5 Ways to spread kindness during lockdown

Lockdown has affected all of our lives in one way or another, many people thought we wouldn't be going through it again, in fact since March I've been in a national lockdown, along with a local lockdown and a fire-breaker lockdown. While the most important thing we can do is follow the guidelines and stay at home to do what we can to help save lives there are also ways to help spread some kindness and positivity.

For many of us, 2021 has meant missing our physical connections with friends and family as well as disruption to routine of our normal daily lives and yes it's been straining and exhausting as well as having an impact on our finances and mental and physical wellbeing but there are ways to spread kindness and hope even from our living rooms and I thought I would share a few ways to encourage positivity and community feel from home.

1. Check in on your friends, neighbours and family

It's easy to check in on people in a socially distanced way via technology like Zoom, facetime or a good old fashion phone call. Everyone is coping with this new way of life differently and you never know how impactful a quick call or text asking how someone is can be. Arrange some fun Zoom meetups with friends until is safe enough again to meet together in person. The same goes for family, I encourage my kids to facetime their grandparents every few days.

2. Post a letter to loved ones

Who doesn't love a real letter in the post? Or even a little wellbeing package? The kids and I have been putting a letter together for each of the grandparents to let them know we love and care for them since once again we cannot visit them.

3. Donate to your local food bank

Most local food banks are still taking physical donations and they are in desperate need right now especially as we head towards Winter in the UK. Due to the virus, many food banks are running low on provisions at the time when people need them the most. You can also donate to Food Banks online.

4. Support local Small businesses

We all know that small independent buisnesses are struggling right now. Many are online and are still offering their services in one way or another, if you are looking for Christmas shopping now is the time to really shop local. Also, a lot of cafes and restaurants are offering contactless takeaway.

5. Start to join a neighbourhood WhatsApp

The majority of neighbourhoods are very diverse in terms of age, vulnerability, income, background etc and some may be in a better situation to help others who are at risk as well as simply checking in with people digitally and helping reduce loneliness if even it's just through some supportive messages. Many neighbourhoods have started WhatsApp groups to help each other out so if one hasn't been started in your street why not do it today.