We're now in what feels like Lockdown 408.0 and I know that times are tough for businesses, with more people than ever working from home. I wanted to use this lockdown as an opportunity to support, feature and shout-out to some of the AMAZING brands out there (the big, the small, the pretty, the quirky, the one-man bands and the teams of two or more).

I want to feature YOU and your business, talking all about your experience working from home while offering readers a chance to go behind the scenes. I'll be featuring tips, tricks and the latest must-watch Netflix series that are keeping people going. It only seemed appropriate to kick-start the series with my own Q&A to get the ball rolling. Enjoy!

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1 So, let’s talk about life in lockdown. What time do you get up? What’s your morning routine? Has this changed since working from home / being in lockdown?

I was actually far more productive outside of lockdown and would get up at 5am / 6am. I think I have definitely slowed down my pace and now tend to get up around 7am which is much more manageable. Morning routine is social media scheduling for clients and engaging on the likes of Instagram etc. This will take me to around 8-9am, at which point I’ll have breakfast, hop in the shower and walk the dog.

2 How do you remain motivated while working from home?

Plenty of dog walks, fresh air and coffee breaks. I’ve worked from home for nearly five years now, so I’ve nailed this really. I keep my working environment separate so I can still feel like I’m finishing at the end of the day – working from the sofa was fun for a few weeks but it means I never really allow myself to relax. I’ve worked hard on creating a ‘motivational’ workspace that reflects my brand and I always keep it nice and tidy to ensure maximum productivity. Also, coffee really helps on the motivational side of things!

3 Do you listen to any podcasts while working from home?

I ruddy love a podcast – I listen to them while I cook, walk the dog and often when I’m working. In fact, I may have to do this as a separate blog feature altogether but my go to podcasts include; Small & Mighty Conversations, She Can She Did, The Co-Working Club, Goal Digger and more. Honestly, don’t get me started, we’ll be here for days (or at least the rest of lockdown… too soon?).

4 Lockdown has impacted businesses all over the world. How can people support you? E.g. #ShopSmallBusiness, sharing a post on FB, commenting on an Instagram post etc.

A simple like or share on social media really can make ALL the difference, and that feeling never gets old. It takes no time, but it means the world, so if you have time to scroll through the ‘gram, you’ve got time to like someone’s post and leave a little comment. Make someone’s day!

5 Tell me one local business that you’ve decided to support during lockdown. It could be your local coffee shop, someone who hand-makes masks etc.

Blondie’s Kitchen has helped me and many friends throughout lockdown with various cookies – have a nosey at their ‘gram, you can thank me later folks.

6 Tell me your favourite isolation cocktail / snack / treat?

I’m trying to stay relatively healthy during lockdown, so Saturday is treat day for me and boy, do I love a glass of prosecco. Or two. Is it frowned upon to say the whole bottle…?

7 What’s your go-to ‘pick me up’ during lockdown life / working from home?

A quick FaceTime with my nephew can really brighten up my day and is a guaranteed ‘pick me up’. Otherwise, sometimes taking time out from work to just crash and watch Netflix with a cup of tea can do wonders.

8 How are you keeping in touch with friends and family?

I’m all about the FaceTimes! The first lockdown we made the effort to host weekly quizzes, but I think we’ve had enough of those. Now it’s just nice to sit down, chill and have a quick catch-up with friends.

9 Name one lockdown pet peeve

Zoom quizzes – LOL.

10 Name one lockdown love

Feeling the real importance of connections with friends and family, as well as knowing to cherish every second rather than taking it for granted.

“Cherish every second rather than taking it for granted...”

11 What do you have in store for your business? What’s got you feeling inspired?

Oh, all sorts! But I’m keeping that under wraps…

12 What’s one thing you want to do after lockdown restrictions are lifted?

When it’s safe and sound to do so, go on a mega gals holiday. Give me sunshine and cocktails sil vous plait!

13 What has been your favourite Netflix series to binge on during lockdown?

Selling Sunset or of course… the almighty Bridgerton. Hastings, where you at?!

14 Are there any books on your shelf you’d recommend reading during lockdown?

If you haven’t already read it, ‘Women Don’t Owe You Pretty’ by Florence Given is an absolute MUST-READ. In fact, get off this blog (return as and when you like) and get on Amazon immediately.

15 What will you take from lockdown? Is there anything you’re grateful for or that you’ll do differently going forward?

I’ll just input this here – taken from a previous Instagram post.

It’s a bit like that saying, “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” Apart from the fact that we do. But sometimes, we just need reminding.

Back in March 2020, the UK was put on full lockdown and the whole world was forced to a grinding halt. As a result, we've all found ourselves missing out on so many ordinary moments.

Moments that can easily so be missed or taken for granted, but actually they’re the same ones that mean the world.

And for many, it has taught us the art of being alone, without feeling loneliness. As human beings we are pretty resilient, and I think we often surprise ourselves with how strong we are. But I also think we’re gradually learning that it’s okay not to be okay. I’ve said to so many friends during lockdown that it’s fine to have a bad day, in fact – you’ve almost got to. Ride the waves, take them in your stride and know that the feeling won’t last forever.

Lockdown has without a doubt, reinforced how lucky we are, even if we don’t have a huge amount to show for it. Our families, our friends, the NHS, our incredible key workers – each and every one of you who have played a part in keeping the world ticking by, ensuring everyone is safe. That’s something special, isn’t it?

It’s taken one invisible, microscopic virus, to transform the world. It’s reminded us that life is not forever, but it is precious. And loss – whatever that may be to you – reminds us of what we love. Freedom should never be taken for granted, health is worth more than anything and love really is everything.

It’s a bit like that saying, “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” Apart from the fact that we do. But sometimes, we just need reminding.

16 Describe lockdown for you in three words…

Turbulent, healing, enlightening.