First Day of Lockdown

First Day of Lockdown – Officially!

First day of Lockdown was officially yesterday. But most of you will know I actually closed my doors after the announcement on Friday, because obviously it’s impossible for me to carry out my treatments with two metres social distancing!

I hope you’re OK? How are you feeling? Has it even sunk in yet?  It’s a BIG shock to us all and undoubtedly life changing for so many of us on so many levels.   Amongst the current fear, panic and pandemonium, there will be many positives to come from this situation, of that I am sure. 

My first day of Lockdown was an emotional one. Full of ups and downs, tears over the realisation that I’ve had to close my business, and that currently there isn’t any real financial support for self employed  – It’s been a bit of a whirlwind. I’m sure some of you are in the same situation and you’re having to battle your own challenges.

We’re all in Lockdown and affected in some way, even if it’s not a necessarily a financial impact.  I know that some of you aren’t able to see loved ones and that this takes its toll on all of us. I can’t see my lovely boyfriend and he in turn can’t currently see his son – heartbreaking for all of us. My heart goes out to you,  and on the other side of this I’ve no doubt we will appreciate those closest to us that little bit more.

So what did I do with my first day of  Lockdown?

My first day of Lockdown was actually Saturday.   Honestly – I spent most of the weekend crying my eyes out and wondering what on earth I was going to do!  I felt guilty for letting you down and cancelling appointments and then had to give myself a sharp reminder I was doing it to keep us all safe!  My panic escalated as all of the financial provisions came pouring in for the employed and larger business, no such support for me as a self employed person. At at the time of writing this remains the case – so yes, there have been tears and meltdowns, I’m not ashamed to tell you!!

BUT. I do try to see a positive from every situation.  I do genuinely believe that things happen for a reason and there are precious lessons to be learnt from even the worst moments.  So after all of my tears and panic, I decided to look at positives.  And I see a lot of positives in this terrible situation we all find ourselves in together.

After the tears.

I put my big girl pants on and looked at the practical things  I need to do for my business, like admin and updating my website and Google my Business accounts.  The things I always seem to be scrambling around to find the time to do, because I’m treating you lovely lot!

Then I thought about how I actually have the chance to work ON my business! Creating new blog posts, videos, treatment packages and new & exciting things for you. So watch this space – there lots to come in the next few weeks and months.    You can also have your say – what would you like to see from me? How can I help you get through the next 3 months? Do you need products? Supplements? Keep an eye out for my 3 month skincare EXCLUSIVE ‘at home’ bundles. My head is literally buzzing with exciting new things that I can bring to you during and on the other side of COVID-19.

Self care during LOCKDOWN

Self care is important all of the time, but particularly now.   I’m in Lockdown in complete isolation (well, me and my gorgeous cat, Charlie).  It’s going to be really important for me to look after myself during this time, as it is for you.  So please think about some things you can do to keep you feeling positive.   If you love reading, find a great book and get stuck in! Try some new recipes, pick up a new or forgotten hobby (I’m going to be sewing clothes again), make sure you get out in the fresh air and make the most of your daily exercise allowance.

My first day of Lockdown I sat on the sofa and cried. And the second day too.   BUT  – the last two mornings I’ve been for a walk at 6am.  I love that the day feels clean and fresh and frankly,   there’s no  one else around at that time of the day.  We’re lucky that we’ve got this beautiful sunshine – so enjoy it. I’ve been out in the mornings for long walks for my daily exercise, and it’s been beautiful to start the day with clear blue skies, cold and crisp. It has really set me up for my day and helped me feel positive and energised.

Please look after yourselves, stay positive and do something you love each day.  Later today I will be making some chocolate brownies and dusting off my sewing machine – after finishing my blog to you and creating some new vouchers for you. All about balance!

How to avoid boredom during LOCKDOWN.

