The pandemic has seen most people, barring couples who are in the same household, deprived of any sexual contact.

Therefore, last week’s introduction by the government of so-called support (read: sex) bubbles was definitely welcome.

Quick recap: support bubbles allow for two households to come together as one, with the caveat that one of these households has an adult who lives alone. This means that that you can’t form a bubble with a household if both of them have several people living in the home.

This undoubtedly throws a wrench in sex plans for many singletons, especially those living in London, where it’s notoriously expensive to have a flat all to yourself.

They are then back to square one: no sex.

Beyond sexual frustration, what actually happens in the body if we don’t have sex for a longer period of time? We find out.

You may feel more stressed

Let’s start this off by saying that a ‘long time’ is hard to quantify – as it’s very individual. But for the sake of this investigation, we will use the pandemic as our example, so a ‘long time’ equates to 12-14 weeks.

During sex, our body releases ‘happy hormones’ known as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin, which are natural mood boosters. We also get these from kissing, cuddling and general affection, but orgasms in particular provide a rush of hormones designed to make us feel relaxed.

For some people, sex is also a way to distract their brain from other troubles, if even for a short while, which can help reduce anxiety.

Does this mean that people who don’t have sex regularly are helpless stress balls at the mercy of their hormones? No.

Firstly, masturbation has very similar effects and you don’t need a partner to do that. Secondly, exercise also impacts serotonin, endorphin and dopamine levels in the body.

In other words – can’t have sex? Wank or work out.

Your sleep and memory could be disrupted

Back to our lovely happy hormones – serotonin helps regulate our sleep, which is often why you feel a bit dozy after a session in the sheets.

Not only that, but it also improves our learning abilities, memory skills and digestion.

Your immune system could benefit from orgasms

On a positive note, some research suggests that having orgasms could boost your immune system, which is especially desirable when you’re in the midst of a global health crisis.

Thankfully, as you know, orgasms can be achieved through masturbation – not just sex – and earlier this year, we explained the connection between masturbation and your immune system.

A small study of 11 people from 2004 revealed that orgasms achieved through masturbation boosted adrenaline and prolactin plasma concentrations, which is a protein hormone that has multiple functions, one of which is to be used by other immune-boosting cells.

‘There is evidence to support that components of our immune system are activated by sexual arousal and orgasm,’ Dr Sarah Welsh, a gynaecologist and co-founder of the Hanx, a sexual wellness brand, tells us.

‘Orgasms, whether through sexual intercourse or masturbation, causes an increase in the levels of adrenaline and other immune cells within the bloodstream, indicating the positive impact sexual arousal can have on the immune system.’

Another, older study by psychologists at Wilkes University, Pennsylvania, also suggests that having sex can stave off colds.

However, more research needs to be done in this field to give concrete results.

Your vaginal walls could get thinner and tighter

Don’t panic, not having sex for three months will not alter the entire look and feel of your vagina – but a longer period of not getting freaky could see some changes happen.

‘Sex causes increased blood flow to the vagina and increased natural lubrication, meaning that long periods without sex can mean the vaginal tissues become slightly dryer and thinner,’ explains Dr Welsh.

‘However, this is less common in young healthy women, but more apparent in women who have gone through the menopause.’

Higher risk of erectile dysfunction

‘When someone doesn’t have sex for a while, there’s a very small chance they’ll notice any serious side effects on their health,’ says Dr Earim Chaudry, medical director at Manual.

‘[But] unfortunately, men who don’t have regular sex will have an increased chance of developing ED. This proves especially true with ageing men.

What’s more, regularly ejaculating is ‘said to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer by lowering stress and getting cell metabolism to a steady rate.’

You could feel disconnected from others

If you’re used to having a lot of sex and have a high sex drive, a sudden disruption into your routine could affect your mental health.

Dr Becky Spelman, psychologist and clinical director at the Private Therapy Clinic, explains: ‘Not having sex for a long time affects people in different ways and this really depends on where your sex drive is at currently.

‘If you’ve got an incredibly high sex drive or even a moderately high sex drive it’s going to be incredibly frustrating for you to not have sex in a long time.

‘For people with a high libido a lack of sex can impact on their mental health.

‘There are a lot of benefits in having sex and reducing stress is definitely one of them. It’s also rewarding for people to be able to have regular sex – not only because of the physical pleasure when they orgasm, but also because it let’s them feel connected to others intimately.’

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Lockdown might be easing but life hasn’t returned to normal just yet and any travel plans still seem uncertain this year.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t dream about where to go when this is all over.

To celebrate National Beer Day, we’ve put together some places for beer fans to lust over. Perhaps start planning your trip for when this is all over.

Budapest Beer spa

In Budapest, you can sit back and relax at a beer spa with unlimited drinks in reach. Don’t worry, you don’t actually sit in a tub of beer because that might be a little sticky but water from the nearby thermal spring is mixed with hops and yeast to create a

There’s a tap with free flowing beer right beside you throughout the session and tickets include entry to the beautiful Széchenyi Spa, where you can relax in the thermal pools both outside and inside.

Tickets cost from €53 (£47) for one person or €96 (£86) for two.

Oktoberfest in Munich

It might feel like a bit of a cliche but for a festival dedicated entirely to beer, Oktoberfest is where to go. This year’s festival is obviously cancelled due to Coronavirus but start making plans to go all out next year when it will hopefully return. Expect huge steins, long tables and a heavy hangover.

Keep an eye on the website for details of the event stating on 18 September next year.

A beer flight in Brussels

A beer flight isn’t an incredibly drunken trip on a plane but rather a chance to try a selection of different drinks.

Head a long to one of the many bars in Brussels and pick up a flight of Belgian beers, giving you an opportunity to try a little of all the different beers on offer. You can get a few larger glasses of your favourites to enjoy afterwards.

Visit the home of the Black Stuff in Dublin

It might feel a little tacky but the Guinness factory in Dublin is a must-visit for beer lovers. It guides you through the story of Arthur Guinness, who started making the dry stout at St. James’s Gate in 1759.

At the end, there’s a range of bars to choose from where you can get your pint included with the ticket. You can learn to pour your own or enjoy views of Dublin in the sky bar at the top of the building.

Beyond the factory, Dublin is full of pubs with delicious drinks and traditional music to enjoy.

Misugi Resort 

Want to have a beer-themed trip a little further afield? This resort in Japan lets you drink beer, bathe in the stuff and bake bread with it.

They mix actual beer with hot water every 30 minutes so you can sit back and relax.

There’s lots of other activities too, including pizza making, a water park and a delicious restaurant.

A beer massage in Prague

You can have a St. Thomas beer massage at the Spa at the Augustine in the Czech city of Prague.

The treatment is made from a dark beer and created from a secret recipe developed by Augustinian monks.

The ritual begins in the Hammam room with an exfoliation using finely ground organic beer hops and nourishing St. Thomas dark beer, with salts to help regulate pH levels and phytoextracts to promote detoxification and hydration.

The treatment finishes with a deeply relaxing full-body massage.

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Eager to scratch that itch?

A swingers resort in Jamaica has just announced that it will be reopening its doors to the public next month, as the Caribbean island loosens its travel restrictions.

Hedonism II, known for its adult playground – complete with a grotto that Hugh Hefner would have approved of – multiple pools, a play room and naked frolicking galore, is back.

The resort, which was forced to temporarily close due to the coronavirus pandemic, will once again welcome horny holiday-goers from 1 July 2020.

However, it won’t operate quite like it used to.

