Covid Causes Us To Get Creative
Who knew that a few years back, while we were comfortably booking our holidays in the sun or heading down to the local pub to have drinks with friends, that in the not too distant future such luxuries could no longer be taken for granted? That our Come Dine With Me night with the neighbours would be illicit? Our trip to Alton Towers vetoed or even our (reluctant) trips to the gym, banned? This deadly virus has turned our worlds upside down, causing chaos and disruption everywhere. However, if we were to look for a positive, one small plus in a scared and frustrated world, it could be that we have been actively encouraged to become creative. And by doing so, we are saving money in all areas of life.
A Flair For Hair
We have been forced to rethink our lifestyles, cutting out little luxuries that we previously took for granted. Some of us have become amateur hairdressers – with varying degrees of success (!) Since barbers and hairdressers have had to close their doors, people have taken up the scissors and razors and optimistically tried out their skills on trusting friends and family. Now, I’m sure that not every haircut has been a roaring success; a few harsh words have definitely been exchanged and friendships tested. However, this has undeniably saved many of us a fair bit of cash, even though we may be sporting slightly less stylish crops than we’d like. Who knew that bowl haircuts would come back in fashion?!
Beautilicious
Getting creative can be fun – the world has become our oyster. Why stop at hair?! Self tanning, waxing, manicures – the list is endless. There are numerous beauty treatments we would previously have paid decent money for that we can no longer access. Many of us have willing victims…ahem….volunteers to experiment on, so why not?! Again, I’m sure not all procedures have elicited expressions of joy and wonderment at how professional and fantastic they look; yet our bank accounts are rejoicing as the pennies mount up.
Jumping For Joy
For those of us who are motivated, disciplined and even (really?!) enjoy exercise, we have become more imaginative with how we now train. The closure of gyms has forced us to question how and where we exercise – time for more creativity! We’ve had a helping hand from the likes of Joe Wicks, encouraging us daily to get up and leap about with enthusiasm. Whether using cans of beans for hand weights or dodging around the children/pets while doing your HIIT workout, applaud yourselves for your efforts. Not only are you superstars and super fit, but you are also cash happy, saving those monthly gym payments.
Zoom into 2021
Entertainment has also moved inside. Cinemas are a dim and distant memory, yet this is where Netflix and Amazon Prime come into their own. Get in some favourite snacks, bring the duvets down from the beds and snuggle under for an epic film night – you don’t even have to stop at one film, you can do an all nighter (go wild!) and make the most of those low subscription fees.
Being creative with entertainment doesn’t stop there; replace that date night with a (cheaper) takeaway or Dine In For Two meal from M&S or Tesco; whatever suits the budget. Still as intimate (so long as the kids are asleep!), lovely food and a rather hefty saving for the wallet.
And of course I’ve left the best for last – a Zoom quiz! By now, most of us have experienced the marvel that is a Zoom quiz night. It can be as much fun as a trip down the pub; however, the drinks are cheaper, the laughter is guaranteed and it truly feels like a night out. Free, fun and fab entertainment.
So although life is definitely a little alien right now and perhaps a little frightening, we can reassure ourselves that once we’re back on track we’ll have the funds to reward how creative and innovative we’ve been with a well-earned treat.
