Navigating Lockdown: Busy at Home or Not at All?
Lockdowns have brought numerous changes to our daily lives, testing the limits of our productivity and adaptability. For individuals like myself, who found themselves spending more time at home, the challenge was all too apparent. As a stay-at-home mom, my plans and responsibilities revolved around my family, with oscillating levels of stress and hustle.
When locked in my daily routine, my life was a whirlwind of childcare and household management. My mornings often started with the tender care of my toddler, followed by attending to the house and managing my workload. However, to my surprise, the lockdown turned into an opportunity to find new ways to engage and organize my time productively.
Discovering New Hobbies and Money-Making Opportunities
During my free time, I explored various hobbies and work-from-home opportunities. I spent my weekends watching dance shows, engaging with friends during coffee breaks via WhatsApp, and even delved into solving English grammar quizzes and riddles in social media groups. This period greatly helped in maintaining a sense of purpose and engagement.
The lockdown also opened avenues for freelance work, which I took advantage of. I found myself delving into gardening, internet research, and occasional small maintenance tasks such as carpentry and plumbing. These activities not only brought a sense of achievement but also made me more resourceful in handling household tasks. It was a fruitful time for both skill enhancement and financial independence.
Adapting to a New Routine: Working from Home
My husband and I, having retired, had planned a lifestyle involving travel and exploring nature. However, the pandemic changed our plans. All our activities were confined to our residence for the past 15 months. My days were structured with specific routines, which, despite the monotony, provided a semblance of normalcy.
I started my day with morning ablutions, followed by prayers and browsing notifications on social media. I spent 35 minutes on exercises, which were seamlessly integrated into my daily schedule. Breakfast, writing on Quora, a relaxing siesta—these moments became my new anchors. Each task, from meals to leisure activities, was meticulously timed to avoid the blur of the day.
With the rise in online necessities, tasks like grocery shopping and food pickup became routine. My enthusiasm for dining out waned as I found joy in preparing meals at home. It was a time of reflection and rediscovery—rediscovering favorite recipes, new cooking techniques, and the joy of sharing meals with my loved ones.
Embracing a Changed Lifestyle
Beyond the personal aspects, the lockdown brought significant challenges, such as the closure of the library, which felt like a loss of community and resources. To fill the void, I read all available books at home and engaged in binge-watching off Netflix and Amazon. Despite the constant routine, I found solace in these activities, eventually evolving into a more practical approach to shopping and meals.
The silver lining was the newfound appreciation for simplicity and deep family bonding. As I learned how to order groceries online and find meals to enjoy at home, I realized a shift in my priorities. The experience also brought a sense of calm and rootedness, making me more appreciative of the comforts of home.
As the vaccines have rolled out, life is slowly returning to a semblance of normalcy. For me, that means planning for a much-anticipated cruise and supporting my family and friends through financial support. The lockdown has taught me resilience and the importance of family.
In conclusion, the lockdown presented both challenges and opportunities. While the initial stress and monotony were impactful, the structured yet flexible routine allowed me to adapt and find new joys in the simple things. As we navigate this new normal, the lessons learned are invaluable, shaping our approach to home-based activities and future plans.