KEEP YOUR FEET

Everything has been so overwhelming and exhausting in the last few years, and it's clearly not over by a long shot!

Here in the UK they've made the call that we just have to learn to live with covid. All restrictions are being lifted in March which is next week.

I'm doing ok with it, I've had three jabs and been to an outdoor festival, a club night and the cinema and haven't caught it. So I'm obviously doing something right... And the jabs must be working.. how long for we just don't know as more and more boosters are being talking about... And in all honesty im not sure how I feel about it. I'm ok with one, two or three jabs but multiple a year? What's that doing to us long term? Even the flu jab is just once a year?

I also feel for the elderly and critically vulnerable.. it must be so scary for them knowing people are no longer having to isolate if they test positive. It scares me and I'm healthy!

None of this really compares to what's happening in the Ukraine at the moment.. Putin has declared war and it's terrifying!! Someone I follow on Instagram lives there and she's posting videos of missiles and bombs exploding from the view of her window. Reading her words makes me cry and I go numb all over. I just don't think I'd cope in a situation like that, at all! And I'm so scared that it's coming for us soon, and I feel so helpless that we can't do anything! Nothing that seems like it would make a difference anyway or make it stop. I just want it all to stop!

I admire and applaud everyones courage, strength and determination right now so much as I just feel like I want to scream and shout and curl up in a little ball and hide until it's all over and it's not evening happening to me! The thought parallysizes me and I feel so helpless.

Deadly diseases and war has been a fear of mine since childhood, so this past two years as you can imagine have been difficult from a mental perspective, and I've been woke up by nightmares and anxious thoughts so often it's exhausting.. which is why I try to write all my crazy negative thoughts and worries down in my diary to just get them out my head and try and make space for more positive ones and then list everything I'm grateful for and come up with solutions I can do like donate money, clothes food, and just generally be here to listen, observe and learn rather than run and hide away.

So this weekend Dave and I have sorted some clothes out and we'll be taking them to a donation point, and I'll be sending some money over to charity as soon as I see one set up I know it's not a lot but I just don't know what else we can or colour do. I just keep bugging Dave and out dog wander and being so grateful for what we have right now as you just never know when it could all be taken away.

What do you guys do when everything just gets a bit much and you feel helpless in the world's great master plan?

And just like that were back to working at home again starting next week 😂🤦‍♀️... I shouldn't laugh .. but I guess I've sort of been waiting and even hoping for this to happen. Which makes me feel terrible inside! Obviously I didn't want another varient or for things to get worse, but Ive hated being back in the office, and wanted to be able to work at home again so bad! Even now, already, I'm so much more happier and calmer knowing it's happening again, and it doesn't even start untill Monday! It's just like everything suddenly stops or slows down for a little while and I have time to think...

Obviously it's bad that it's come to this again, although hospital numbers don't seen to be that high, just the number of people that have one of the three varients is high - and they're worried it's going to spread even faster now we have this new omricon varient.

We also found out this week that parliament apparently had a party last Christmas, so when we were all told we can't see family or friends - they were mingling getting pissed... I'm seriously surprised there hasn't been a riot yet!

I guess that will happen when they start making the vaccines manditory - even I might join the 'anti vax' crew then 😂😂 just because I don't believe we should be made to do anything...

We'll, another new variant has popped up in South Africa. They've closed the borders to countries effected but again it was all too late as it's already made it over here. 2 cases in my home town too!

My boss was over in Africa when it happens, and had to cut her 2 week holiday short for dear of having to pay apx £5000 on quarantine hotels on her return and that's just for the tow of them! Imagine a family of 4!

Don't get me wrong, I totally agree with all the mandatory testing and quarantining until you get a negative result, but I do not agree in the cost of everything! Seems stupid especially as they seem to want to get the economy back up and running, but people just can't afford the extra £300 odd costs on the tests alone, let alone the added risk of a quarantine hotel! We're off to America next year - nervous is an understatement!

