Today is my first post in a new series, all about the different struggles we are all facing during the pandemic and subsequent UK lockdowns. I want to discuss issues such as social life, online learning, and health anxiety- and I also want to offer tips and advice to staying positive, and ways to keep looking out for ourselves during this tough time.
I understand that everyone is experiencing a myriad of issues in lockdown– and every person will have a different experience of what this pandemic means for them.
But I hope this series can offer a few ways to stay positive for the future, looking ahead to a time when restrictions are lifted and we can return to normal. This won’t be our lives forever, and I hope this series shows you that whatever you are feeling or experiencing- someone else is too!
My first post is all about social life- or during the pandemic, what social life?!
I don’t think many of us have much of a social life at the moment- and that’s okay. We’re doing our bit until cases start to go down and we can safely mix with others. But I think it’s important to acknowledge the impact this lack of socialisation can have on us all, with lots of us experiencing loneliness and loss of hope during these troubling times.
If you’re extroverted and love going out, this is a hard time- and I really miss going for nights out or even just popping to the pub for some drinks with my friend.
While at the moment it may seem like we’ll never be able to enjoy care-free parties or nights-out again- we will get there one day, and in the meantime we need to make the most of the things we do have. Most of us have phones and access to the internet, and we are lucky to have excellent ways to stay in touch with our friends and family while things get back to normal.
Below, I’ve put together 5 ways you can still be social, even during these tough times
Go For a Walk with Someone
I think we’re all a bit fed up of going for what feels like our millionth walk- but while it’s one of the only things we can do at the moment it’s a great idea to make the most of time outside. When the weather isn’t too bad, meet up with a friend for a nice walk. Spring is on its way, and hopefully we’ll be able to make the most of the nice weather as we did in the summer months.
Walking while sharing company with someone you like is bound to perk you up, and even just seeing someone’s face after spending hours alone in your house is a great way to combat loneliness.
Take Part in an Activity
Just because you and your friends are separated right now doesn’t mean you can’t still have some fun! At the start of the first lockdown, I watched a few films and series’ with my friends, and it’s lovely to watch something at the same time as someone else- it makes you feel like you’re kind of spending time together, even while you’re apart.
You could also play video games together if that’s something you enjoy, and there are plenty of apps that allow you to play games, take part in quizzes, or do an activity with others from afar.
Video-call Someone
At the start of lockdown, I read that when we video-call someone our brain has the same emotional reaction as when we see someone in person- and afterwards we feel as though we spent time with that person, even though it was just on camera. I’m not sure how true this is, but it’s always a good idea to video-call your friends once in a while.
It can be more draining and it’s definitely not the same- but catching up with someone you love even from a distance is brilliant for your socialisation and mental health.
Get Some Exercise
At the moment, we are only permitted to meet someone outside if we are exercising- so make the most of that! If you’re into fitness, you could meet up with a friend for a run, for example, or even an outdoor workout if it’s safe to do so.
Exercise is a great way to release endorphins, and it can be great for your mental (and physical) health. Make sure to involve your friend next time you want to exercise, and you’ll hopefully feel a bit more “normal”.
Host a Zoom Party
I think we’ve all had enough of Zoom parties and quizzes, but they can be a great way to connect with others. I think one of the things I miss most about meeting friends is the atmosphere- it’s about the ritual of getting ready and going to a pub atmosphere.
So try and recreate that online. Take some time getting ready for any “parties” and invite quite a few people along for few drinks over Zoom, or even a pub-quiz style night that hopefully makes you feel a little more normal. It’s not the same, but it’s a great way to stay connected and distract yourself from the situation.
These ideas are not as good as in-person socialisation, but there are still great ways you can stay connected with your friends and family. I think our lives at the moment are all about feeling some semblance of normality until we can get back in the pub, restaurant, or our best friend’s house.
Stay tuned for the second post in this series, where I’ll be talking about online learning- who’s affected, how does it work, and how can you help make it slightly easier?
How are you helping your social life survive the pandemic? Do you have any creative ideas for spending time with others at a distance? What’s your favourite thing to do with your friends in normal times?
Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂
Happy reading x
I love the idea of this series! I love how going for walks is like the new going to the pub haha! As someone who’s normally out and about with friends or at the pub 5/6 days a week, I’ve found it so difficult to not see them all but thank god for Facetime and Zoom haha!
