Five things we have learned after a year in lockdown

It’s hard to believe the country has been in a state of lockdown (admittedly, wildly fluctuating between tiers with no discernable logic) for almost a year. The pandemic has completely changed our way of life, but this is more than just a short-term shift. Being confined to the house, whether we like it or not, has taught us some valuable lessons that are likely to shape our future significantly. Here are four teachings on everyone’s syllabus.

Walking is essential

Many people have taken advantage of their allotted daily exercise window by getting into the great outdoors. While before we might have taken something as simple as a walk in the local park for granted, now it has become a saviour for many people – that sacred hour in which one can flex both the muscles and the mind. The disappearance of many of our favourite pastimes has allowed us to reconnect with nature and also to see the value of taking in our surroundings and living in the moment. Unlike running, walking is a mindful activity which reminds us that it’s about the journey and not the destination.

Technology can bring us closer to our friends and family

Though most of us have missed seeing our friends and family in the flesh, split apart by bubbles across different parts of the county, the lack of real contact has also driven the nation to utilise technology like never before. Video conferencing services such as Zoom and HouseParty have blown up with new members as people have begun a new social culture of regular group calls and online quizzes and games nights. In a strange way, thanks to the virtual world many people are more connected now than they were pre-pandemic.

Remote working is here to stay

Gone are the days of the Monday-to-Friday, nine-to-five job. Gone are the days of long commutes to the office and boardroom meetings. With all but essential workplaces forced to shut, companies have had no choice but to adapt to remote working. While this allows for more free time and less money spent on food and travel, it also allows from greater flexibility when it comes to hours. Switching up the rota is easier than ever when no one has to move, and what’s more, now that working from home has proven successful for many companies, there’s likely to be a rethink when the time does finally come to return to the office.

Takeaways have never tasted better

Hospitality has taken a huge hit under Covid Restrictions. Curfews and closures have ravaged many of our favourite local joints, and yet, in some areas, a revolution has also occurred. Where previously fine dining restaurants tended to steer clear of the delivery game, now they are embracing and perfecting the At-Home experience, offering up seven-course tasting menus to take away. As a result, fast food is fresher and of higher quality. London restaurants are also increasing their range nationwide, with many kits now available from popular venues such as Dishoom and Patty&Bun.

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