Also, it's been rumoured that some European countries are looking at making vaccination manditory soon! Which is a scary thought! Again, I don't believe in the anti vacs campaigns etc and I do think the vaccinations are good and here to help, but I do think we should have a choice. Ok, yes certain jobs I agree it could be advertised as you must be jabbed - like care homes, doctors etc - but I don't think you should be forced into having it if you don't want it.

I felt awful too when this new variant was mention, I'd only been saying to Dave a few days before how much I missed lockdown and wished we could all go back to masks in shops, working from home etc! As life just seemed odly calmer, and priorities we're more aligned, people being nice to one another and considerate. But obviously I didn't want this! Besides, we're still not able to work at home again! Apparently being jabbed means we're invincible in the government and work management's eyes which is ludicrous! We're all still spreading it to those in jabbed or more vulnerable! And people who have been jabbed are still getting quite sick!

I've not written for a while because I've been waiting until I felt a bit more positive about the situation as I didn't want to just come on here and winge and moan and complain... But as you can see it's been quite a while since my last post, (where I was very vague about the subject that is giving me the most grief currently).

Waiting has helped, I've had ups and downs, and yes, I am less negative, and angry to a certain degree. But it still upsets me greatly. And that's not being able to work remotely anymore.

It's not like I want to do it for the full week. But just to have the option, freedom and trust to be able to make the right decision for us, and the company would be amazing. And what makes it worse is that other people in other teams can, thus saving money on petrol, and I've found out they even got a pay rise recently too! It's just not fair. I was so much more relaxed and had such a better work life ratio when I was at home. And now I just feel trapped, and have no time for anything!

They relented a couple months in and gave us a day at home. But there was so much drama and politics about that too! I just don't get why it's being made into such a big deal. We did it for 18months and it worked brilliantly. I guess all we can keep doing is asking and hoping...

As mentioned on my previous post, most folk are double jabbed now in the UK, and the vulnerable, and over 40's are all now being offered Booster jabs, my partner's had his with being a support worker. ( I only has my second 4 months ago 😂🙈) I kicked off at my other half demanding he demanded he didn't get given astracenica this time round. The fact that they stopped giving it to people under 40 says all it has to! So was no way I was letting him have it again! Luckily they gave him phizser so all good!

I do find it weird though, they issuing boosters, yet everywhere is open, no masks etc, and not really mentioning it on the news anymore. While other places have gone back down to masks and essential shops only! It's like they just stopped caring about the vulnerables, and it's pot luck for if the jab will protect you, and to what extent.

I saw this video this morning - and loved it, as I’ve always felt disappointed that they never showed this part in the movie.  

For me, it made it feel like the Shire had no clue what was going on. No one noticed that Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin had been gone for so long. fighting evil and danger which could of resulted to the end of the world..  They were all just there oblivious, in their own little bubble, un affected by everything else around them - which let’s face it - wouldn’t and couldn’t ever of been the case in real life – and yes - sometimes I forget The LOTR is just a movie!   

So seeing this explanation - and how it can relate to the modern day issues we’re all facing was a real eye opener and quite invigorating.. so much so that I just had to share.

Wow so much to update you all on!

Majority of the UK has now been double vaccinated, and it seems to be working. People are still getting I'll, but less are admitted to hospitals and dying now which is amazing.

Some indoor venues, like weddings and nightclubs etc aren't allowing people in unless you are double vaccinated or can proove a negative flow.. which is great in my opinion. However it is easy to fake or lie about it.. as you don't have to submit any evidence when reporting it which seems crazy to me. I guess we just have to have trust in one another.

Download festival 2021 ran a pilot this year too. So less people than normal and all had to test before during and after the festival. A few people contracted the virus. But not everyone so they deemed it a sucess.

Flights abroad are done in a similar fashion now too. Having to test before and if you show positive you have to quarantine for 10 days. Resulting is possibly missing your holiday 🙈. But at least it's trying to stop the spread.

