Kathy Hamilton For the past 20 days, I’ve been social distancing. What a strange sentence to write, and yet for many of us this is our new reality. I wanted to chronicle this complicated chapter but haven’t had the words to say. So today, I thought I’d keep it light and simple and share what I’ve been up to lately. Indoors, of course!
Baking Treats
It feels like the whole world is baking these days! And I can totally see why. Lately, since I have more time than usual at home, I’ve been trying to challenge myself when it comes to baking. I made a coffee cake with a walnut brittle topping (which I usually would have skipped) and I spent the best part of a weekend making croissants from scratch! There’s something about the calm focus that comes with following a recipe and creating something delicious that has been so important for my wellbeing lately.
I’ve also been more grateful than ever that I made it a personal goal to start meal planning to avoid food waste. During this time when getting to the shops isn’t simple and meals have to be made with whatever is in the house, I’ve found my creativity challenged in new ways- and I’m certain it’s making me a better cook.
Organising Everything!
When I think of what I’ve been up to lately, I’d say this is the activity that has taken up most of my time and mental space. Before social distancing became a reality in the UK, I would have told you that I was pretty happy with my flat, and the upkeep of it. Now I’d laugh at that naive version of me! I’ve never felt such a strong urge to organise, tidy, clean and rearrange my space.
On the flip side, my flat has never looked better! Plus, it’s giving me a chance to get those tasks that I never have time for, like organising paperwork, done. There’s something deeply satisfying about investing energy in creating a relaxing and cohesive space. When it comes to forming positive habits, this one has been at the top of my list for a while so I hope it sticks!
Playing Games
I love playing games like The Sims. But since they are so immersive and an easy way to waste hours upon hours, I usually try to limit how much I play them! But these days, I’m finding it such a perfect way to unwind. It’s not just video games either, I’ve been taking advantage of all the digital ways to connect by trying out virtual pub quizzes too. And off-screen, I’m slowly working my way through a puzzle- definitely a what I’ve been up to lately first!
Reading and Writing
I’ll be honest, I almost skipped this section on this what I’ve been up to lately post. Recently I’d kind of lost the urge to read recently and it was starting to stress me out a bit. Usually reading is my go-to pastime but I realised that I was putting undue pressure on myself to make my reading ‘count’.
It’s so tempting, at a time like this, to think that you have to be super productive and do important things. When in reality, the time we’re living through is unprecedented and just keeping up is enough. When I remembered that I enjoy reading for the fun of it, instead of to tick of a list, or keep up with books that other people think are great, I suddenly found my urge to read returning. It’s the same with writing. I’ve sat for days trying to work out a ‘perfect’ post to share with you when all I really wanted to do was check-in and say hello!
Working From Home
One of the strangest things that I’ve been up to lately is adjusting to working from home. I’m really lucky that I work in a marketing role that makes it easier to work from anywhere. But that’s not to say it hasn’t been a huge change to my routine! I’ve basically been going into the office and working 9-5 from the day after I graduated! I’ve realised I miss the predictability of 11o’clock tea breaks. Chats with co-workers and yes even the commute! However, working from home has been a great way to test my self-motivation and explore a different way of working.
Taking Each Day As It Comes
It might be easy to look at this list and think that it’s been a hive of activity over here in my little corner of the world. But, as with most things online, that’s not quite the whole picture. This is such a strange, anxiety-inducing time. The Corona Virus and the dangers involved are always present causing constant worry. So it’s only natural that this impacts my mood. When it comes to what I’ve been up to, sometimes it’s all of these, sometimes it’s none of them. And that’s okay. We’re all just doing the best we can and taking each day as it comes.
What Have You Been Up to Lately?
I hope you don’t mind that I deliberately kept this little space as light as possible. I know personally, I’ve been loving reading posts like this, which share how other people are making the most of these strange days we’re living in and that’s what I decided to share what I’ve been up to lately. But I do want to add, wherever you are, I hope you and your loved ones are doing well, keeping safe and finding a few silver linings in this uncertain time.