Well firstly – you can always help me!! How would you like to be the inspiration behind blogs and content for me!?   I’d love to create some new content that actually answers the questions you have, rather than doing what everyone else is doing, which is wading through keywords on Google.   If you have 10 minutes spare then drop me a message and I will send you some treatment topics – eg.  Semi Permanent Eyebrows – all you have to do is email me the exact questions you’d ask me if you were stood in front of me, or what question would you type into Google, like ‘How much do semi permanent eyebrows cost?’ or ‘What can I do about my hair loss?’. Simple!

Here’s how I’m staying sane during LOCKDOWN

Now the initial shock has past, the first day of Lockdown is over and done with, onward and upwards! I’ve put together a daily plan of how I can spend my time, with tasks and goals to achieve.  I’ve got time to spend on blogs (like this one) time for research, updating my website, planning new ideas. There are other things I, and you can do too.

• Connecting – More now than ever we need to stay connected to each other. So check in with your friends, family and those that you think would love to hear from you (me, I’d love to hear from you).  I’ve discovered the joy of video calling, it’s amazing to be able to see the other person you’re chatting to – makes such a difference and connects you in a really positive way.   WhatsApp video call, Facetime, Skype, Zoom – there’s a free option for everyone. I appreciate we won’t all be looking our best, as we can’t get to our therapists or hairdressers – but who cares, we’ll be connecting!
• Reading –  I love to read, I have so many half read books to finish.  I’ve got some amazing business books to finish and some easy reading to chill out with.
• Exercising – I have some resistance bands and weights and have been planning my workouts for home. There are also loads of free online classes. Davina McCall is offering 30 days FREE on her Own Your Goals program, check it out. The Body Coach is offering lots for free and good old YouTube has millions of exercise classes to choose from. Here’s the link to Davina https://ownyourgoalsdavina.com/
• Netflix – I am totally going to find time to relax to watch something on Netflix. I never sit down and relax and I kind of feel I’ve been gifted some time to step back and recharge. I’m making the most of it with watching some box sets I’ve been meaning to watch for ages. If you have any recommendations then I’d love to hear them. 
• Getting Creative – I am going to get my sewing machine out. Some of you will know I love sewing and I love everything creative. I ‘haven’t had the time’ to be able to do something that I absolutely love for so long, this is the perfect chance.  What can you do  to get your creativity going?  Baking? Painting? Anything that helps you lose hours and give you brain a rest from the day to day worries.

I really think we can all stop,  press pause and take something positive from this – even if you don’t think so right now.

I’ll continue to be available to you (you don’t get rid of me that easily!), I’ll be working on my business and thinking how I can better support you.  So please let me know if you need anything from me!

I’m sure there’s a whole range of emotions for all of you, you’ll be dealing with many many different aspects at the moment. You may now have children at home that you’re looking after and you’re trying to keep entertained, or you’re running your business from home. Or you might be somebody that’s still having still go to work, because you’re one of our AMAZING key workers, working front line in the NHS.   I just hope you’re all staying safe and well.

It’s going to be very lonely for me over the next few weeks, being in total isolation – so if you fancy a chat on the phone, or a Zoom call (video) then just give me a shout. We can have a virtual cuppa and shoot the breeze! We are in this together.

And if there’s anything you need, or would like to see from me over the coming weeks then just shout. I can put together skincare and supplement packages for you, to keep you going, At present our lovely Royal Mail are still working hard to get our orders to us.   Your skin may well change over the next few weeks, as we have a new season upon us, plus we are forced to stay inside more. If you need some help with your skin then I am just a phone call away.  Whilst a video call isn’t perfect for skin assessment, it will give me a good idea of what’s going on!

The main thing is to stay well and positive. We are going to get through to the other side of this and on the other side of this is summer. So let’s hope we have a beautiful, glorious summer that we can all enjoy. Stay safe and well and look after yourself and your loved ones.

And I’d like to leave you with this…

Much Love, Nikki x

You can stay up to day with the Governments Guidelines on the Coronavirus by clicking on this link.

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus