How Covid-19 Has Affected My Life

“This pandemic has magnified every existing inequality in our society – like systemic racism, gender inequality, and poverty.” - Melinda Gates

In mid-March 2020, I found myself glued to the television screen as the French President announced that his country would enter a complete lockdown. Meanwhile, in the UK, where I currently live, the Prime Minister seemed to be delivering the exact opposite message—encouraging the population to embrace herd immunity, suggesting that we allow the virus to spread. A week later, he switched gears to follow suit with the lockdown measures being adopted across Europe. But I wasn’t about to wait. On my own, I made the decision to self-isolate, following the stricter guidelines of countries like Italy, Spain, and France.

Yes, I may have acted a bit prematurely, given that the virus hadn't yet taken hold in my area. Call it paranoia, but with the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, I wasn’t about to take any chances. My son and I both have fragile immune systems, and I simply couldn't trust the UK's relaxed approach. So, I pulled my toddler from nursery, stocked up on groceries, and prepared for what I thought would be a short confinement. I was wrong. By late April, the lockdown was still firmly in place, with the UK government announcing another three weeks of restrictions. And here I was, deep in the uncertainty of this new reality.

Here’s how this pandemic affected my life:

Occupational Habits

Overnight, our regular lives were completely upended. Everything my family and I were accustomed to—work, school, transportation, leisure activities, socialising—was brought to a grinding halt. At first, confinement felt like a necessary and simple solution to avoid the virus. But as the weeks wore on, the weight of disrupted routines started to take its toll on our mental and physical well-being.

Health, Nutrition & Exercise

Accessing basic healthcare became a struggle. Doctors limited appointments to emergencies only, pushing back even the most crucial consultations. As someone juggling family, a young child, and pregnancy, this was both frustrating and frightening. The difficulty in obtaining proper nutrition only compounded the issue. Depending on where you live, just acquiring basic groceries felt like an ordeal, let alone finding fresh, healthy options. While exercise seemed like one of the few things I could still control, staying motivated within the confines of isolation was yet another challenge.

Family Dynamics

On the one hand, I’m grateful that my husband’s job is considered essential, allowing him to continue working. But that relief is laced with constant anxiety: What if he catches the virus and brings it home? Although we’re meticulous about following every precaution, the invisible threat of COVID-19 looms over us, feeding a continuous cycle of "what ifs." Essential workers bear the burden of keeping the world moving while putting their health—and their lives—on the line. Their resilience is heroic, but the emotional and physical strain of their work in such conditions is undeniable.

At home, the pressure builds. Increased fear, anxiety, and exhaustion paired with decreased income, social interaction, and leisure opportunities—this new reality tested family dynamics in ways I hadn’t anticipated. The mental toll of juggling it all was real.

Mental Health

The internet is full of tips on how to stay positive and productive during confinement, and I admire those who manage to make the most of it. But let's be honest: this lockdown has rattled even the strongest among us. The constant reminder of rising death tolls, the creeping uncertainty about the future, and the disorienting disruption of our daily lives have shaken me to the core. I try to stay hopeful, but some mornings I wake up not knowing how to approach the day.

The never-ending news cycle became overwhelming. Every day, the number of deaths announced felt like a twisted lottery—random and relentless. I couldn't help but think: What if the next number is someone I know? Or me? As much as I try to avoid the news, the weight of this global crisis is inescapable. While people compared COVID-19 to previous pandemics, nothing in my lifetime had ever impacted the world—and my life—on such a large scale.

A Shift in Perspective

Despite the darkness, I find myself clinging to hope. This pandemic has forced me to confront the fear, frustration, anxiety, and sadness I’ve been carrying. But it has also given me perspective. It’s reminded me of the things that truly matter. And as I reflect on my life in lockdown, I realise how much I’ve taken for granted.

Making Room for a Better Future

The stillness of this time has given me space to think about how I want to live when the world eventually reopens. I’m not falling into the trap of anxiously waiting for the “after,” but instead focusing on the present. Gratitude, mindfulness, and simplicity are what keep me grounded now. I’m grateful for the things I often overlook—my family’s health, a stable income, a roof over our heads, the ability to take a walk in nature.

And when I think about the future, I know what I can’t live without: traveling, socialising, dancing, swimming, writing, nature, and animals. These are the joys that make life worth living.

Three Lessons

Through it all, I’ve come to embrace three simple but powerful lessons:

1. BE more, DO less.

2. Prioritise moments over things.

3. Live a simpler, eco-friendly life.

As I sit in this temporary confinement, I’ve come to realise that the noise of the outside world is just that—noise. When this is over, I hope we all emerge with a renewed sense of purpose, choosing to live with more intention, simplicity, and respect for the planet.

COVID-19 changed everything, but perhaps that change will lead us to something better.

Sarah the Digital GypSea

United Kingdom, August 2020