Lockdown... It's all but ended, right? To be honest I'm kinda sad to see it go because the time really helped me to take a moment to stop, look at my life and decide what was important and worth my time. Having to slow down and only go out for our daily walk meant things were realigned at home, in my work life and everyday life - I've mentioned before how it was the reality check I needed and I imagine this was the same for many others.
Having all this extra time at home meant there was more time to do other things, hobbies I'd said I wanted to try or recipes I wanted to master and so four months later I've come to enjoy four things that I'm going to take with me in our new normal and continue them.
Walking
I've always been a walker, hazard of not being able to drive but the majority of the time I would rely on public transport - with that not being an option and only essential travel permitted it meant I had to get my legs in gear and walk again! I've always been in jobs that meant I had to stay on my feet so as I now work from home I'd become quite sedentary. Thankfully lockdown gave me the kick up the arse I needed and our daily walks became my favourite part of the day. I'd usually get up and take J out to the shore or head into the forest and it's something we've continued to do since everything has somewhat been lifted.
There were also times where I'd grab my phone and plug in an audiobook and head out in the evening on my own. I've never listened to audiobooks before but I'm starting to enjoy them and sunset evening walks are definitely my favourite way to do so. I'm determined to keep it up, I may not be a runner, jogger or cyclist but I can definitely be a walker.
Yoga
Leading on from walking is yoga, something I've dabbled in on and off over the years. I wanted to dedicate a little more time to me during lockdown so with the walking meaning I can get out and exercise with J, yoga meant I could channel my mind and body into something just for me although there are occasions J tries to do it with me too, he does an excellent downward dog.
I use online videos via Yoga with Adrienne, I find her the least woo-woo and she also takes time to explain the breathing which is something I struggle with - mainly forgetting to breathe... oops! I do a real mix of yoga videos usually in the morning or to wind down before bed and they've really helped, especially on days when it all felt a bit too much! I'm determined to keep this up if not just for moving more and my health but for my mind and the way it makes me feel.
Baking
I've always been a keen baker but I bake to eat the food I make and for fun, you won't see me selling my bakes any time soon but having the Thermomix has definitely made me more adventurous. I'm so thankful I stocked up on flour and eggs as we went into lockdown because how hard was that to get hold of?! It meant my adventurous bakes weren't impacted and we were able to try things like Apple Crumble Cake, Persian Love Cake, Biscoff Loaf Cake and so many more!
I have tonnes of recipes saved to my Thermoix app with my next attempt being a Blueberry & Lavender Bundt Cake - I've actually just ordered a bundt tin which I've been meaning to do for ages. I share most of what I'm baking on stories so make sure you're following there - alicespake.
Embroidery
I used to cross-stitch when I was younger but I haven't done it in years so I thought with my 'spare' time I could try a new challenge and try embroidery. I ordered an embroidery kit from Paraffle Embroidery who sell everything you need in one handy kit as well as the pattern which you can choose yourself. I went with a Botanical set which would go perfectly in our bedroom once it was finished.
I started it in early July and haven't done too badly so far, I've botched it up a little bit but you can't notice too much and it's my first hoop so I don't mind if it's not that perfect - practise makes perfect right? I'm hoping to finish it soon and start another, hopefully with an Autumn theme. It's such a lovely way to spend an evening while watching Netflix, I find it so calming!
I have no regrets when I think of lockdown, to be honest, can you really have regrets during a global pandemic when we were all just surviving?
I'm looking forward to a new normal now - it can only get better I hope.
Have you taken on any new hobbies during lockdown? I'd love to know what it is!