In order to ensure the safety of its guests, Hedonism II has worked with the Jamaican government to put in place Covid-19 protocols, including social distancing.

That’s right, you can look but you can’t touch.

Guests are still allowed to get as freaky as they want, and they can still take full advantage of the nude areas – but they’ll have to stick to playing with the person they came with.

The social distancing will be enforced in all common areas, including the lobby, restaurants, bars and pools.

Temperatures will also be taken on arrival with the help of infrared sensors.

What’s more, all room surfaces, air conditioners and high-contact areas will be continuously sanitised – which is good news either way, given the type of activity that takes place at the sex-positive resort.

Face masks will also be made mandatory.

Other safety measures include PPE supplies for all guests, anti-bacterial gel stations throughout the resort, 24-hour medical service, and an on-property medical team of specially-trained nurses.

‘We have spent the last few months undertaking preparations and consulting with local and international organisations to ensure our safety measures meet the new industry standards” says Kevin Levee, general manager of Hedonism II.

‘Each of the measures that we have implemented, follow the directives and recommendations of both Jamaican and international organisations, and will be updated as additional information becomes available.

‘We look forward to welcoming home our guests and are confident that we will all adapt to our “new normal” with minimal disruptions to the iconic Hedonism II experience and that our guests can continue to party safely.’

Back in March, Jamaica, which has over four million holiday-goers visit every year, closed its borders to the UK – but as of today, it has reopened (albeit with rules in place and limited airline options).

However, note that the British Government still advises against any travel that isn’t essential and you will need to quarantine for 14 days when you arrive back on home soil.

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Don’t get me wrong, I have missed losing an afternoon meandering through vintage clothes shops and sale rails, battling with elbows to find that perfect dress.

Now, however, the thought of venturing into the ‘New In’ section makes my stomach drop, as the move for shops to re-open today feels too soon, too scary, and surprisingly anxiety-inducing for many.

One thing I didn’t expect to come out of lockdown was a dramatic change in my relationship with retail and fashion. 

Before coronavirus confined us all to our homes, I would spend countless hours on Oxford Street browsing in shops. That was until I realised I had no money and shouldn’t be there at all. Despite that, it was fun. It was leisurely – and a distraction. 

Without the sequins and tulle clouding my vision over the last 12 weeks, however, I have been able to really see the fashion industry for what it is – flaws and all.

Whether it be a pay gap, or a lack of diversity in head offices, worker conditions or commitment to sustainability, it is obvious to me that big fashion brands have a long way to go before they take my money again. 

One report I came across revealed that Boohoo – one of the UK’s largest fast fashion retailers – was paying staff in Leicester between £3.50-£5 an hour, well below the UK minimum wage for over-25s of £8.21.

As a result, #BoycottBoohoo has been trending throughout the UK in the past two weeks, with many people examining the ways in which black and indigenous people are mistreated and exploited throughout the whole supply chain of companies.

Paying them a non-living wage around the world highlights how this problem disproportionately impacts black workers and people of colour within these systems. 

Boohoo aren’t alone though. Following the publication of a report in 2019 by the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC), there were five other retailers, including JD Sports and TK Maxx, that didn’t sign up to two target-driven reports.

The first being the ‘Action, Collaboration, Transformation’ labour agreement looking at ensuring the rights for workers is properly impacted by implementing a living wage. The second being the Sustainable Clothing Action Plan (SCAP), which sets targets for brands to reduce their carbon footprint, water usage and overall sustainability practices.

This breathing room that lockdown has given us, as well as scandals and boycotts of retail giants, has meant that social media has become a haven of independent business owners having a moment to shine. I know that I have learnt about so many small brands doing fashion responsibly, that I had never heard of before, including Lucy & Yak and independent designers such as Cat O’Brien and Rip It Up Vintage. 

Whether it be a queer-owned designer, or a brand focusing on discarded materials and upcycling, these past few months have shown us the possibilities of sustainable fashion. It’s lit a fire in me, and many other incredibly stylish and gorgeous human beings, to rediscover the talent and uniqueness that fashion can offer. 

I fear for my finances more than ever before so I’m not about to start throwing money about

And then there is the practical side of going back to the shops – even if there are meant to be measures for social distancing in place.

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak last week stated in an interview that it’s time to get the economy up and running again, but this prioritisation of profit before people can only pose the question, do people even want to go shopping again? 

Social anxiety has taken hold of many of us during lockdown. I, for one, feel like I am moving down on the see-saw, plummeting into a stress that I didn’t see coming. 

Surprisingly, the idea of taking non-urgent trips to physical shops with other people is not a comforting thought right now. There is so much worry and stress that comes with reintroducing yourself to the world. 

How could being told to ‘Stay at home’ or ‘Stay Alert’ – whatever mantra you decide to inhale – not make you re-evaluate your life before this pandemic? 

Like many self-employed people, I fear for my finances more than ever before and I’m not about to start throwing money about either. 

I understand that some people may want to go back to wandering around John Lewis aimlessly, resulting in the purchase of a five in one colander, but I struggle to fathom how this is the top priority right now. 

Of course we need shops to open up again so we can purchase goods, workers can begin to go back to work, and businesses can begin to think of what they’re going to quickly throw on their Pride windows.

But we have to be more considerate of where we shop. Many people are currently in the midst of the hardest times of their lives, mentally, physically, and financially. Misconceptions surrounding independent shops include the idea that it’s more expensive – however, often shopping vintage and not opting for fast fashion is not as costly as we would think, with the quality also being much higher.

I for one won’t be going back to the high street having learnt about all the ways retail could be doing better for their customers, their workers and the environment. 

I just hope the big brands have used this period while their doors have been shut to reflect too. Perhaps they will all now have an ethical and socially sustainable model at their core. 

Perhaps not. 

If anything, coronavirus has enlightened many of us to the possibilities of – gasp – not shopping on the high street. 

We’ve coped with not flooding our wardrobes with new clothes for the past three months, and have been able to witness small businesses online find new footing in a world that favours the digital.

Remember those businesses when you’re in the six mile queue in Primark and realise how your continued patronage can stop them from being forgotten. 

Be sustainable, question things and be critical. Continue to ask yourself if you truly need to be joining the masses returning to the high street this week.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing claie.wilson@metro.co.uk

Share your views in the comments below.

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Tash Frootko, 41, is on a mission.

The landlady wants to transform her street into a rainbow-bright paradise – and bring together the community in the process.

Tash owns a number of properties on St Mark Street in Gloucester, and is hoping to turn the street ‘from drab to fab’ by getting the houses’ exteriors painted in gorgeously bright colours.

She has already completed 16 homes and has had 30 neighbours out of 52 on St Mark Street agree to have their homes painted.

This isn’t the first time Tash has dedicated herself to transforming beige and boring properties into a living rainbow – she previously went viral for painting the houses on nearby Nettleton Road.

This previous effort worked a treat, helping neighbours to connect and turning the road into a beauty spot, with tourists flocking to see the colourful houses and snap photos in front of them.

Tash said: ‘After the success of Nettleton Road, I wanted to do the same with another street – bring the whole street back to life with colour.

‘I’m hoping to start a colour revolution in Gloucester. I love colour, and I want other people to be inspired, too.

‘It’s quite typical to see streets where most of the houses are rented, like on St Mark Street, being not that well cared for.

‘But every time you paint a house, the whole street changes. You watch the street evolve.

‘It’s amazing what you can achieve if you dare to be different.’