Katy | http://www.katystephenson.com
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Thank you so much! I know haha it’s tragic- but yes there are ways to connect still which is nice, and I’m glad we can make the most of it while things are shut x
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I’m absolutely dying to go out for a meal and a few drinks! I’m worried that the lockdowns are going to give me a bit of social anxiety)! I go out for walks with my boyfriend and my mum quite regularly so that definitely helps!x
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I want to go out for drinks too! I agree, it’s going to be tough getting back into our social lives- I suppose the important thing is just to be careful when things do open x
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Thank you for the ideas. It has been a year that my social life is dead and I kinda got used to it but i’m not very happy about it. I try to entertain myself at home, exercising, reading, cooking etc.. but it isn’t the same anymore. Hopefully, we’ll get through it.
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Yes I agree it’s really not the same but hopefully there are ways we can all keep busy and social before this open up x
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I really love the idea behind this series Eleanor! I am not sure if I might be the only one, but I am more of an homebody so I didn’t miss the party scene or anything, but I can understand that most of us are missing interactions. Luckily I share a house with other people and my sisters and went on regular walks during summer which helped a lot. Can’t wait to read the next one x
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Thank you 🙂 aw that’s lovely, and yes I think it’s nice to be able to spend time at home and still feel a little social! Thank you x
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This is a great post, so many people are struggling with this third and fingers crossed final lockdown!
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Yes I really hope so!
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Lockdown is stressful but these are some wonderful tips! I like to video call whenever I get the chance. Other times I like taking walks 🙂 Great post
Mel 🌙 | Moonlight Mel
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Thank you 🙂 walking has become the only think we can do haha but it’s nice to have it x
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There’s some really great ideas here! Socializing has really changed over the last year, but it’s important now more than ever to get time in with people we love. Thanks for sharing ❤️
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Thank you Meredith 🙂 I agree x
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Love the idea behind your new series, I think it will definitely help a lot of people! Also love your suggestions on what to do, I’ve done a Zoom call the other day with my friends and it honestly made me feel a lot better. I’m suggesting online game night to them next!
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Thank you 🙂 I think it can definitely make you feel better- as long as it’s not too long as they can be draining! x
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I like your positivity and your ideas. My son hosted a Zoom Super Bowl party and I thought that was kind of cool.
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Thank you 🙂 that’s a lovely idea x
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Looking forward to most of this series. Great suggestions. I’m an introvert and very happy spending time alone but I do live with my partner, Mum and Dad so I’m not short of social interaction. I would just love to go out and meet my friend or go on holiday though! x
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Thank you Jenny 🙂 that’s very true, it’s nice to be able to socialise with those we live with during these times x
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This is such a great post. I think everyone’s social lives are struggling at this point. That is what has been the hardest on me during all this time.
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Aw thank you! I agree, it can be really tough x
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These are all great tips! It’s so hard to socialize in a pandemic, but also in the Northeast US. We have had so much snow, so plans have been getting cancelled a lot.
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Thank you 🙂 ah that’s such a shame it’s the same over here with the rain! Thanks for sharing x
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This is a nice series idea! Little insights into how others have coped with the physical isolation of lockdown are always intriguing, and this list provides good advice for responsible socialisation – thanks for sharing!
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Thank you Tom 🙂 I think it can be hard for some people so I hope this shows that everyone is in the same boat!
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I love the idea of this series – I’m looking forward to the rest of it! I really miss going out too but trying to stay (relatively) positive.
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Aw thank you! Me too haha, it’s hard sometimes but I get you- there are still things to do x
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I love this. I didn’t socialise much before but I am really missing it. I can’t wait to get back to normal but these are great was to stay social.
I look forward to the rest of the series x x
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Thank you 🙂 I think any socialising is just great to break up work and other responsibilities- and I can’t wait to get back to normal too!
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What a great idea for a series! I’m in the unfortunate position of not having many people around me that I can meet up with outside, but the zoom party is a really sweet ideas. Thanks for the ideas.
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Thank you 🙂 yes I agree, it can be tough if your friends or family aren’t nearby, zoom is a lifesaver x
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This third lockdown has been the worst for me. I’m missing seeing my friends for sure but going out a walk with a few every now and then definitely had helped! And video calls have honestly been life saving!
