We love hearing and sharing your stories. We want to find out how people are adapting to their ‘new normal’, what changes they’re making and what they’re learning. Each week, we share a story with you, from people in different jobs (or not in jobs for some), in different places, with different experiences. If you’re interested in sharing your story, we’d love to hear how the ‘new normal’ is for you.
What’s your name and what do you do?
Ann-Marie Peacock, Internal Communications Manager for Mobile Broadband Network Ltd.
How did you start your day today?
With an early start, a walk to the park listening to my audio book (Neil Gaiman, American Gods). Didn’t take the dog today… he ran off back to bed and refused to join me.
What was a typical day like for you pre Covid-19?
Early start, feed the children, see them off to the bus stop, walk into work. Mostly worked from our offices located in the centre of town – lunch at Pret, or a packed lunch if I was organised(!). Most days were a mix of meetings, catching up with colleagues, planning, getting through the to do list – always busy and they sped by. Heading home around 5ish, sometimes stopping off at the Lido for a swim on the way.
And what is a typical day like now?
Still an early start – in the beginning of lock down I was quite disciplined and made time for 3 HIIT workouts a week, which I dreaded at first but noticed the benefits reasonably quickly. Spend most days locked to my laptop, checking in with my two children, making sure they are on top of everything they need to do. Work can be immensely busy, so I make sure I take time to make lunch, feed the family – do some chores – back to laptop and finish before 6pm.
What’s been the biggest change to your life (working and personal) in light of Covid-19?
Pretty much everything!
How have you personally had to adapt to accommodate what’s happening?
Mindset. Biggest change of all. I’m a great advocate of positive-thinking and being aware of what is in one’s control and what is not. Sometimes you can feel overwhelmed and engulfed by events happening around you and utterly helpless… but I have two children to look after, a full time job to do and ageing parents to keep a close eye on. So I’m mindful how I choose to react to any given situation, focussing on what is within my control and what is not. And exercise – I’m not a gym bunny by any means and hate breaking a sweat, but HIIT classes were a great way to lift my mood and keep my energy up.
And what have been the biggest challenges (working and personal)?
Keeping my two teenagers busy, well fed (they eat so much!) making sure they’re not spending too much time on tech (which to be honest, I realised was a loosing battle – lockdown isn’t forever) dealing with their ups and downs, as well as my own. Taking on more responsibilities at work, which I’ve enjoyed and have been a welcomed distraction – finding it hard to switch off. I often wake up at night thinking “oh – must do x,y or z…”
What do you miss most about your life pre Covid 19 (working and personal)?
The loss of the little rituals and routines I took for granted. I miss my walk to work each day, wearing pretty dresses, putting on my makeup, having my nails done, the Lido, social interaction with colleagues, friends and family… just ‘popping’ to the shops, making plans. All seem pretty trivial down on paper, but these are the ebbs and flows that made up the rhythm of my life and I miss them.
What surprisingly good things have emerged in your life since this began?
Actually, there are quite a few positives. Relating to work, we’re definitely closer as a team – through regular check ins, WhatsApp messaging, leaning on each other to get tasks done etc, we’ve created deeper bonds, a shared sense of the ridiculous, and a good support network. Socially, I’ve joined quiz nights, virtual drinks nights – caught up with long lost friends and in an odd way I’m more connected with them then previously. And a discovery that I love gardening, have gleamed so much enjoyment out of planting bulbs and watching them spring up. My little flower babies!
What have you learnt about yourself during this?
I’m tenacious – can rise to a challenge, meet it head on and deliver under pressure. I crumbled in the beginning, really not knowing how I would cope. So this was a welcome reminder of what I’ve got in me.
What do you hope we as a society learn from this situation?
Be kinder to people, we’re all fallible – be considerate and don’t lose sight of the fact that everyone is just getting by in the best way they can.
What has helped you to cope with your situation?
Wine! To be fair, that’s only partly true. I stopped drinking a few weeks into lockdown. Being busy at work has helped me keep a structure – I’m much better when I’m busy and without having to log on every day and focus, I would have really struggled.
What message would you like to pass onto others?
I struggled in the beginning with all the messages about using this time productively – take up a new hobby, learn a new language, widen your horizons …. Do do do! This oddly put me under pressure, as I wasn’t feeling as though I was doing ‘enough’ or ‘making most of the time available’, when in actual fact, it was all I could do to run the house, look after my family, do my job and not spend the day hiding under my duvet. So, I suppose it is don’t measure yourself by others’ yard sticks – what works for them doesn’t always work for you and that’s OK.
Finally, what’s on your ‘Playlist’?
– Favourite meal – it varies depending on my mood. I discovered ‘Mindful Chef’ during this time and just love it! It’s made me fall back in love with cooking…. so no one dish in particular. Though I’m a sucker for a good Thai.
– Boxset/film or book – I loved the Fall! Best discovery ever… even if I was a good few years behind everyone else. – Things to do that just makes you happy! – walk in nature, stop and smell the roses, having downtime with my kids… and gardening.