Tash said the project took ‘months and months’ of planning, and she has hired two painters to complete the work – with 16 houses being completed already.

Each house takes a few days to paint – and eight of the 16 houses has been painted in just the last couple of weeks, since 1 June.

She said: ‘It’s quite tricky to organise, but I’m a very organisational person, I love that part.

‘Sometimes people are a bit standoffish about it. But it does seem to be having a domino effect.

‘No-one wants to dare to be different, but as more houses get painted, it almost seems to give other people the confidence to be a little bit more adventurous.

‘The bolder you go, the more people want to be involved.’

She added: ‘The rainbow colours on the street are hugely significant at the moment, what with everybody painting rainbows to support the NHS.

‘But it’s also been a really good way to take people’s minds off the whole pandemic. I think people are trying to just avoid talking about it now – and this is a good distraction.’

Tash hopes to get the St Mark Street project completed by September – and says she would like to paint more streets around Gloucester.

‘The response to it has been amazing so far. A project like this can really bring the whole community together,’ she said.

Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Share your views in the comments section below.

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Rejoice, pasty fans – Greggs is finally reopening 800 of its stores from 18 June.

Yep, we’ll finally be able to get our favourite lunch options for takeaway (with all seating areas and customer toilets remaining closed and payment only accepted via card, contactless, or Greggs rewards).

But before you race out to your local store, take a moment to read up on what’s on offer.

As Greggs stores reopen, they’ll be offering a limited menu – available for collection or for delivery through Just Eat.

Here’s what’s on offer.

Greggs will be offering a digital-only service at a small number of shops, so fans will be able to order their favourites from the comfort of their own homes through Just Eat or the new Greggs Click and Collect service. 

New operational and social distancing measures will be implemented across all shops to help keep customers and colleagues safe.

There’s a one-way system to help ensure social distancing and new screens have been installed at all till points.

Only one adult per household will be permitted to enter the shop at a time to join a social distanced queue, and there will be a reduced number of colleagues behind the tills. All shop teams will be provided with protective workwear, including face masks, visors and gloves.

Roger Whiteside, Greggs Chief Executive said: ‘Over the past month, we have carried out robust trials using our new operational and social distancing measures and they have progressed well.

‘This has allowed us to move to our next reopening phase with just over 800 of our shops welcoming customers back this week.

‘The health and safety of our colleagues and customers is our priority and for this reason we have put in the time and effort to make a thorough assessment of all shops.

‘Although we will open with a reduced range, this will be a significant step in us helping the nation get back up and running and serving the communities that we operate in.’

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For many of us, lockdown has been an opportunity to really up our fitness game.

Despite gyms being closed and normal routines being completely upended, a third of Brits are actually working out more since lockdown began.

And we have had to be creative. Lots of us have taken up cycling, or got really into running, or we’ve been building strength and endurance with daily online HIIT sessions in our living rooms.

You may have found that working from home has given you more time to work out, as well as less socialising, fewer weekend plans and holidays to disrupt your fitness focus. If you can’t meet your mates for a mid-week bottle of wine, you’re much more likely to get up to exercise in the morning.

But when the pressures and demands of normal life start to return – commuting, socialising, family responsibilites – will all our good new habits disappear? We asked some fitness professionals for some tips to help us build fitness into our new normal.

Personal Trainer Alice Liveing says she has definitely noticed a surge in demand for fitness inspiration and ideas during lockdown, but she can understand why that may drop off as lockdown eases. Here are her top tips for staying motivated:

Refine your goals or set some new ones

Lockdown meant that many exercise goals had to be paused, and training took a new focus. Home workouts became big business and we also saw many people take up running and cycling.

In order to stay motivated, it’s important to reflect on what it is you want to achieve from your exercise moving forwards. Perhaps you’d like a new 5km run personal best, or to deadlift your own bodyweight?

Whatever it may be, clarifying your goals and working out a defined process of how to get there gives a real focus to your training and some much needed motivation. The feeling of also noticing progression towards your goal each workout will also help with motivation too.

And, it doesn’t have to be a performance goal either.

If you’ve found a new way of exercising during lockdown then perhaps your goal will be, for example, to commit to doing that workout three times a week.

Just sitting down to write the things you’d like to achieve from your exercise is the first step to feeling motivated to move.

Buddy up

Now we’re able to exercise together outdoors, why not make a social situation out of your training and ask a friend to join.

Whether it’s a workout in the park, a jog or even just a walk, having someone there to keep you accountable and make the workout enjoyable is a great way to maintain motivation.

Diarise your workouts

As our diaries start to fill up again as we transition out of lockdown, it’s easy for exercise to get bumped out for other social occasions and work commitments.

By diarising your workouts at the start of each week, you can carve out some time to ensure you’re able to exercise, whilst also mentally acknowledging that you’re going to do your training.

Keep your recovery routine

As the ability to get out more and enjoy life outside of lockdown increases, there may be the desire to ‘do more’ as we try and get back in to ‘pre-quaratine fitness’.

It’s important to remember therefore that recovery is what underpins long term adherence to exercise.

If you’re allowing your body adequate rest, good nutrition and enough sleep you’ll be in a good position to exercise regularly. However, if you come out the blocks too fast, there is every chance you can become injured, or run out of momentum as you become fatigued from too much training.

There is no ‘right’ amount of rest days, but checking in with your body and understanding when rest is best is key to long term progression.

Try something new

If your exercise appetite has been wetted during lockdown, now is the perfect opportunity to try something new and find a way of moving that you enjoy.

It has got to be enjoyable

I am a big believer that exercise, ultimately, has to be enjoyable. I hear from so many people who drag themselves through workouts that they believe to be good, whilst hating every minute of it.

It’s time we stopped seeing exercise as punishment, and instead re-framed it to be something we look forward to and enjoy.

There’s no right or wrong way to exercise, only a way that serves you best. So, find something that you genuinely enjoy, be it yoga or running or Zumba, and I guarantee it’s going to be far easier to keep up motivation.

Do you have a story to share? We want to hear from you.

Get in touch: metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk.

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Our outdoor spaces and gardens have never felt so valued as they do in lockdown.

But as pub gardens remain closed, people have been forced to improvise when it comes to drinks.

Thankfully, Wickes has brought out a product which will make summer 2020 significantly more bearable.

The DIY store has launched a £350 ‘build-your-own’ garden bar set, which means you can recreate your favourite cocktail bar at home.

The self-confessed timber ‘tiki bar’ requires basic tools and fixings for assembly.

Each kit features a 25mm deckboard for the walls, featheredge for the roof and deckboards for the fascias and the shelves – there’s also a step-by-step guide for putting it together. 

Those less patient with written instructions can find a helpful video tutorial online.

It’s worth pointing out that the timber will require a little extra work, as it needs to be cut to the dimensions specified on the supplied cutting list.

But there’s no doubt it’ll be worth the effort.

The Wickes website says: ‘With a little imagination, you could customise this project into something for the whole family to enjoy.’

If the glowing website reviews are anything to go by, it seems customers will not be left disappointed with their purchase.

One person comments: ‘Ordered and built the bar whilst on lockdown… having no previous experience in building, I was amazed at how good the instructions and video was to follow. And now have an amazing bar in my garden. 

‘Well worth the money and would recommend this bar. Great home project with fab result.’

The product is currently out of stock online – so keep checking back for availability.

Those looking for more household additions will be pleased to hear that Aldi has brought out a double hanging egg chair – after the single version crashed the website a few weeks back.

Have you got a DIY story?