My first experience of being back out in the wide world really was at a friend's wedding in July. We had to show a negative result, masks weren't needed whilst eating but we're for everything else indoors. And no dancing indoors was allowed. It was still a lovely occasion, and everyone sort of relaxed into it as the time went on. It definitely helped me knowing we all had tho show negative results.

I also went to a friend's hen do in york. I took my own sleeping bag, and pillow case, wiped surfaces and sprayed Dettol air spray everywhere when we arrived. But, reassuringly the hotel smelt of bleach as soon you opened the door anyway which relaxed me! And when we were out I just wore masks and at the restaurant I wiped my cutlery before using.

I also went to Slam dunk this year with 1000's of people. I about had a panic attack before going as I was super nervous. But I wore mask on and off and antibacked regularly. And at the club night we just stayed to our own little group. But a friend did get ill and miraculously none of the rest of us did! Even though we all shared hotel rooms, (some people even shared drinks and kissed) and a car with them.

Similar happend back in June too though, after a BBQ a friend got pinged and it meant we had to cancel all plans and spend my birthday indoors (even though we tested negative). That's changed now though, I think it's as long as you've been double vaccinated if you come into contact with someone who's tested positive you don't have to isolate, or even lateral flow. I did though, everyday for about a week. It's just so scary not knowing if you may have it.. and I'm petrified of passing it on to someone and not knowing - I even told my work colleagues to get tested just incase I have it and don't know - I just feel so responsible for everyone else lives! And I just hope others feel similar about mine and are sensible and honest.

Especially as we're having to go back to work now 5 days a week! I can't believe it. They even arranged a back to worth gathering which I just thought was irresponsible even if it was section ed off that's still a lot of people in one office.

I raised my concerns about going back to work with HR. And it was such a weird experience. O felt listened to. And semi reassured, to their degree. Bit I don't think they understand it from other people's points of views. Like do they realise I'll be having to spray and clean toilet seats and chairs before I touch them?! 😂🙈

And ok, they say I can wear a mask if I chose too. But it's not practical and I've also read masks predominantly prevent others more than me.. so what's the point if no one else is?

I've also realised I've lost a stone since start of lockdown... But more predominantly the last 10months... Without really trying.. just a change of diet and a bit of exercise. Which all stemed from my stress ibs.

The news of returning to the office has finally arrived.

And to say I'm disappointed would be an understatement.

There's been a lot of changes over the last year, and I've actually quite enjoyed some of them.

I always knew this day would come. But I guess I'd just hoped there would of been some more options available to us.

And my biggest worry is how relaxed everyone seems to be.

It's not gone away and winter is coming (yes I quoted game of thrones). Yes no temperatures are being read and lateral flow tests aren't mandatory. Ok the 'goverment guidance' says it's safe to return to work, but no offence - I have no trust for their decisions, they couldn't organise a loss up in a brewery. And after all the other bad decisions they've made over the year and half I feel like this could be another. Would you jump off a cliff, no parachute or anything just because the government told you too? Because that's how I feel about how trustworthy their advice is at the moment.

Plus, people attend work when ill all the time - hell I used to, (but won't be from now on!) And one of the issues with covid is that you can have and not know.

I'm so scared I'll pick something up and pass it on to a family member it unreal.

I've raised my concerns with my manager, but unfortunately, there's not much I can do about it though.

So in typical 'me' fashion I've started making a list of the positive things about returning to head office and keep finding distractions so I don't over think it and have a panic attack 🤣🤦‍♀️

Struggling again recently. Just feel like I have this constant black cloud above my head. 

Not sure why - that’s the reason I’m writing this blog - to see if i can uncover some feelings I’ve maybe not dealt with over the last few weeks. So apologies for any ramble - but it really does help to process thoughts - why don’t you give it a try? 

So, the last few weeks... nothings changed really. Yes restrictions started to be lifted, you’re ‘legally’ allowed to hug people now if you wish - and meet in groups of 30 outdoors, but we’ve had a new ‘variant’ which is more transmissible which has meant i’ve not really wanted to ‘relax’ or ‘hug’ or ‘meet more folk’ anyway - especially indoors! 