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Aw I’m sorry, walks aren’t the best but they definitely can help when you’re feeling lonely 🙂 I’m glad you’ve made the best of a bad situation x
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This lockdown has been extremely difficult, definitely a lot tougher than the first one. I love these ways of surviving the pandemic, I love the ideas of hosting a Zoom party and video calling someone! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
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I think we’re all tired of lockdown now! Thank you- zoom has been a lifesaver and I love calling my boyfriend or friends for a quick chat 🙂 x
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love this new series!! and you mentioned some great ways to stay connected. it truly has been lonely. but i’m grateful to have started blogging when i did because i have all you other wonderful bloggers to connect with 🙂
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Thank you so so much 🙂 I feel the same, the online community has been so amazing and I love chatting to people and building those connections! Thanks for sharing x
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I love the idea of this series 💚 thanks for writing this
https://uncuaderno4cero.wordpress.com/
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Thank you!
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This is a great start to your new series! My extroverted side was super sad in the beginning – Everything was taken from me in a matter of days. But, now, almost a year later, I’m okay with staying home and staying safe in my bubble! I do miss going to the movies, date nights out with my husband, and hugging my parents. The last time I hugged my mom was during my birthday in August! We’ve gotten creative. And Zoom calls have been great! I’ve been able to become closer with my dear friend/cousin Emily, who lives in London.
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Thank you Laura 🙂 I agree, I felt the same! I think there are certainly positives and I’m glad you’ve been able to make the most of the situation. That sounds so lovely, good on you x
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such an uplifting post! You really are right, lockdown has definitely been about rekindling relationships and using activities as a fun way to pass the time. Great post!
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Aw thank you Sophia! I think we’ve all become a little more resilient x
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For sure!x
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Great post! I’m looking forward to this series! I love the zoom party idea- maybe it’ll make me not hate zoom so much!
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Thank you Allison 🙂 I hope so x
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I’ve been doing a lot of zoom quizzes with friends, but definitely want to go for a walk with one of them. Love the idea of this series!
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I think they’re a great way to distract yourself and keep social 🙂 Thank you so much x
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I love the idea of this series! Hopefully we’ll be able to socialise again soon – until then zoom quizzes are a lifesaver! Going for walks with friends (when the weather is a little less grim) is also a great idea! Thanks for sharing x
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Thank you Charley 🙂 Yes I hope so too, and until then zoom is great as you say x
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I’d love to go out for dinner and drinks but it’s just not worth the risk yet. It’s been so hard being contained like this but new hobbies and activities have made all the difference
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I agree, I can’t wait until it is allowed and things can open again! Yes I agree, for me blogging has been a lifesaver x
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I really like how innovative people have got during this pandemic, it reminds me of the time my husband and I were in a long-distance relationship and we had virtual date nights, etc! Fab tips for maintaining a social life during these unusual times!
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I agree, it’s very resilient 🙂 yes we have to do everything virtual at the moment, I would much rather be in person but you have to do what you can! Thank you so much x
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Nice ideas! I agree with exercising cos I started doing that mid pandemic. Although not leaving the house is really upsetting but there are things that we can do to make our indoor life still fun. Looking forward on your next post 😀
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Thank you so much 🙂 I agree there are ways for things to stay fun and active, it’s just a little harder at the moment!
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Exercise has been such an outlet for me and works wonders for me!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
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I agree, it’s so great to have a work-out or something to look forward to each day x
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Such a fab idea for a series! I am quite lucky that I decided to stay at University throughout the pandemic, so I am currently living with me friends, so we still can have some good nights together.
Amber | https://theunpredictedpage.com
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Thank you Amber 🙂 ah that’s good that you can have social time even while staying inside! I’m glad you enjoyed x
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Love the idea of this series! My family and I have have zoom dates every other month or so. In the summer last year, I would meet a friend at a park and bring take out. Hopefully, I’ll get to do this again! x
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
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Aw thank you Lynn! That’s adorable I love it, I used to do that in summer too- and I had a few drinks in my garden with my friend when it was allowed 🙂 I have hope for the summer x
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Thank you for this lovely post. I think many people (including myself) need this at the moment. My social life is beyond repair but this post gives me some hope. Thank you for inspiring me to be better today!
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Thank you 🙂 I’m so glad it came to you at a good time, this time is very tough but we can all get through it and I’m sure you’ll find ways to repair your social life a little in the coming months x
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This series is an amazing idea! It’s difficult for so many of us right now and we could all use a little help navigating the new normal. It also helps knowing we’re not alone in our struggles. Thanks so much for sharing this!