Get in touch at MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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Events and attractions have been forced to adapt this year, with many offering virtual experiences instead of real-life ones.

But a new London festival is mixing the best of both worlds, by creating a hybrid festival which delivers a half virtual and half real-life experience.

The Great Feast of London is an event running from Friday 3 July to Sunday 5 July, whereby attendees can engage with activities online while some of the capital’s best restaurants deliver food to homes, gardens and parks.

Top London chefs including Ollie Dabbous, Nuno Mendes, Neil Rankin, James Cochran and Jeremy Chan feature on the festival’s line-up, alongside foodie favourites Patty & Bun, Dumpling Shack, Kricket, Eggslut and more.

But if the impressive restaurant line-up wasn’t enough to tempt you, every meal ordered will be matched by one donated to A Plate for London – a charity fighting food poverty.

The festival will feature an online ‘cook-a-long’, yoga and breathing technique classes and talks from speakers such as US author Charles Eisenstein.

Most events will be free to attend online and hot meals and DIY food kits will be available at a ‘range of prices’.

There will also be DJ sets from Goldie, Tom Findlay of Groove Armada, Felix Buxton of Basement Jaxx, Don Letts, Jazzie B and Sean Rowley, broadcast by Soho Radio.

Street Feast founder Dominic Cools-Lartigue and young entrepreneur Bejay Mulenga are the brains behind the new hybrid festival.

Originally, the pair had planned to run a series of boutique food festivals in the capital’s parks, but the pandemic resulted in a change of format.

In other restaurant news, Dishoom is now delivering in London – so bacon naan, biryani, chicken ruby, mattar paneer and house black daal is just a click away.

Do you have a food story to share?

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Last week I spent an hour outside my front door speaking to a neighbour I’d never really interacted with before lockdown.  

I also had two Zoom video chats with people I’d previously communicated with only on Twitter.  

I talked to a woman who called me from my bank for about 30 minutes about her family’s situation.  

I spent over three hours on a virtual date with someone I met a day before on Hinge.  

I spoke to a delivery man about his plans to go to university in September.

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I also began email correspondence with another journalist that I admire who I’ve never worked with.

I can’t say that making new friends was high on my list of expectations of what life would be like during a global pandemic. But then nothing is predictable anymore.

Before lockdown started, I had become socially lazy. ‘Antisocial’ would be a stretch, but I’d begun to find interacting with new people and finding out about their lives something more akin to a chore than a pleasure. It was exhausting.  

Often, as the crunch of the working week eased into the peaceful hum of the weekend, I’d make excuses to swerve events where I’d have to chat to new people. In all honesty, I just couldn’t be bothered.

At the time, I reasoned that it was a sign of having found ‘my tribe’ as I settled into my 30s, as well as the exhaustion produced by constantly trying to balance work, socialising, sleep and exercise.

But lockdown has made me reconsider that assumption.

I’ve always been sociable. In school, teachers often complained about my preference for chatting and making friends rather than doing work. I learned languages so I could travel and live abroad — and meet new people. I made some good friends from random encounters in smoking areas of pubs and clubs. I’d talk to anyone and everyone. It energised me.

And yet somehow in recent years I’d grown to resent it.

When lockdown hit the periods of rest we used to spend our lives trying to squeeze in between appointments began to stretch out… until their edges disappeared. Free time — once a precious commodity that I spent my life chasing — was suddenly abundant. Evenings alone in front of the TV were no longer treats to unwind after a packed week, but instead a daily occurrence. 

But of course the novelty of all this free time soon started to wear off. Around the same time, I started dodging calls and avoiding chatting to family and friends. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to speak to them, I just didn’t know what to say. There was nothing good to say.

When you meet someone new, the conversational possibilities are endless: you have so much ground to cover. Who are they? What do they like? What’s their story?

Curiously, though, the same didn’t apply for new people. I found myself leaning in more to connections with those who I had either a budding friendship with before lockdown or who were somehow in my orbit — either digitally or physically — but with whom I hadn’t yet crossed the threshold between ‘stranger’ and ‘friend’.

For the first time in years I suddenly felt that zest for connection that had long laid dormant within me. That frenetic spark that bolts through me when I connect with new and interesting people.

I reached out to those I wanted to get to know better. We talked about normal things — work, friends, relationships, travel, food. Crucially: not the pandemic. It felt light-hearted, at a time when life felt heavy.

Many of my followers reached out with similar experiences when I shared this feeling on Twitter. One person said they’d been enjoying chatting to strangers on daily dog walks — something they hadn’t done beforehand.

Another shared news of a burgeoning romance with a man that had long lived in the same building who she previously knew little about.

When you meet someone new, the conversational possibilities are endless

It makes sense if you think about it. When the present we live in is so grim, why would we want to talk about it all the time?

When you meet someone new, the conversational possibilities are endless: you have so much ground to cover. Who are they? What do they like? What’s their story? What makes them laugh? Or cry?

Critically, there are so many topics you can cover before even addressing the pandemic in the room.

Of course there’s something galvanising about comparing stories of shared experiences, it’s just it’s not the only thing to talk about. You can chat about other fun stuff — and what a relief that is.

As we transition into the next phase of lockdown restrictions easing, the life we’ve grown accustomed to over the past couple of months will again shift into another unknown. In my experience, these transitional periods often feel harder because they are so uncertain — there’s safety in routine.

I’ve previously written about how I’ve found seeing old friends hard as lockdown restrictions have eased — precisely because they serve as a reminder of all that has been lost over the past few months.  

But new friends, well, they weren’t part of the before times. New relationships are firmly rooted in the present and the future, rather than a past I’d rather not be reminded of at the moment.

Of course, there’s no way of knowing if these friendships will survive in post-lockdown life, but for now, suspended in a perpetual present, that doesn’t feel important. And besides, if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that worrying about the future or trying to predict it in any way is a fool’s game.

The excitement and distraction of getting to know someone new is a really good antidote to some of the wall-to-wall loss we’re facing daily at the moment. Whether that’s the profound loss of a loved one, or the loss of freedom, or even the loss of routine — it’s nice to have something that is uniquely positive to focus on where each interaction feels like you’re building towards something.

Like many others, I feel conflicted about what post-pandemic life will look like. I have so much fear for how it will impact future generations and lower-income families for years to come. I don’t want to understate that.

But I’m also afraid to let go of all of the positive parts of lockdown life: the time and energy to do things that I love; the fervour for making new connections; the lack of social pressure; the gratitude for freedom we all took for granted.

Amidst all of the uncertainty lying ahead and all of the challenges we’re yet to face as we move towards the inevitable second wave of the virus, having new friendships to be excited about is a rare positive thing. There’s something uniquely energising about it.

And so I’m seizing the opportunity with both hands for now, by sliding into DMs or slipping post-its through the doors of my neighbours.

I’m sending little sparks of connection into the universe, in the hope that it sends back some more things to look forward to, at a time when we need it most.

Do you have a story that you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk

Share your views in the comments below.

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Keeping kids busy is tough at the minute and they seem to lose interest quickly.

But this product from Aldi is sure to keep them busy for hours.

The cardboard ice cream van can be used for them to role play but it’s also perfect for them to draw over and colour in.

It costs just £6.99 too so won’t break the bank.

There’s a window for kids to sit behind while everyone makes their orders and a menu on the side for them to choose from.

It does require some assembly so parents might need to help kids put it together.

The van comes in packaging which forms part of the finished product to make sure there isn’t too much waste.