All restrictions were supposed to be lifted on 21st June - however I think that’s going to be delayed now - and I hope to god it is in all honesty! It just doesn't feel ‘safe’ out there - for indoors or large events where you can’t social distance – or at least it doesn't for me. I’ve still been continuing like its the first wave really - anti-backing and washing hands constantly, wiping all post and shopping and avoiding meeting people and crowds. We do go to the shops more now, and we did head to the vegan market on Saturday and see some friends which was lovely! it was all out doors so we could keep our distance from people. We even had drinks out (I had my own straw!). 

There was this one man that tried to start a conversation with me about the vaccine and telling me I shouldn’t have it as he’s had friends die from it and then he cycled off coughing  - fair to say this scared me and I was due my Jab the following week!! 

That was super nervy! I was all excited about having it to start with - as I’d feel ‘safer’ but then with all the bad news around astrazeneca and blood clots and a collague of mine telling me her friend had died at the age of 30 from it!  I had an anxiety attack literally 30mins after booking the appointment as i didnt know which one I’d be given until the day! 

To cope i just devised a plan - I said to myself, if on the day they offer me astrazeneca – i can say no, and find somewhere else that had pfizer. Because its become common knowledge now that at the end of the day, if any vaccine centres have any left - they pull people in off the street so not to waste it - so all i’d have to do is find somewhere with pfizer and wait... this calmed me down as i felt like I had a choice. But it didnt stop my anxiety about Dave, and worrying about him as he’s had both the astrazeneca jabs now. I keep asking him if he’s ok, and keeping an eye on him. It’s been a few weeks now though so i’m sure I’ll relax and stop worrying about him soon! 

I did get pfizer, had no side effect other than head ache day after and just felt tired since - but i always feel tired. So that’s good! Next one is booked for August. I don’t however feel invincible like i hoped it might make me feel haha - there’s still things i want avoid/postpone -  like visit the osteopath, the opticians, dentist etc which i think i’ll still put off until my second dose! 

I’m taking a friend to the shop tomorrow, and supposed to be going round at the weekend but I’m super nervous! Just because i know they've been more ‘brave’ than me through all this, and still having to work and stuff, and I’m seeing my folks on sunday. BUT we do have some lateral flow tests now - so thats good..

As you can see - i keep self counselling - and finding a positive for every negative - it’s exhausting! No wonder I’m mentally tired all the time! 

I need a holiday/staycation - cuz lets face it i aint going anywhere anytime soon! But even then, is there point planning anything if restrictions will change again - do i want to get my hopes up and excited about something just for it to be cancelled... 

I just feel fed up.... bored... and stuck... but it will pass - i know it will! it alway does! 

We all know I love lists... so here's one on the things that have helped me massively this past year..

Finishing work at 5 and going for a run or dog walk

uplifting motivational planning tools

Spotify wellness posts and good music choices

Gardening - never would of predicted this in a million years! 

Vitality CBD sleep aid - 5 sprays before bed - and if I wake up in the night with an anxiety attack I have more

Tisserand sleep aid pillow spray - helps your brain associate its time for rest

Tisserand de stress, and real calm roller balls or oils

Kalms tablets

Hot water and lemon slices

Cut off times - I’m not allowed on my Mac/ipdad after 9pm and avoid my phone after 10pm

Avoiding social 'doom scrolling'

cuddles with Wander

Limited caffeine intake

Taking breaks

Getting some sunshine whenever I can

Messaging and talking to family and friends

This week 10th-16th May, is National Mental Health Week, and this last year and a half with the pandemic it has definitely taught us not to take small things for granted, shown us what truly matters in life and reminded us all to just take it slow, have some you time and ask for help if you need. I also feel like there's been so much help, advice and support around to help people cope throughout too, which is fantastic. And it's been so great to know/see that we’re/ I'm not alone with all these weird and stressful un explainable feelings and that they're normal, and we're all feeling them together.

