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Advantages of ‘Stay At Home’?

(27 Posts)
Calendargirl Fri 27-Mar-20 21:54:12

1. No one sees what a mess my hair is, only DH, and he’s used to it.

2. Saves on petrol.

3.Lots of time to do jobs, so easy to think ‘Well, I’ll clean the oven tomorrow, this is going to last a while’.

4. Doesn’t really matter which day it is, nothing to dash out for, no church, volunteering at school, aquacise, etc. Quite pleasant to think, well this is a free day.

5. Time to sit down and read a book when I feel like it, as ‘tomorrow is another day’ and my little world is moving at a slower pace than normal.

merlotgran Fri 27-Mar-20 21:56:13

How long before we're past caring? grin

crazyH Fri 27-Mar-20 21:59:59

Yes, that's right and that's my wardrobe Merlotgran ?

lemongrove Fri 27-Mar-20 22:01:47

I agree in many ways Calendargirl life does seem slower and more relaxed a pace, and I am actually getting some serious cleaning done.Also talking to friends on the phone more, texting and emailing.We have to look for the silver linings don’t we?
DH is doing more around the house to help, and we are both doing gardening and having walks together, also talking more, about all kinds of subjects.

lemongrove Fri 27-Mar-20 22:04:24

Having more free time actually means I can look better than usual ( not worse!) so painted neatly... nails and toenails, using body lotion and paying more attention to hair.

Pikachu Fri 27-Mar-20 22:26:36

No one is relying on me!

vampirequeen Sat 28-Mar-20 04:32:53

I'm gradually sorting through the cupboards and drawers and keep finding all those thing's I've lost by putting them in a safe place.

PamelaJ1 Sat 28-Mar-20 05:14:13

I sorted out my toenails yesterday. Very, very carefully over a clinical waste bag. Everything we touch has got to go into the bag.
We are locked up in a hotel in Perth. We are fine and healthy but those are the rules now.
Have to get dressed because occasionally I go to the window and look out at the world.
It’s ironic really I’m always short of time and have loads of things to catch up with.
Now I have the time but really nothing much to do. I should be loving it.
Be careful what you wish for?

Txquiltz Sat 28-Mar-20 05:29:49

I have organized everything in the house and am starting again. I will probably have no clue where I put stuff when this is over!

Washerwoman Sat 28-Mar-20 06:14:55

Pamela.Hope you get home soon.Being stuck in a hotel room is very different to being at home with a garden and plenty of jobs to catch up on.That would test my patience to it's limits.
I feel rather guilty given everything that's going on but despite the anxiety about family and general situation I have actually loved the slower pace of life this week. Mind you the weatger has been lovely !
I miss the DGC who I help with,especially the cuddles,and certainly want a swift end to this awful situation.But I actually feel to have more time for my frail mum who I have to visit alternate days. And for the first time in ages feel I can potter and have some me time. I recently retired and hadn't felt much difference up to now !

petunia Sat 28-Mar-20 07:25:39

We have been in isolation for nearly two weeks due to a grandchild having a cough and fever. And I must say, I'm loving it so far. Emptied my diary and looked at the days stretching out with no commitments-phew.
Ive organised cupboards, cleaned under things, planted seeds, cleaned the patio, read some of my library books (which don't now have to be back until we are let out again) spoke to people on the phone, texted, face-timed, set up a neighbour hood whatsap.

Its so relaxing, its almost like being on holiday. Sadly “out there” things are not so good. But I cant do anything about it. All I can do is try and make sure I don't add to the problems

NfkDumpling Sat 28-Mar-20 07:31:49

OMG Merlot - swop the Dorito stains for mayo and that’s me!!

Up until today the weather has been glorious (out of the wind) so I’ve spent time sitting in the sun listening to the birds and relishing the contrail free clear sky. And not felt guilty for being unproductive.

craftyone Sat 28-Mar-20 07:47:46

working with the circadian rhythm and bodyclock. I am liking it, liking my own company

Curlywhirly Sat 28-Mar-20 07:48:59

Quite liking the slower pace of life, which I thought might drive me mad as I am usually never still. However, am spending far too much time on my tablet, really should spend the time doing more sorting of wardrobes and cupboards. The biggest difference I have noticed though is money? and how we are spending hardly any! No trips out, meals out, visits to the pub, hardly any car journeys, and no shopping (apart from food and drink). I think of all of them, it is the shopping I miss the most; normally I go somewhere for an hour or two, nearly every day, not particularly to buy things, I just love mooching and am quite happy window shopping or having a coffee. If I don't go out every day, I feel like I am off work sick (and I have been retired 5 years, but the feeling is still there?). Hmm, I can feel a shopping spree is in order when we are allowed back out ?????

