The challenges I'm facing through lockdown and how I plan to overcome them

Like most people across the entire country right now, I'm spending day in, day out in my house and with my family. At first, it was all good and I enjoyed to catch up on some quality time that I definitely miss when I'm in uni and living in Cardiff. But after 4 weeks, the challenges are starting to creep in and taking their toll. Usually, I'm a very positive and upbeat person who always tries to see the good in things. So although lockdown is definitely starting to test my patience, I'm going to try and put a positive spin on all of the challenges I'm facing right now.

I miss my boyfriend more than ever

Ok so I know everyone who is without their other half right now is finding it difficult, and I for sure know I'm not the only one going through it. But oh my god, this absolutely sucks. My boyfriend is my absolute best friend and we're so unbelievably close, so having to text/phone is so unfamiliar to us. We live together at uni (yes, we broke the "don't shit where you eat rule") and see each other every morning and every night. From "your room tonight or mine?" to sharing meals together some nights (when he doesn't make some super gluten-y traybake of cous cous), we really aren't used to being apart.

What am I going to do to overcome it? We schedule FaceTimes so we can catch up with each other for hours on end, with sometimes nothing to talk about except for making each other laugh with something super weird. I also have huge confidence and trust in our relationship, so I know that although this is tough and I miss my best friend's company, we are going to pull through it and come out even stronger. If you're missing your other half right now, just have faith in your relationship and confidence in how soon you'll be back together again.

My snacking habit isn't helping right now

Moving away from the deep, sad side to things, I absolutely LOVE to snack! Being at home all day every day is proving super challenging for snacking and picking at food. Even my mother's catchy little phrase 'little pickers have big knickers' doesn't keep me away from the crackers, biscuits or chocolate rice cakes.

How will I overcome it? So I've started to grab my 1l bottle every time I feel like snacking, in hope that water will fill me up so I can just ignore my cravings. I've also tried to have a super healthy morning so I won't feel so peckish by lunch time. I have my morning porridge with a tea, banana around 10am and a protein shake at around 12:30/1pm. With this routine and drinking lots of water, I manage to stay relatively full until I'm ready for dinner.

Waking up and feeling 'ugh'

I've had this feeling a few times since lockdown started. Some days I'm great and I'll feel super rested and ready for the day, but others I wake up and I know what state the world is in and that nothing has changed overnight.

What do I do to fight this feeling? Well the reality is some days you can't, and that's absolutely fine. The most important thing right now is to feel your feelings and make sure you give your mind the chance to endure it. On a good day though, I will think what needs doing that day and get a little to-do-list going. Then, I'll shower, wash my face and of course do my skincare and makeup routines. Getting ready (even though I'm not going anywhere) and doing my hair and make up really makes me feel good and ready to tackle the day. I'm a real strong believer in looking your best can help you to feel your best too!

I'm missing uni and living independently

I'm not necessarily anti-social, I absolutely love spending time with friends and loved ones and there's really nothing better than a pub night with your favourite people. But one thing I love about uni is living independently and doing my own thing. Be it shopping at Aldi and picking my favourite food, or doing my dishes when I feel like it, or watching YouTube out loud as and when I please.

How will I overcome this? My family are very close and we all spend endless hours together, so although it's lovely, it can sometimes feel a little hectic. So, when I slip into my anti-social Lauren moods and longing for my own space, I set up my room with candles, fairy lights, oil diffuser and soft Jazz music to create my zen and to enjoy a few hours of my own company.

Are you facing any challenges during lockdown? How do you plan on overcoming them? I realise mine may seem small to some people, but equally as big for others. We're all facing our own challenges right now, and each and every one is completely valid. I'm not really someone who thinks 'oh but they've got it worse than you so stop worrying', because everyone has the right to feel the way they're feeling.

Before I babble on too much, thanks for reading and see you on my next post!

Lau x