The description on the Aldi website said: ‘Introduce new and interesting ways to keep kids entertained with this So Crafty Colour In Ice-Cream Van.

‘A great way to get them working together, this is a creative activity that’ll keep them busy for hours. Made from thick card that they can assemble by themselves, the finished product can be customised with colour and paint to really get their creative juices going.’

It’s already sold out online but still available in store so check down the middle aisle when you’re doing your weekly shop to pick one up.

One parent said: ‘I think this is great value for money. Our Crayola pens worked well to colour it in.

‘Did need a bit of strengthening behind the upright bit but we had a posting tube which did the job perfectly. Son has been playing with it for two days and loves it.’

Another review mentioned that it needed some strengthening too so it might be worth keeping some scrap cardboard to help.

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Coronavirus has radically changed what using up our holiday allowance looks like.

Travel to certain destinations is banned or restricted and even venturing further than a few miles outside your home hasn’t been allowed – making UK staycations a hotly desired way to escape everyday life in lockdown.

That trend for at-home holidays is reflected in Airbnb’s list of the properties most wish-listed by Brits since lockdown began.

The holiday home service notes that their list of most popular properties for 2020 is entirely different to the one from 2019, with attention shifting from beachfront Brazilian villas to cosy cabins closer to home.

Below, they’ve revealed the top ten properties Brits have been adding to their must-go list since lockdown began on 23 March – and every single one is in the UK, as we dream of staying in unique, rural spaces rather than travelling far and wide.

1. Alton Forest Lodge, Stoke-on-Trent

Sleeping up to 12 people, this incredible lodge sits in stunning woodland, surrounded by greenery.

With a 100 square metre decking area and a traditional wood-fired hot tub, this place is ideally suited to time spent outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and local wildlife.

Go inside though, and it’s just as lovely – there’s a large living area, a fancy kitchen, a massive TV, and a log-burning stove.

Nestle up in a comfy sofa and take your pick of reads from the bespoke library wall, covered in hundreds of books.

Alton Towers is just two miles from the lodge too, so yes, you can go for a day of roller coasters while you’re there.

2. Romantic Oak Cabin, Hemel Hempstead

This one-bedroom oak cabin is the perfect spot for a cosy couples retreat.

The setting is super peaceful, backing out on to the National Trust Ashridge Forest and with the market town of Berhamsted – with plenty of pubs and bars – just one and a half miles down the road.

Board games and a massive TV mean you can totally switch off and chill out.

3. Secluded Countryside Lodge, Maidstone, Kent

Look at this cute little spot!

Another property ideal for couples, this cosy lodge is in Maidstone, just a quick train journey from central London.

Book a stay here and you’ll get a lovely outdoor terrace complete with a BBQ and an outdoor hot tub to make the most of the lovely weather.

4. Unique Glamping Experience, Sutton

This place is pretty special. The property is a converted boat from 1945, tucked away in a private forest and overlooking beautiful open countryside.

Another one ideal for couples (or for a solo getaway), there’s one bedroom with a king-size double or two singles, along with an adjoining boat shack complete with a kitchen and bathroom.

The property sits in a three-acre forest on a small holding where the owners live in a 1760 Georgian property with pet goats, horses, dogs, and chickens. Ask nicely and they’ll probably let you meet the animals.

The boat runs entirely on renewable energy produced by solar panels, so eco-friendly types will be happy, too.

5. Unique Luxury Cabin, Hereford

If you’ve ever wanted to try out the tinyhouse lifestyle, head to Little Hourstones in Hereford.

The prism-shaped cabin is set in a quiet corner of an organic farm, with light and airy interiors hidden inside a small space.

Outside there’s a private hot tub along with a fire pit for barbecues.

If you fancy getting out and about during your stay, the property is just a five minute walk from the centre of the market town of Kington, where there are plenty of pubs and independent shops (make sure to pick up some of the local cheese).

6. Converted Shipping Container in a Private Meadow, Poltimore

Another tiny house in the top ten, this time made out of old shipping containers.

Head here for a stay in a beautiful private meadow with views of rolling Devon countryside.

Every detail inside is made with care, from bespoke 150-year-old stools to the penny-covered bathroom floor.

There are even handmade reading chairs to lounge in.

Should you get bored of the countryside (how could you?), this home is just 10 minutes from the city centre.

7. Private Seaside Retreat, Weston Super Mare

If you’re after a splash in the sea, this might be the travel spot for you – the Coach House is just a short walk away from the seaside.

The interiors of this place are delightful too. It’s a newly converted 18th century stable building, meaning lovely stone walls and wooden beams.

Inside you have a large bedroom with a king-size bed, a snazzy kitchen, and a lounge complete with a Netflix-ready TV and blankets to snuggle up with – plus board games.

Outside there’s a sunny garden with a hydrotherapy hot tub.

Oh, and breakfast is included, with locally sourced free range eggs, pastires, fresh bread, fruit, and milk. If you fancy paying a little extra, you can also have a proper cooked breakfast made with local sausages and bacon.

8. Old Smock Windmill, Beneden

Who doesn’t want to stay in a windmill in the midst of the Kent countryside?

Inside the mill is four-storeys of cosy cottage-style interiors, with an exterior oak staircase giving you access indoors and massive beams on each floor carrying the original giant spur wheel.

There’s a large bed with crisp white cotton sheets, a beautiful old copper basin sink, and a unique pulley syste, for hanging clothes.

And you get a welcome basket including eggs from the owners’ chickens.

9. Beachfront House, Cleveleys

This place accomodates up to 14 guests, so it’s a great shout for a group getaway.

Inside there’s a cinema room, an amazing bar, and a music system throughout.

There’s also a rooftop terrace and a hot tub, where you can relax and watch the sunset.

The town’s centre is just five minutes away so you can head out and about, and of course the sea is close, too.

10. Satori Dome, Northumberland

This unusual dwelling sits in a secluded location in rural Northumberland and is entirely off grid, with water in containers, solar power, and a composting toilet.

So if you want to totally escape normal life, here’s where to head.

The 20 square metre dome accomodates two people in one bed (with a memory foam mattress) and has all the bare essentials for a weekend retreat.

Outside on the deck there’s a BBQ for cooking, a Japanese hot tub, and a fire pit, surrounded by beautiful views of the pond and surrounding trees.

The owners describe the dome as ‘a perfect spot to relax, unwind and get back to nature’. Sounds dreamy.

Do you have a story to share?

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Picture an apple in your head.

Simple, right?

Most of us would assume that everyone is able to generate these mental images from a very young age.

But, for some people, these visual thoughts don’t take place.

Aphantasia is a condition where individuals just cannot picture images in their heads – even familiar places, family members or colours.

Simply put, their ‘mind’s eye’ doesn’t exist. 

Dr Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist and co-founder of The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, explains: ‘While most of us may be able to think of something that happened in the past and conjure up images of those memories – someone with aphantasia cannot.’

While a specific cause for the condition has not yet been identified, Dr Elena adds: ‘As far as we know, some people are born with aphantasia, whilst others seem to acquire it following an injury to the brain or a traumatic experience of some kind.’

So what is it like to live with it?

Liam McNulty, a 26-year-old engineer, first realised he had aphantasia last year, after his girlfriend’s brother-in-law spoke about the condition at a family gathering.

He tells Metro.co.uk: ‘It was kind of like a reverse “eureka moment” because obviously my whole life I’ve not been able to imagine things – so I found it surprising that people were able to produce images in their heads.