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Thank you Tiffany 🙂 yes I agree, I am so thankful for loved ones in navigating this tough time- and also all the people I’ve met online who I know are in the same situation as me 🙂
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I’m really a house rat so this quarantine wasn’t as bad until it didn’t only last a month. I actually missed interacting with persons, seeing friends and going to school. You listed some great ideas, I’ve been slacking on the exercise, I started then got lazy 😅. Great post! 😊
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I still use Netflix Party (or Teleparty as I think they’re now known)! I feel like watching a TV show or film together is quite a low intensity way to socialise because you’re not just awkwardly staring at each other on a video call! haaha
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
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Ooh i tried Netflix party too, and it’s fun to be able to do something you’re right 🙂 glad you’re enjoying some social time x
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A zoom party! What a fun idea. I’ll need to look into this. Thanks for the great post!
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Thank you 🙂
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I’m loving this idea for a series! Outdoor exercise has been one of my favourite things to do during lockdown. It’s just so refreshing getting out and breathing in some fresh air 🙂 x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
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Aw thank you 🙂 I think that sounds brilliant, when it gets a little warmer I might have to do that a go 🙂
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I love this! We’re so lucky that in this day and age, we have all the technology to keep us social. Going out for walks with a friend has really helped me xx
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We really are, I’m so grateful for video-call 🙂 I’m glad that’s helped x
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We’ve been in the lockdown since March of last year and haven’t even felt a break! A lot of us gets some form of FOMO and social anxiety from not having the same lifestyle from before. I found going on walks being worthwhile. These conference chat parties are great! Though, I tend to drop when it feels like a 1 on 1 convo with a bunch of people around. This is also a great time to also start a new hobby with someone, and share your progress!
Nancy ✨ mdrnminimalists.com
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Yes definitely, it’s awful! I’m glad you’ve found ways to make the most of this time and still be a little social- even if it’s not as good as normal x
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These are some great suggestions. I recently had a zoom party with some friends and it was so much fun.
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Thank you Kelly 🙂 I think that sounds like a lot of fun!
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What a great post and something we all need to read in these difficult times. I love the advice you give and how we can all relate to it. For me exercising has been crutial and keeping connected too, I’m a social creature and find it hard to just stay connected online having so much screen time. I hope when it’s all passed a bit we can appreciate seeing each other face to face more and leave the devices for a bit. Thank you for sharing, I look forward to your other posts.
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Thank you so much 🙂 I find it hard online too, it’s a shame it’s all we can do at the moment… yes I hope so too, I think everyone will be more appreciative of time together, I’m glad you enjoyed x
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Love the idea of a new series on your blog – can’t wait to read more 🙂 None of my friends live near me so sadly I can’t really go on a walk with a friend but I do love watching a movie on Netflix party ❤
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Thank you 🙂 ahhh I hope you get chance to do something virtual x
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Great new series! It is super hard right now, especially if you’re like me and your friends are scattered all over the country so no hope of walks. Video calls are definitely a lifesaver right now! x
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Thank you! Yes I’m the same, it’s tough when friends aren’t near enough to meet, or you’re too busy to go on a walk. Thanks for sharing x
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It’s definitely difficult but we can and we will get through this! 🤗😁
I meet up with my work wife once a week for a dog walk and it’s so lovely. We both get something from it & the dogs definitely enjoy seeing me! 😂🐶
I’ve started the Couch to 5k app and it’s worked wonders for me. I’ve really been enjoying it so far and am excited to start week 3 tomorrow! 🛋️🏃🏻♀️
Xo
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Thank you Sarah, I agree- we can do this! Aw that’s lovely- and adds a little normality to your day 🙂 I’ve heard really good things about Couch to 5k so I hope it works for you, getting more active (safely) is always a positive thing during these tough times xx
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I’ve been able to go for walks which I wouldn’t normally do and I’ve enjoyed them. I really do want to go to a restaurant to eat but we have found new fun ways of cooking! We had a garden wok and a teppanyaki grill. It’s been quite difficult but I can take and leave, an equal amount of things I do and used to do, in the future. Thanks for sharing!
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That’s great- and so healthy too! That sounds lovely, I love to hear the stories of other people’s resilience during lockdown 🙂 x
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Loved this post! I’m thinking of starting a zoom party this weekend!
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Thank you 🙂 aww good plan!
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I can’t wait to be able to go further afield as you can only do so many walks in your area before getting bored of the same routes, haha. I’m so excited to be able to go out for meals too!
Tash – A Girl with a View
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I’m so excited to get back to some kind of normality- and I agree, walks are a little dull when you can’t venture out too far! Thanks for sharing, hopefully things will improve soon 🙂
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