needed it. While I have been going to bed earlier I’ve felt absolutely exhausted and I think that’s to do with my mental health.

A lot of people are struggling mentally right now and it makes total sense as to why. Even people who don’t live with mental health difficulties are finding it tough right now, which is completely valid. That said, I’m fine to admit that I am mentally struggling, as I said before a lot of my mechanisms aren’t available right now.

It’s because of this that I’m focusing on the small wins every day. Today I’ve managed to get up, get showered, get dressed, eat fairly regularly and work. It might not sound like much but having some kind of motivation was great.

Getting big wins can feel pretty impossible for most of us right now. So by focusing on something as small as getting showered and dressed in the morning, getting a little work done or something that we enjoy should be enough.

I set out the 4 things that I want to do every day and I’m trying to stick to them as best I can it gives me something to aim for that doesn’t take much out of me. At the end of the say I’m still living with a chronic health condition and a mental illness. I have to keep reminding myself that I’m not superhuman, that I have to do what I have to do.

What are your little wins?

Livin' The Vida Lockdown: Day Five - Four Things I Want To Do Daily

Livin’ The Vida Lockdown: Day Five – Four Things I Want To Do Daily

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Like many freelancers I’ve seen a drop in work because of what’s going on and while that is absolutely terrifying it also means I have more time and not much I can do.

I’ve seen people say that they’re going to learn a new language, decorate their houses or do something really amazing and creative. I’ll be honest, right now, getting up, dressed and showered is a sign of a good day. That said, I wanted to have little, achievable goals for my days in lockdown.

While these might not be amazing and they might not change or accelerate my life it’s something I can do right now to put a smile on my face.

Start The Day Reading

Today and last Saturday I started the day reading and it was really soothing. It’s no secret that I love books, all I do is read BUT being able to escape into another life or another world is a great form of distraction and counts towards my yearly Goodreads goal. So really it’s a win, win situation.

Write for 20 Minutes

A while ago I saw on Victoria Schwab’s Twitter that she said writing for 20 minutes at a time is how a lot of her books were written. Having dedicated time for writing and in short bursts helped her and I thought I should try that.

I might as well start now and who knows my book might actually get written. A first draft is a good start but if I make it into a daily habit then who knows.

Find A Positive Thing/ Silver Lining

It might feel like the world is on fire and everything is awful BUT there are some little things to be grateful for. I want to try and find something every day to bring a little light or a little hope.

Listen To Music

I’ve found that music is really helping me right now. Back when I was really depressed as a teenager music got me through a lot. I would have my iPod playing through classes where I could get away with it (whether the teachers noticed and didn’t care or just forgot I was there who knows) and at night when my anxiety was bad I would just play music until my brain calmed enough.

So I’ve been alternating between my positivity playlist, Apple Music playlists and albums I like to keep my brain at bay. Seeing as it’s something that is working it makes sense to try and do it every day.

What’s something you want to do every day? I’d love to hear below!

Livin' The Vida Lockdown: Day Four - Ups and Downs

Livin’ The Vida Lockdown: Day Four – Ups and Downs

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I’ve got a few ideas of what to write for these daily blogs but seeing as we’ve got at *least* twenty-one days of this I’m going to try and spread them out.

If I’m honest I didn’t know what to write today. The positivity is running a little low and today has been hard. I’m having moments where I want to create lists of things I can do with the extra time I have, others where I want to just sleep.

I’m no stranger to ups and downs – living with a chronic health condition and a mental illness means that I deal with them a lot, but right now it’s different. I’ve spent the past few years building coping strategies but this is unchartered territory.

We’re all trying to work out how to make ourselves happy when we can’t live our normal lives. That said, even my introverted little heart is finding it a bit much not to go outside, because the fun of self isolation.

I think right now it’s a case of rolling with the punches. Is this new advice? Nope but it’s the only thing I have right now.

This probably isn’t the most riveting blog but I want these to be honest. This whole situation is tough and how I feel right now is just a part of it.

The Kindness of Others

Livin’ The Vida Lockdown: Day Three – The Kindness of Others

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Tonight at 8pm I stood at my window and clapped. Living in a block of flats and trying to isolate means the window was the best option. And when I cracked it open all I could hear was hands clapping…and it gave me a little bit of hope.

I’d be lying if I said the past few weeks hadn’t been tough on my mental health – I think they have been for all of us. My anxiety and panic attacks have increased and most of my ways have coping have been taken away. To put it simply the world had become a pretty dark and scary place.

When I can though, I try and list the good things in this, the little bits of hope that come through. For me personally, I’ve had the support of a fantastic team, my neighbour has grabbed us some bits while we can’t leave the house while my family dropped over much needed pads. We’ve had so many offers of support from friends and family too. Also, I’ve been told that some of my wonderful followers have sent me things from my Amazon wish list. I am so touched.

While my brain might be trying to tell me that everything is awful and getting out of bed is more difficult, these little rays of sunshine do so much. In all of this, there is kindness, there are good people. I am not trying to play down that things are scary right now – they are, but finding hope in all this is all we can do.

From Rogue One, remember:

“What Is It They’ve Sent Us?” “Hope.”

Livin' The Vida Lockdown: Day Two - When This Is Over

Livin’ The Vida Lockdown: Day Two – When This Is Over

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Well, we’re now into the second full day of the UK Lockdown. Firstly, thanks for reading yesterday’s post (you can catch up here), it means a lot to know you guys are reading along.