‘If someone said to me “can you think of what the front of your house looks like,” I literally cannot do it.’

Liam explains that the only thing he can visualise is a basic outline of a shape – similar to a wireframe in engineering.

He says: ‘There will be people [with aphantasia] who will see pure black when they try to think of something – it’s close to that for me but I can, sort of, see a wireframe.

‘I can’t put in any of the details or any of the colour – it’s just a really blurry image. 

‘It was mad to realise that people could imagine things – because you don’t really question how other people think.’

While Liam’s aphantasia doesn’t affect his day-to-day adult life, he believes it explains a lot from his childhood.

Liam adds: ‘I used to be quite mischievous at school and I was known for not really taking things seriously.

‘Teachers would say things like “imagine this…” and I was always just messing about – probably because I was thinking “I don’t know what this lot are doing”.

‘In hindsight, it makes complete sense as I was getting absolutely nothing out of it.’

Aphantasia is also likely to explain why Liam never really enjoyed reading at school.

He says: ‘The last time I read a novel was probably when I was still at school and that was because I had to.

‘I think the reason I’m not interested is because I just can’t imagine anything from it. So I’ve always read more factual books, because I find them more interesting.’

Liam jokes: ‘When I was younger people would ask “do you not find books interesting?” and you feel like a right uncultured swine, because you’re like “no I just don’t like reading books”.

‘Now I know why I don’t find them interesting. Obviously people imagine as they go along but I can only take the words at face value – I can’t imagine the world.

‘I tried reading Harry Potter but I just thought “this is a bloke with a stick.”’

After reading up on it, Liam learnt that aphantasia appears to be more common in people who do STEM subjects.

He adds: ‘It makes sense because arty people need to imagine things in their head, whereas if you can’t, you’re probably not very arty – which I’m not. I’m terrible at art.’

Simon Proctor, a 46 year-old web developer, recently discovered he had aphantasia after reading about it.

He tells Metro.co.uk: ‘I’ve always known I’m different from other people in the way I think and approach life but the aphantasia came as something of a shock.

‘I read an article a few months ago and it was the proverbial light bulb moment.

‘Up until that point I’d always thought phrases like “the mind’s eye” and “visualise such and such” were just artistic licence. 

‘Finding out that people could actually see pictures in their head was a bit of a shock.’

Like Liam, Simon says he’s never enjoyed artistic subjects.

Simon adds: ‘I’ve never been good at art or design but I’m very good at translating a visual design into code.’

While aphantasia doesn’t impact Simon’s work or day-to-day activities, he thinks it could have been helpful to know he had the condition from a young age.

He says: ‘All in all, it doesn’t feel like a loss, more like just another thing about me that’s a bit different than other people. 

‘Knowing about it as a child might have helped me in a few lessons – but things were a lot different back then so probably not.

‘I have let my colleagues know as I find many people like to draw diagrams of things that I’m more likely to write about, so this can help people to understand.

‘Other than that it doesn’t have a massive impact on my day-to-day life.’

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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We reported at the start of lockdown that M&S had launched a delivery food box, with everything you needed to stock your cupboard without leaving the house.

The range has grown over the last few weeks, with one coming out this week that’s ideal for picnics and barbecues.

As social distancing rules loosen to allow us to go outside and enjoy time in parks and on beaches, many of us are keen to enjoy some al fresco dining.

This new box – which costs £35 – is called the 100% British Meat Summer Food Box, and is designed for carnivores to get their grill on.

As well as steaks and sausages for your barbecue, you’ll get an extra pack of chipolatas and some 100% beef burgers.

In the box there’s also Wiltshire-cured ham, 10 rashers of back bacon, and a packet of mince. These could go into a quiche, some pies, or even just a classic butty.

As you can probably guess, all the meat in the box is British, with the supermarket saying on their site that it’s ‘filled with M&S Select Farms meat, sourced from British farmers we know and trust.’

Next day delivery for the box is £4.99, and there’s a maximum of two boxes per customer – just to keep things fair.

However, you can always double up when it comes to the other boxes M&S offers. Fruit and veg options start at £15, and include all sorts of fresh product for those tasty summer salads.

Check out M&S’ range of food boxes here.

Do you have a story you’d like to share?

Get in touch at MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk.

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White privilege is a notoriously tricky topic to discuss.

It is essentially the notion that white people exist with an inherent level of privilege over people of colour, because the systems that create our world were built to favour and prioritise white people.

It doesn’t mean that if you’re white you have an easy life or have never faced any hardship or oppression, but it does mean that you won’t be held back specifically because of your race.

But some white people get incredibly defensive when discussing white privilege, and it can be hard for people of colour to explain what it is and how it impacts their life. But thankfully a new blog is explaining what white privilege looks like with simple, real-life examples.

Jodie Williams and Samantha Mighton, the founder of Boujie Media, have launched a collaborative blog where they asked people of colour to describe their lived experiences of white privilege.

They hope this simple, accessible blog will help to unpick some of the myths and misunderstandings around white privilege, and open up some vital conversations.

‘From my experience, the concept of white privilege can be hard for people to understand,’ Jodie tells Metro.co.uk.

‘It took me a lot of reading, learning and listening to really understand it. I think people hear the term and are automatically made to feel uncomfortable, especially if they don’t feel privileged.

‘People link white privilege to economic privilege and I hear quite a lot how people don’t feel like they have white privilege because they didn’t grow up with a financial economic privilege.’

Jodie says it’s important for people to understand that white privilege is something society affords you – and just because you have it that doesn’t mean you are a bad person.

‘It just means that you benefit in some ways from society,’ she explains. ‘However because our society works in this way, it is hard, when you have white privilege to see when you are benefitting from it, because it is something you have always had.

‘I think the easiest way I have learnt about it, outside of my own lived experiences, was hearing from other people and knowing that what I experience was actually a collective experience in many ways.

‘I wanted to present an easier way for people to understand this and acknowledge people’s lived experiences.’

The blog itself features beautiful illustrations of people of colour alongside a simple example of white privilege.

‘White privilege is never having to have the texture of your hair criminalised and called unprofessional,’ reads one post.

‘White privilege is being able to buy your child a doll that looks like them,’ reads another.

Many of the examples are about visibility in society, with people of colour explaining that they are made to feel ‘other’ through a lack of representation – something that white people never have to experience.

Other examples touch on systemic racism and inequalities that people of colour face in school and the workplace, that often goes unnoticed by people who do not experience these things.

‘White privilege is not having to Google how racist a holiday destination is before you go there,’ reads another powerful post.

‘Society works better when everyone can take part and be their best self,’ says Jodie.

‘It is important for each of us to acknowledge our own privilege and work towards creating equality for all. 

‘Whilst some privileges I don’t benefit from, e.g. white privilege, others I do, and it is on me to work towards creating a more equal place for people who don’t benefit from the same systems of privilege that I benefit from.

‘For example, I live with straight privilege, I have always been able to marry my partner if I wished, I have been able to see relationships like mine reflected on TV, and when I travel I can do so knowing that travelling with my partner will generally be accepted. 

‘If people can acknowledge and understand their privilege, they are better placed to create a better environment and society for all.’

The blog was also shared on the Our Mel Facebook page, and Jodie and Sam say the response has been phenomenal. They have received messages from people telling them how much they have learnt.

Jodie has been approached to turn the series of examples into a book, which means the message could spread even further.

Do you have a story to share? We want to hear from you.

Get in touch: metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk.

