We survived 1.0, thrive in lockdown 2.0!
I won't deny that the first lockdown was difficult. It was a huge adjustment for the entire nation in a variety of different ways. For those of us not adjusting to a new lifestyle under furlough, working from home has been a real challenge. On top of adjusting to a new working environment and the stressors and distractions that brings, we have had to adapt to new ways of working and maintaining communication with our teams. Understandably this led to to a great deal of stress and a lot of people struggling. When lockdown 2.0 was announced I could almost feel the collective groan of the country, but at least this time we aren't doing it fresh! So here is my guide to not just surviving lockdown 2.0, but thriving and growing.
The Desk
If our own sales were anything to go by, desks and lap desks were a huge priority for people. And understandably! Nobody likes working for 8 hours a day with a laptop burning a hole through their abdomen, or at the wrong height to type comfortably at the kitchen table. As so many people struggled to find one in stock, I'm guessing that a lot of people had to settle for what they could get. But this time around do it right - the demand is a lot lower and stock levels are higher, it's the perfect time to get your desk sorted! Take a look at our collection of office desks to start off.
The Decor
One thing I found I really struggled with was stopping myself from going stir crazy. Staying in to protect the ones we love becomes difficult after the first couple of weeks when the novelty wears off and the staleness of your home office area kicks in. Stop it before it sets in this time around by switching it up! Introduce some new home decorations such as this fun and vintage styled tin sign, or start up a mini hanging succulent garden with one of our terrariums! Maybe nurture that green thumb you discovered in the first lockdown and add more to your house plant collection, (keep an eye out for a house plant guide coming in the near future) with some prettily patterned plant pots from Nicola Spring! Even something as simple as popping up a shelf and adding some photo frames can help, and we have hundreds of options for both.
The Christmas Prep
I don't think any of use knows what is going to be happening this Christmas, all we do know is that it's the first in 3 generations that will be different to what we are used to! But that is no reason for doom and gloom, even if you are only allowed to see your immediate family you will be able to celebrate how close you have all become. So get those festive feelings flowing with some early Christmas preparation, it's the perfect time to! Keep the magic for little ones alive with our Santa themed Christmas Crockery or treat the tree this year to an upgrade with one of our new tree stands or skirts! All that matters this year is keeping everything feeling upbeat and positive, and we're here to help in whatever ways we can.
The Garden
You may be looking at that sub-title and thinking that I'm off my rocker, but don't worry, I'm not about to suggest you go outside and start gardening just as the earth starts to harden. Of course it's the perfect time to prep for those spring flowers and veggies, but I don't think most of us are thinking past the end of this year just yet. One easy way of getting to enjoy the fresh and crisp winter air whilst staying warm however would be with a fire pit! The earlier evenings mean you get longer to enjoy the stars, and need to spend less time getting chilly to see them! Our fire pits can help extend that time outside, as well as uplifting the atmosphere. We recommend making the most of it before Christmas though as we all know how the weather changes in Jan and Feb.
That just about wraps it up from me! There are many more things you can do to make this situation bearable, and we can add to this with another blog if lockdown is extended! Until then though, stay home, stay safe, stay sane.
Sincerely yours,
Jack Maile
P.S. all of the things Lottie listed in her lockdown blog are still relevant too, give it a read!