But there’s still more we need to do...

On the Mind website it states that: 

1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England [1].

1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week in England [2].

Specific diagnoses, in any given week in England [2]:

Mixed anxiety and depression: 8 in 100 people

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD): 6 in 100 people

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): 4 in 100 people

Depression: 3 in 100 people

Phobias: 2 in 100 people

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): 1 in 100 people

Panic disorder: fewer than 1 in 100 people.

Understandably, it's lot easier for some more than others to reach out, get help and connect the dots to why and how they're feeling a certain way. Which is why mental health support is and always will be so very important. And – more important than ever – that the stigma behind it is removed - people need to be able to reach out without fear of being judged, or looked down upon. 

A few years ago now I broke down during a presentation at work - I had a full on melt down - uncontrollable breathing, IBS, cold sweats, a temperature, ‘messy’ crying - the works! and it was impossible to hide it from my work colleagues. Luckily, for me, the presentation was about how to be ‘calm, cool and collected’ when presenting - ironic - so the lecturer stepped in and calmed me down, and we had a great talk about what it was that I was struggling with, and that was the first time my anxieties had become  ‘public’ knowledge within the work place. 

My work colleagues were ever so supportive, and looking back now, I don’t really think anything ‘changed’ from professional aspect on their end. For me however - it changed everything. That training literally changed my life. It gave me more confidence, I felt like I understood myself better and I wasn’t ‘hiding’ behind this fake persona - I was free. 

Events over this last year however, has had a detrimental effect on my anxiety issues, to the point where it started to effect my work, and my job responsibilities so I had to speak up to my manager. I’m not going to lie - this was difficult, as it stems from a very personal place. But a lot of work places have a ‘mental health work scheme’ meaning that once they’re aware of any issues they have to take them seriously, show compassion and offer you support and understanding where possible. They can't just fire you on the spot!

Yes, I have, however heard of a few occasions (across various workforces not singling out mine) where once the company knows about any stress/anxiety issues they may try to ‘wrap you up in cotton wool’ so to speak - and treat you differently - either consciously or sub consciously. And dependant on your role, this could hold you back and lead to missed opportunities - which is why I believe a lot of people suffer in silence. 

This is what needs to change, the stigma behind mental health, and how people re act to it, and treat you differently afterwards. As people need to feel like they can speak up - and get help without the fear of it effecting their career or friendships as even the mildest of conditions, if left untreated can escalate and get a lot worse.

My work place have been nothing but supportive. In fact this year - They’ve gone above and beyond for online learning aids, support, information and even hired an in house ‘councillor’ to help and support us. 

My only worry is that I feel that some people/places see it as ‘counselling will fix the issue’ and you’ll be back to coping again in a few weeks - which I’ve learnt for me it’s not the case. There’s a lot more bigger darker issues going on which I need time to explore, uncover and understand before I can even start to over come them. It’s not a quick fix. It's a journey, a lifestyle change and it’s going to take time. 

I never really knew or realised I had mild anxiety until a few years ago - to be honest, I never even really knew what is was. But looking back over certain events throughout the years - I can recognise that this is something I have had all along - I’ve just had good days, weeks, months or even years - separating each occasion and then BAM all of a sudden it's just too much and I break down. 

Seeking help was one of the best things I did - as it was exhausting trying to ‘council yourself’ and now I find it easier to recognise my ‘triggers’ and understand my emotions a bit better. For example I know can get over passionate to the point that I have panic attacks if I can’t do or achieve something I want - but then other times I can’t even manage to care enough to get out of bed. And today I burst out into tears because I had one too many emails.But all of this is ‘normal’ whatever normal is? and I feel that if more and more people ‘come out’ about their issues, more and more people can see that they’re not alone in what and how they’re feeling. It’s all natural, normal feelings, some people just react, deal and cope differently to others.

And that’s why I started “Keep your Feet” to help show and share how I feel, so people know they're not alone. It’s ok to speak out, and it’s ok to ask for support and to talk about your feelings.