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Vanessa O’Brien has boldly gone where no woman has gone before: to the highest and lowest points on the planet.

Years after reaching the top of Everest on 14 May 2012, British-American explorer Vanessa O’Brien completed her submersible dive to the bottom of Challenger Deep, in the Western Pacific Ocean, on 12 June 2020, hitting a record depth of 10,925 metres.

She spent 11 hours crammed in a tiny submarine as she journeyed into the deep, dark and cold waters.

To understand the scale of Challenger Deep O’Brien, 55, compares it to Mount Everest, which stands at 8,848 metres above sea level.

She says: ‘Here we find Challenger Deep is 2,080 metres deeper than Everest is tall. If Everest were put into Challenger Deep, it would still be over a mile underwater.’

To get to Challenger Deep, which is at the southern end of the Mariana Trench with the coordinates 11°22.4′N 142°35.5′E, O’Brien buckled up for a ride on the $37 million submersible, Limiting Factor.

The two-person craft, which is roughly the size of a small SUV, was built by Florida-based Triton Submarines.

It is kitted out with a crush-proof grade five titanium hull, which underwent extreme pressure testing at the Krylov Research Center in St. Petersburg, Russia, before hitting the seas in 2018.

It has since been to the deepest points of all five oceans. 

O’Brien felt in safe hands with her friend and underwater explorer Victor Vescovo acting as the submarine pilot. 

As with any of her mountaineering expeditions, O’Brien made sure she was decked out with the right gear.

She was continually told how cold it was going to be in the deep ocean, with temperatures hovering around zero degrees Celsius.

But the adventurer notes that ‘it is NOT mountaineering cold’ inside the cutting-edge submersible.

She wore insulated climbing pants, a long-sleeve wicking shirt and a down vest under a one-piece submersible suit.

On the footwear front, she says: ‘I did keep my feet warm by using down booties and a thick pair of socks. Victor wore Ugg boots and two pairs of socks. I run hot, some people run cold, but it was base camp cold not the top of a mountain cold!’

Before her 8am departure, O’Brien made sure to have a hearty breakfast and stretch her legs a bit.

Detailing her ensuing ocean adventure, she tells Metro.co.uk: Four hours down and you find yourself in an underwater world that contains fascinating creatures in what is termed the hadal zone, the deepest areas of the ocean.

‘As our work was mapping the area we did not bait to attract any wildlife. However, I did spot a few tracks and signs of life, but not like a coral reef or where there is photosynthesis.’

With her deep-sea expedition ‘being the same as a summit day on the mountain’, O’Brien had her ‘pee device and pee bottle’ to hand.

She notes: ‘There is no toilet on the submersible and given that both Victor and I are mountaineers, it is not a problem or embarrassing to use these pee devices. However, for the record – neither he nor I used our pee bottles during our 11-hour descent!’ 

Over the course of a mile-long stretch, O’Brien and Vescovo discovered a slope of six metres.

The explorers say that this important ‘not just for the survey, but for disproving filmmaker and environmentalist James Cameron’s assertion that Challenger Deep is a flat landscape’.

When it comes to takeaways from her trip, O’Brien found that while she was conducting research ahead of her submersible journey she came to realise how the ‘oceans are the underdog of the climate world’. 

She adds: ‘I am not sure who first said the phrase, “we know more about the surface of the Moon and Mars than we do about our own ocean floor” but it is such a powerful statement. It is as true today as whenever it was first spoken.

‘I find this disappointing, not just because of the ocean surface ratio, but we need water for survival.

‘I would really like our priorities around the oceans and climate change to shift but this will take time, talent, truth and advocacy.’

For those wishing to follow in O’Brien’s footsteps, EYOS Expeditions and Caladan Oceanic are offering adventurous individuals the opportunity to journey to Challenger Deep, which they say is the most ‘exclusive destination on Earth’.

It is running a limited number of commercial trips aboard Limiting Factor with the deep dives costing an eye-watering $750,000. 

Omega watches sponsored O’Brien’s overall expedition which helped with some of her costings.

O’Brien says going on a submersible deep dive is similar to mentally preparing for high altitude climbing and there are various factors to consider.

She muses: ‘It is high risk as there could be mechanical or electrical failures, it is not natural to breathe easily as the oxygen is supplemented, you must endure 12 hours in the dark and cold while sat in cramped quarters. There is also an intense amount of focus and concentration involved.’

As O’Brien was also conducting scientific research during her trip, she was trained in how to operate a robotic arm.

During her mission to Challenger Deep O’Brien picked up rocks from the ocean floor and took water samples to help further our understanding of this mysterious habitat.

Along with having a scientific interest, one of O’Brien’s biggest aims is to ‘inspire women to take on new challenges and try different things’.

She concludes: ‘I am trying to do this a bit by leading through example. I started in business (earned some money), climbed some mountains (spent some money), wrote a book (earned some money), and now I am exploring oceans (spent some money).  

‘I believe having curiosity, confidence, and a tolerance for risk that allows a feedback mechanism so one can adjust their risk tolerance based on what is learnt from their mistakes is a powerful combination to help them get started.’  

O’Brien’s memoir, To the Greatest Heights, has been postponed due to Covid-19 but will be released during International Women’s Month in March 2021. 

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The coronavirus pandemic has completely changed life as we know it.

We’ve been staying home, away from friends, family, restaurants and the office.

Although for some, there are huge financial strains at the minute with pay cuts and job losses, the pandemic has given everyone an opportunity to reassess how we’re spending our money.

This period means we have seen what we really need to spend money on and lots of people hope to continue new habits going forward.

We spoke to some people about their biggest money-saving lessons that they hope will help their finances, even when life gets back to normal.

Visit our live blog for the latest updates: Coronavirus news live

Kate

Before coronavirus, I loved to shop. I bought a new outfit for every occasion and my wardrobe was bulging.

Being at home, I decided to have a huge clear out and was embarrassed by the number of the things I have that had barely been worn.

I’m currently selling lots of things on eBay and Facebook Marketplace to make up some of the money I’ve lost from being furloughed but I really want to avoid going back to shopping like I used to.

I’ve also been teaching myself how to fix things up using free online tutorials so I stop throwing things away when there’s a little hole.

I plan to shop more sustainably and look for more key pieces that I can wear differently and buy things second hand if I really need something. I need to save that money but I really want to get away from my fast fashion habit because it’s bad for the environment too.

Jen

It’s a really little thing but I’ve spent money on a coffee subscription in lockdown which is much less than my daily trip to Costa or Starbucks. I also bought a milk frother to make it how I like.

I use a reusable cup when I go to a coffee shop anyway so when I go back to commuting, I want to just make myself get up five minutes earlier and make my coffee at home to drink on the way in.

I can now make a nice coffee myself and having £3 a day would soon add up.

Colin

I’m planning meals a little bit and refrigerating/ freezing foods, which means I’m not impulse buying and also not using the car as much. I’ve been making do with two local shops I could walk to instead of going to local town and I stopped buying the TV listings mags and found a really good app instead.

Helen

I saved £38 a month on gym membership as I started doing online (free) classes which actually seem to be giving me better results! I will most likely end my gym membership soon.

Nick

We get a fruit and veg box every week from a local company and milk delivery every other day.

A supermarket and local butcher delivery is only necessary every two weeks and go to a catering supplier every couple of months for flour and bulk items. It’s much easier to plan and therefore less wastage.

Rosanna

I have totally changed my spending habits during isolation, because I am also trying to launch a business this year (great timing…) and move to California eventually to be with my boyfriend.

