10 Benefits of a Lockdown

 

I am not imposing that what is happening in the world right now is a good thing and we should be happy and gain benefits from it.

This is a global pandemic that will affect possibly millions of people directly or indirectly.

Many people will die from or of COVID19 that should otherwise live a long and healthy life.

Many people will lose their loved ones before their time.

Many people will lose their jobs/ businesses/ money due to the financial crisis caused by the pandemic.

Many people will lose their minds sitting at home self-isolating.

This is a global crisis that I compare to a state of a war that will take a toll on everything on its way. Like a war, it will make us panic and fear.

But unlike the war, the pandemic will have some benefits to people and the world in general.

I would like to keep this post positive and hopeful as there is always a silver lining.

 

Here are the 10 benefits of a lockdown:

1. We can sleep longer

Every day we wake up early to get ready for work, get the kids to school, rush to get to out of the house.  We get so busy in everyday’s life and a result we end up not getting enough sleep.

Now that we don’t have to rush to get the kids to school and commuting to work, we can switch the alarms off and allow ourselves for a bit more sleep.

Even if the kids wake up very early, it’s nice to just cuddle up and not needing to rush off the bed to meet the specific time schedules.

 

2. We can get fitter

The only reason to leave the home is for the essential shopping, medical needs and one piece of exercise a day. This has proven for people to turn into running, cycling or walking. People now naturally feel like they want to go out as they are restricted to do so! Physiologically people turn to exercise outside just to be able to get out of their homes.

In the days the weather does not permit, we can exercise at home!

There’s no excuse to avoid the fitness routine.

Did you know that it takes 21 days to develop a habit?

As far as I’m aware we will be stuck at home more than that. Therefore now is the perfect time to get into the habit that might turn into a lifestyle change altogether!

If you don’t know where to start and you are a total beginner here is my guide to exercising at home.

 

3. We can do things we have been putting off for a while

We all have things that need doing at home. The things we have been putting off due to the lack of time!

Guess what! You can get all of those things done now! Read books, watch TV, relax, or contrary- get busy cleaning, gardening and catching up on the DIY at home!

I think personally it’s best to stay productive rather than wasting time. Try to stay occupied to keep sane during this crazy time. However, there has to be a balance to everything so bear this in mind and do not overwork yourself.

 

4. We can save money

We are stuck at home and this makes us unable to do a lot of things, including spending money! So naturally, we will be saving. Here are some ways we will save some money:

-we cannot travel – no holidays meaning no plain travels, bus travels, car travels (fuel cost including) train travels, any other travels

-we don’t need new clothes, shoes or accessories or make-up to wear so we won’t be spending money on those items

-we can’t spend lots of money on groceries as we cannot stockpile due to the food rationing and we end up buying the most essential items only

-we cannot eat out as restaurants/ pubs/ bars and coffee shops are all closed saving us money on eating out

-we cannot go out to the club/ pub/ bar saving money us on drinking/ entries fees.

 

5. We can make money

Staying at home and having more time should allow us to explore many possibilities to earn some money online. I have covered this in my post on 30 productive ways to spend a lockdown time.

Some of the ways of making money at home are:

• Blogging
• YouTube
• Upwork
• Photography
• Affiliate Marketing through Pinterest
• FBA (Amazon sell)
• Selling your unwanted stuff on eBay, Amazon, Gumtree or Shpock

 

6. We can spend quality time with people at home

We usually book holidays so that we can spend some quality time together.

Now with the kids and parents at home, we get to enjoy the family time without rushing everywhere.

Some of us might still be working from home and kids should still get some study done but it’s in a different kind of routine to the usual “outside the house” one. It’s all unrushed and less stressful. So enjoy this time and use it to your advantage.

Make memories together playing, watching movies at home or baking cookies.

How to stay sane during a lockdown situation as a family – 10 tips

 

7. We can catch up on phone calls/ video calls

With everyone stuck at home (except for the key workers), we can catch up on the calls with our friends and family.

This should be one thing we should remember to do every day.

Check up on each other daily, just to make sure that everyone’s mood is good. Lift them up if they are having a bad day. We can’t physically be there for everyone but at least we can have long conversations on Skype, Zoom, Whatsapp or Facetime or just a voice call.

 

8. We get to unite as a community

There are those that still work (key workers) and help out the NHS or even those that don’t work but just look after the vulnerable people- the sense of community work has risen over the crisis. People unite in situations like this and help one another. People want to help others when help is needed. And this is a beautiful thing to watch to happen. Everyone who helps out in this situation and those that are key workers really deserves a medal.

I salute you all!

Thank you for doing an amazing job for us all!

 

 

 

9. We don’t need make-up or smart clothes

Not being able to get out means we don’t have to make sure we look sharp every single day. In a normal situation when I get ready for work I put on a bit of make-up and wear smart clothes. This is what my profession requires of me. Getting myself look presentable makes me feel more confident too. There is a link between looking good and performing well.

When I work from home, however, I do not have to pay so much attention to looking sharp. I put on my comfortable clothes and tie my hair up and I’m ready to get to work on my computer. So unless I know I will be in the conference video call, I can dress as if it was a weekend every day! And I absolutely love it!

How should a parent work from home during a lockdown period? 5 Top Tips

 

 

10.  Positive Global impact of a lockdown

Our planet is also improving while people stopped travelling and “abusing” it.

• The pollution level has come down. With people not travelling as much the air pollution has decreased significantly potentially saving lives
• The Ozone layer is apparently recovering
• The wildlife is returning to their habitats as people have left their waters (referring to Italy where swans and dolphins are returning into channels)

It might be just a short time that those changes are happening, but perhaps people will take on board what is happening and adjust their behaviours to respect our planet a little more.

 

 

To wrap it all up

 

I know these are hard times and by no means had I wanted to say we should all just enjoy this time and be happy.

The purpose of this post about the benefits of a lockdown and the message I want to send out to you all is that we should at least try and stay positive and appreciate what we have around us. Turn the threat into the opportunity, the weakness into strength and busy yourself to keep sane and well.

 

Can you think of any other benefits of a lockdown?

Let me know in the comments below.

 

I wish you all the very best of health.

 

Stay Home! Save Lives! Protect the NHS!

Thank you for reading