Oldwoman70 Sat 28-Mar-20 08:05:48

Phoning people I kept meaning to catch up with but never got around to it, now having regular chats checking up on each other. Last night spoke to a friend in Spain who I haven't spoken to for months.

sodapop Sat 28-Mar-20 08:22:27

smile love it Merlot in my case the stains are from lunchtime soup which I can never eat in a lady like fashion.
I'm enjoying the slower pace too Curlywhirly although it took me a while to adapt. Too much time on my tablet and reading 'just one more chapter' in my book.

Teetime Sat 28-Mar-20 08:32:12

Definitely spending less as we used to go to cafes and restaurants quite regularly. Everything is tidy and neat, garden looks good and if I ever stop just faffing and drinking tea I might get down to some writing. We have used a lot of tea bags.

Maybellex Sat 28-Mar-20 09:39:09

Tracksuit bottoms a long sleeve tshirt and a variety of scarves for me.important the top half is looking good for the video call. Also PJs. Wardrobe is nicely capsualised. Needles and thread ready to alter and remake what I've got as I can't go charity shop shopping and clothes delivery won't be a priority soon.

anniezzz09 Sat 28-Mar-20 10:27:08

Marvellous. Gardening, finally finding time to finish erecting a shed, reading, sorting photos, drawing and painting, listening to music, asking Alexa for suggestions and getting fascinating new pieces, chatting to friends via email and messaging. We are absolutely loving it though how lucky we are to live somewhere semi rural with a large garden, no debts and a happily frugal lifestyle.

I hope enough people will be able to destress and see the benefits of a different way of living.

SirChenjin Sat 28-Mar-20 10:34:49

When you’re attempting to work from home and whilst supervising the remote schooling of a very reluctant 13 year old the advantages seem a bit thin on the ground <eye twitch>. At least I don’t have commuting costs.

Love it merlot grin My business attire has become just that!

Calendargirl Sat 28-Mar-20 11:51:20

Another bonus is the roads are so quiet. I know that’s because people cannot work, and the schools are closed, so it’s selfish of me to be pleased, but I am.

12Michael Sat 28-Mar-20 13:49:18

1:Unable to travel on buses further afield.
2: Able to keep in touch with Family and Friends .
3. Do a shop , try and plan the following weekends meals.
4. At present have lost some weight despite being in the overweight category.
5.Downside more computer time
6. watch TV , try to avoid virus updates , which are main news anyway.
7. Books , CD`s and DVD`s to play
Mick

travelsafar Sat 28-Mar-20 13:53:37

I have had a cooking session today. Made tomato soup with some i was given by my neighbour's daughter, the cafe she works in closed down and staff were given items to take home. I have also cooked and mashed with plenty of butter some potatoes for the freezer. We don't eat many and a 5lb bag would last us ages, so rather than run the risk of them going'off' this is what i did.

BradfordLass73 Sun 29-Mar-20 05:28:55

I thought I wouldn't bother to get dressed on that first day of lockdown but by 11am I felt such a slattern that I threw off the nightgown and doned t-shirt and skirt. Learned my lesson - I don't like feeling scruffy. smile

I received a call to say a friend had died and that has made me sad because the rules state only one person can attend the funeral - it will be her daughter with whom she lived.

No doubt we'll have a memorial when all this is over.

Made a coffee cake and did a bit of research online; played Trivia for a while; did the laundry and hung it out in the sun. Not much different to normal life really.

I do think more people will now learn to shop online, especially for groceries.

One of our major supermarket chains has click and collect but no deliveries.
That'll change too as they are being inundated with emails asking why not.

I bet they are kicking themselves because the only other supermarket, their rival, delivers....and have increased their delivery charges, the mongrels.

Daddima Sun 29-Mar-20 08:42:33

I’m setting aside a small amount of time for ‘ clutter clearing ‘. I had started to do the ‘ Swedish Death Clean’ last year, but found it a bit depressing to realise there were things I’d never use again, but, since the Bodach died, I’ve accepted that many things are going to change, and that makes it easier.
I’m also relieved to have time to myself to grieve, without having to put on the brave face, as any sign of emotion would bring the family running, which I didn’t really want.
Not going shopping so often means there are fewer delicacies to tempt me, and I’m taking time to make ‘proper meals’.