May 2021

Recently, I've been really struggling to get out of a 'slump'. Bored and fed up of everything, and feeling trapped in my home, and my own body. No interest in food, work, socialising, all I want to do is buritto on the sofa under a blanket - which is great until about 4pm where I then get mega anxious that I've wasted my whole day (which cycles to life) and I get fidgety and restless and feel like my insides are going to burst.

It's difficult too because I feel like I have to listen to my body. And due to being so mentally exhausted with work, the new when we wander venture, and general life plans and chores I feel like I deserve a day off! So I know I need to allow myself that burrito time - but it still doesn't help the feeling of regret afterwards.

Dave's been great through it all, and I think he is feeling similar right now too. There's so much we want to do and are trying to do, but feeling like we're making no headway with any of it. And then the weather of constant rain and single figure temperatures doesn't help!! We were so lucky with the weather at year! 

To try and help us out of the ‘slump’ this week we've decided that were going to try and do something 'fun' or just 'different' every day. So last night we had a dog walk to one of our favourite parks and a cheeky trip to GoOutdoors! The normality (other than wearing a mask) was amazing! And as it's always quite in there my anxiety coped fine! Tomorrow we’re going to play some Wii and then we’ve not decided on the rest of the week yet! 

Running has helped me with these feelings in the past too. But when you're in such a slump it's so hard to find the get up and go to do it. For the last two weeks I've been wearing my gym gear in the morning so it's one less excuse I have in the evening not to go - and I've still not been! But I had a little talk with myself to try and work out why and I think it's because I'm expecting too much from myself and I'm scared to fail. Knowing this I met myself half way and settled for a mini run - so a 1k instead of a 5k - and in the end it felt great being out and I did 2k!

Another thing I’m trying this week - is not putting stuff off - and rewarding myself for mini victories! For example - i notice the bin needs emptying - empty it then! Not later! Then! and then celebrate in the fact that I’ve done it! 

Also, grabbing onto the little things and running with them i find can start a small but effective chain re action - a good song, lifts your mood, the fact that you're working in something different at work giving you a breath of fresh air from the last few months if chaos, the sun in the sky, the love of your dog, all these little nice feelings can empower you and bring you more uplifting powerful feelings to get you out that slump. 

MARCH 2021

Well, last week commemorates a year since the first lock down in the UK. 

A year since everyone decided to panic buy loo roll and pasta.

A year of working from home.

A year of not seeing friends and family.

A year of anti-bac gel, wiping down shopping and avoiding strangers in the street.

And it's still not over yet.

We're currently just phasing our way out of a third national lockdown. Majority of over 50′s and clinically venerable have been vaccinated. Schools have just re opened again - and a few closed again after a week!! We're able to meet up to 5 friends and family out doors. Which means I can see my mum and Nan again as I've not seen them since Christmas, and I haven't seen my brother and some friends for over a year now so be nice to see real life people again. And i cannot wait until the travel restrictions are lifted - as living on the outskirts of a city centre is not the one during a pandemic - I miss the fields, peaks, lakes, mountains SO MUCH! 

However, I am still and always will be so grateful for the low impact it has had on me. So many people have had to deal with such awful repercussions of this virus - so many lives lost, jobs lost, friends lost, business’ gone, peoples mental health pushed to its boundaries - it’s been an awful year for so many people. Many of us have felt useless, like we can’t do anything or enough to help those in need, but all of us that have stayed home when we were asked to, donating to charities whenever we could, video chatting and messaging friends and families - it all adds up and it all helped. So here’s hoping it’s helped enough for this new spring 2021 road map to stay on track and we all continue to work together as a nation to keep the numbers low and be sensible to prevent future out breaks as that was what was the scariest thing - when we, the people were just morons.

The limitations on food and cleaning products due to panic buying, the idiots setting fire to food delivery trucks. Not being able to get an online order delivery for my 86 year old nan. People allegedly coughing and spitting on people claiming they had it. The way the government acted or didn't act fast enough, how information was either un clear, kept from us or over exaggerated to the point of the media scare mongering - it was horrendous. 

