Simple pleasures

Lockdown has taught us to value the little things – and for some of us it could be a chance to make a fresh start

- LAUREN TAYLOR

BEING in lockdown for two months because of Covid-19 has taken a toll on our mental health.

But as our individual worlds suddenly shrank, there was a renewed appreciation of the simple things in life.

On social media and in conversations with loved ones, people have been talking about the joys they’ve found in things such as reading a book or spending an afternoon baking.

We’ve been taking photos of pretty trees on our daily walks and longing for a hug from a family member much more than we’re missing holidays, parties and dining out.

The coronavirus crisis has brought us firmly back to basics.

Dr Balu Pitchiah, a consultant psychiatrist, said: “We realise that being healthy and alive is more important than being accomplished in the eyes of others around us.”

But together with enjoying the simpler things, there are also increased levels of uncertainty – about our health, our jobs, the economy.