Working in retail helped my Lockdown Lethargy

At the start of lockdown I was delighted to have so much free time to do whatever I wanted. I had plans to finish all of my university assignments, lose a few extra pounds, get fit, take up new hobbies… (the list went on). That grew old very quickly. As quickly as I started to search for things to do I began to lose all motivation to do anything but sleep. When I got a call from the off-licence I work at to say that we would be reopening I was less than thrilled. I wanted to be back in my lectures or out and about spending time with my friends, not stuck behind a till or restocking shelves. That call, however, proved to be the thing that would help me the most in improving my lockdown lethargy. I had too much free time in lockdown. When it was taken away from me, I felt much better. I certainly am not bouncing into the shop every day, but there have been some positives that have kept my spirits up in an otherwise difficult time.

Work kept me structured

Once I got back on the weekly rota a new sense of regularity began to infect my week. At first I resented the designated days when I didn’t have the option to sleep in until midday, but I became more thankful for the push to get up, especially when it began to take effect on my days off.

Work kept me motivated

My shifts had a knock on effect on the structure of my week as a whole. I still had university assignments to submit, and now I have articles to write which keep me busy on my days off. After a few weeks of having too much time on my hands, the challenge of prioritising tasks in my now precious free time was refreshing. Procrastination has (almost) become a thing of the past as I work to balance my assignments with three or four 10-hour shifts a week. Even 5k runs have become more attractive as my free time has become shorter.

Work made me appreciate my home

Within two weeks of isolation I became fed up with the same 4 walls. After one day of working in the shop again, I began to see my home as a safe space of rest away from the increased chaos of every day life. The highlight of my week now is the few hours I have between a long shift and going to sleep where I can read, listen to music and podcasts, or watch a film.

Work made me appreciate how much we need to help one another

I do think people have become more helpful and considerate over lockdown in some ways, but we can do more. Before lockdown measures were imposed I wouldn’t have thought twice about helping less abled customers carry their shopping out to the car. It has become painful to watch them struggle knowing that I am no longer allowed to help them. When the restrictions are lifted I hope we continue to be kind because it shouldn’t take a pandemic to remind us to help those in need.

Amy Murray

Tweet to @Amy_Nomey

Image courtesy of @Alexas_Fotos on Pixabay.