Still in lockdown. Still working from home. Still not able to see family and friends. But trying to stay as positive as possible.

I video chat / message with my Nan almost every other day, how she's adapted and learnt to video chat and send picture messages is just amazing! Same with mum and dad, try to chat whenever I can..

I've started getting quite a lot of head pains recently, and I think it's because I'm not having much screen break time.. what with working full time and then doing the when we wander stuff too. And I'm finding it really hard to settle and just switch off. Opted for trying kalms again, and some sleep aid stuff. Gin also helps 🤣. I need to learn to relax more, and live in the now and I'm trying. But the www stuff is such a good distraction from all the shit in the world right now I'm throwing myself in too deep and putting too much pressure on myself.

One thing that has helped is running. I've started doing the couch to 5k again and it's really helped to get me out the house and some 'alone' time. Because that's something else I don't get right now... Alone time. Wander is like my little shadow which is adorable most of the time , but gets a bit much when she's barking or jumping at me, always sat on me or watching me pee 🤣 so my life recently consists of either work working, www working, walking the dog, running, or watching tv with Dave. Which isn't that bad of a deal in the grand scheme of things - infact I feel quite lucky to have such an amazing boyfriend, and dog who need some giving me purpose.

Good news, is dave's had the vaccine now. Due to being a front line worker. But he's had a bit of a reaction to it and is feeling under the weather now. And I'm paranoid that I'm still going to get I'll, especially if he lets his guard down now. So that's fun! But least he's on the way to being safe! And NZ are almost back to normal, hosting and attending festivals which is amazing!

Boris has announced another full national lock down again. So, schools, work places all closed / working from off if possible. Only essentials shops to open. Only leaving your house for exercise and food shopping.

I surprising feel ok by it. I guess it's because it's not new, therefore not as scary as it was before. I know what to expect. And I feel like it's needed, and hope that it will 'bring the numbers down' as the saying goes...

Also as before, not much will change for us really, admittedly were getting bored and would quite like to see people, go for a drive to the beach or country side etc etc - but I'm more than happy to do my part for 'the greater guuuurd' - I can't say that without impersonating the Hot Fuzz movie haha 🤣

So as they say - keep calm and carry on, adapt, stay positive and do what you can to help your neighbors and friends

Distractions

Me time

A mission/goal

Good friends and family by my side

and Tisserand essential oils!!

below are some stickers I created that have a slight sense of fun about them - as despite how terrible things have been, we all need to still try and remember to stay positive and up beat as possible - so I teamed something that has been quite scary and horrid - with something I love the most - The Lord of the Rings. 

These are available to purchase in our new Etsy shop along with some A5 prints. January offer: buy a print and get a free sticker whilst stocks last! 

The image also shows my latest set of lovely smelling oils I’ve bought to try and help focus, and calm my overthinking mind. It’s not much but as we’ve been working from home for just over 10 months now it’s fair to say it’s starting to get a little difficult to stay pro active and ‘driven’. Which is weird, because I love not having to commute, the quietness, no worry or stress about my IBS flaring up, and I’m a lot less stressed overall when it comes to work and deadlines - however I can see the long term effects starting to take effect now - the sluggishness, the lack of passion and drive, the lazy ness - the lack of self love and body positivity as i’ve been wearing a dressing gown for apx 304 days out of the year haha! 

So a little sweet, up lifting new smell in the home office will be a nice welcomed change to spice things up a bit! 

Be sure to follow our blog too on instagram and Facebook or visit the website as I’ll be adding more and more to the sites over the next year that’s all travel/exploring themed (We’ll be covering things like how reduce airport stress, camping tips for beginners plus activity/tour reviews - including how many toilet stops are on a 5 hour coach trip - as lets face it - that’s my biggest worry/concern so I’m sure it’s many other peoples too!)

https://www.whenwewander.co.uk/

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@when_we_wander

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