So, did the marvel of lockdown bring today – I took it a little easier and was a little kinder to myself. Ater working for a few hours I picked up and dusted of my Ukulele, started a new book and had my daily nap. I found doing this alleviated my anxiety at little, also having the sunshine coming through the window.

One thing I can’t help but keep coming back to though is ‘when this is over’. I know I’m not the only one who is missing the little things like being able to see my family, meet friends for a drink and take Bobbie or Max out for a walk.

To have something to look forward to I’ve started creating a list of things, big and small, that I’m looking forward to when life, eventually, gets back to normal.

Going to a beach

All this sunny weather we’re having has made me desperate to go to the beach and get some chips while soaking up the sun. I hope we have a great summer this year and can get outside.

Seeing all my friends for a huge catch up – including cocktails

I think a huge night out is in order because even an introvert like me can get a little stir crazy in these situations.

Seeing my family and family pets

This is probably the hardest part right now. I love seeing my family and having a quick catch up and cuppa. I haven’t been separated from my family for more than a week and a half since I moved back after graduation. I can’t wait to see and hug them all – particularly the pets.

Going to the Gym

I know, who am I and how did this happen? I haven’t written about it but before this all started I was having sessions with a personal trainer. While I’m self isolating focusing on exercise and food intake isn’t my biggest priority but as soon as it’s safe I’m looking forward to getting back to it. Also, last time I was there I lifted half my body weight, looking forward to seeing if I can increase that.

Carrying on with wedding plans

It’s just under 10 months until my wedding. It’s still going ahead, I’m still planning for everything we originally planned to happen. Obviously everything is on pause right now but I’m looking forward to when I can get back to it.

Visiting Ali at shows

As you can imagine it’s been pretty stressful seeing as all events are cancelled right now, meaning Ali’s not been able to work. I am so looking forward to being able to see him do his thing.

Treating Myself

I’m trying to be pretty frugal with my spending right now, so I’m not buying anything apart from essentials. So, you can bet that I’m planning on buying myself a new Juni, set of Dungarees or Mini Pini from Lucy and Yak if they still have my size.

Spontaneous Trips

Sometimes, when me and Ali are both home, we’ll go on a spontaneous trip out in the car. They’re not always that exciting but just getting out and doing something together is fun. Plus, there is a pub that does pretty good food opposite one airsofting shop and a comic book shop opposite the other.

What are you looking forward to? Let me know below!

Livin' The Vida Lockdown: Day One - The Start Of A New Normal

Livin' The Vida Lockdown: Day One – The Start Of A New Normal

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Hello lovely people.

Yes, I am fully aware that you now have Livin’ La Vida Loca in your head after reading that title and you are VERY welcome.

While I was working today I couldn’t get rid of the niggling feeling that I wanted to make some kind of record of what’s going on right now and, of course, I wanted to share it with you. These are very strange times and for the majority of us we haven’t experienced a lockdown before. While BoJo won’t explicitly call it a lock down it pretty much is.

So, I got the idea to start writing daily about my thoughts, experiences and once I came up with that title it HAD to happen. Is this going to be an enlightening read? I have no idea. Will it make you laugh? I hope so. I can’t promise that it will be constant laughs and sunshine, but it might give you some comfort from your own thoughts.

It also means that some days you might get 2 blogs from me, aren’t you lucky!

What Did Day One Have In Store?

As for most of us it wasn’t the most exciting day of my life but there were a few silver linings. I don’t know about you but my sleep cycle is broken right now meaning no matter how tired I am I wake up at 6.30am…even though I have nowhere to go (thanks brain).

First order of business, Disney Plus+, yep I literally woke up and signed up. I’ve been waiting too long to watch The Mandalorian and get started on the list I made.

I wish at this point I could say I got up and did Yoga or something like that but, alas, no I dozed for another hour while Ali recorded me snoring. Nice. As a bonus when I did drag myself out of bed I got to have some breakfast while watching The Muppets, not the worst way to start the day.

The rest of the morning was spent working, emailing and internal despair. Standard. Then I hit a bit of a rock. My mood plummeted and I felt absolutely exhausted. This shouldn’t have surprised me as much as it did, stress makes my Fibro worse so all of this was bound to have an impact on my health.

I have come to realise that getting through the next few weeks is going to include daily naps. Which…is ok. I’m trying to tell myself that anyway.

While the afternoon was pretty similar to the morning I did get my boost of energy, managed to have a bath and even had a delivery of pads left at the front door (I really owe my family one for that).

Overall thoughts for Day One

I know my mental health is probably going to be very edgy. Going out and seeing my close family, visiting pets and going out for a drive when I’m not feeling great has been my way of dealing with it for years now.

It’s going to take work to stay mentally well during this time and I think the main thing is that I need to be kinder to myself. If blocking out an hour to nap gets me through this then that’s really not the worst thing I could do. If watching Disney and ignoring the news for 99% of the day makes me happy then that’s cool too. One day at a time.

More than anything though, I will get through anything to make sure the people I love are safe. Staying indoors for a few weeks vs losing someone I love? It’s really a no brainer isn’t it.

I’m not sure if these will be every day, even though that’s the plan but I’d love to hear what you guys are up to as well and how you’re doing.

Also, here’s Livin’ La Vida Loca for you, because you still have it stuck in your head and it’s a feel good tune. Until tomorrow all!