The travel ban is somewhat of a spanner in the works but every penny counts and I have been working so hard to put away all the cash that I can, even though I was also given a 20% paycut at my 9-5.

I have started running to save on pricey gym classes, given myself a takeaway ban and stopped buying any new clothes. I have a chart that I tick off each day I go without making a ‘non-essential spend’ with monthly treats as a reward.

I have great motivation in that I want to eventually work for myself and be with the man I love, and it has been tough but I have made amazing progress and am very proud of myself compared to what I used to be like.

John

Before lockdown, I’d become too reliant on using my car and public transport for short distances but seeing more cyclists around, I decided to get my bike out, fix it up and use it more.

I’m really enjoying cycling and although I haven’t been going to the office, I would like to be able to cycle more when this is over.

I’ve saved so much money on travelling, feel fitter and it’s much better for the environment.

Matt

Eating out was a huge part of my life and I rarely cooked anything from scratch. I’d either be going out with friends, ordering takeaway or if I was staying in, it would usually be a nice ready meal or pizza from a supermarket.

Since being in lockdown, I been cooking and learning new skills and I now realise that I was spending far too much. I’m really enjoying trying new dishes and hope that when this is over, I can try cooking for friends more instead of going to restaurants.

I’ll still enjoy going out because I love the experience of going to a nice restaurant but have realised there needs to be a bit more balance.

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Like most people I know, I enjoy a little flutter here and there – a few quid on my work’s Grand National sweepstake or a EuroMillions ticket slipped in with my weekly shopping.

So when I found myself working from home a few weeks into lockdown, lonely and a little bit bored, it didn’t seem like a big deal to create an account with a well-known betting website. 

I looked at the Irish lottery odds and thought nothing of putting £2 on my lucky numbers. I had to deposit £10 into the account in order to do this – fair enough. A tenner couldn’t hurt, I thought; it could sit in the account and wait until I want to put on a little bet again. 

But I didn’t leave it there.

I browsed the website and decided to play a game of Blackjack. Soon, my remaining £8 was gone. I shrugged it off and reasoned that I was saving over £100 a month on commuting costs alone.

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Later, when boredom reared its head again, I logged back on and deposited another £10 to try and win back what I’d lost. Predictably, that didn’t happen and I quickly hit my weekly deposit limit. I didn’t win anything in the Irish lottery either – my numbers weren’t so lucky after all.

The thought of losing £20 gambling online stung. I knew I couldn’t really afford to be spending frivolously as I’m saving to buy my first home, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that a further £10 used wisely on a game of Blackjack would help me break even, and maybe make a profit.

Now locked out of the website, I looked elsewhere and the pattern repeated itself until I reached my deposit limit on another three well-known betting sites. I set my weekly deposit limit to the maximum of £1000 per week, which is ludicrously irresponsible when you think about it, and started supplementing Blackjack with slots games once my funds got too low.

Just over two months have passed since I nonchalantly placed that £2 on the lottery, and I have wasted £2,500 playing Blackjack online. 

Seeing that number written down makes me feel physically sick. 

I can’t pinpoint where I lost control but lockdown has been at the root of it. Had I been going to work as normal, seeing friends and family, engaging in my hobbies and feeling positive, I don’t think gambling would have occurred to me. 

Just over two months have passed since I nonchalantly placed £2 on the lottery, and I have wasted £2,500 playing Blackjack online. 

The industry’s responsibility tagline says ‘When the fun stops, stop’, but chasing the dream of winning big hasn’t been fun, especially when I was losing. I felt compelled to continue regardless.

More than once, I strayed into my overdraft and had to dip into my savings to avoid penalties – savings that are there to help me be the first person in my family to get on the property ladder. I still have some left, but I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I probably won’t be buying a property.

I dutifully placed my bets on and on, in a trance. It’s like I was practicing a warped form of meditation. When pesky thoughts about the real world slipped into my consciousness, I batted them away and got back to making the numbers on the screen add up to 21.

I played until there was nothing left or I realised I hadn’t moved for hours.

In an attempt to get a handle on the situation, I’ve now permanently excluded myself from all of the betting sites I’ve had accounts with. 

I feel a sense of relief but also slight trepidation. In the back of my mind I honestly believe that I can somehow cheat the algorithms and win back what I’ve lost. I’m being ridiculous, I know, but the thoughts creep in when I’m stressed or bored. 

I haven’t told anyone I know – I am deeply embarrassed of my behaviour and I fear their judgement and pity. I wouldn’t mind if I’d bought something useful with the money, but it’s the fact I’ve frittered it away, and added to the coffers of the multibillion pound gambling industry, that most upsets me.

Recently my boss commented that I looked tired and sad during a video call, and that prompted me to contact my employer’s external counselling service who put me in touch with someone who specialises in gambling addictions.

They are helping me to see that I am not alone, nor do I have anything to be ashamed of. 

I’m trying to busy myself with taking on more responsibilities at work, and I’ve arranged to see friends in the park to use my energy more productively.

I never thought I’d say it but I can’t wait for lockdown to ease further so I can get back to the office and into a more fulfilling routine. I’ve gained nothing from gambling, and almost lost everything. 

The author is writing under a pseudonym.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing rosy.edwards@metro.co.uk

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The UK is slowly adjusting to its new normal in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, with non-essential shops having re-opened as people once again venture out to the high street.

But while you can now pop into your local Primark or other high street chain following their lockdown closure, some services remain closed – among them nail and beauty salons.

Just when will you be able to get that long-awaited manicure or facial once again?

Here’s what you need to know…

When will nail and beauty shops re-open?

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At the moment there is no confirmed date for nail and beauty salons to re-open their doors – but it could be in the next few weeks.

It has previously been established that personal care businesses won’t open until July 4 at the earliest – although this has previously highlighted hairdressers, without any specific mention of nail bars and beauty shops.

Dominic Raab previously told Sky News: ‘From July 4, at the earliest, subject to the conditions, we’ll look at other sectors, and that will include hospitality, but it will also include personal care, and people like hairdressers.

‘Obviously, the proximity in those two sectors I’ve mentioned, hospitality and a personal care sector like hairdressers, is something where we don’t think we’re ready yet given where we are with the virus.’

Although there was no mention of beauty salons and nail bars, they also fall into this category – but it’s been pointed out that they can only re-open with strict safety measures in place, with the nature of the job meaning that staff cannot adhere to social distancing measures with their clients.

Hilary Hall, chief executive of the National Hair and Beauty Foundation told metro.co.uk: ‘Hair and beauty salons and barber shops are in the third phase of the government roadmap out of lockdown and will be able to open no earlier than July 4.’

‘We have advised the government on a set of guidelines which will outline exactly how hair and beauty businesses can reopen safely. It’s essential that salons know what PPE will be required for providing services and treatments which involve physical contact with clients. 

‘With the beginning of July looming, we are urging the government to release these guidelines as soon as possible to give businesses enough time to prepare.’

Of course if you want to get that manicure sooner, you can still do your own at home, with plenty of hints and tips available on how to get that gel look yourself.

MORE: People reveal lockdown money-saving lessons that are helping their long term finances

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A woman who lost one of her legs as a child after being hit by a drunk driver has become a successful model. Kiara Marshall, 27, has campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger and Teen Vogue under her belt, and now wants to inspire other people with disabilities to pursue their dreams.

Kiara, from Brooklyn in New York, lost her right leg on Independence Day 2003 while celebrating with her family. The youngster – then aged 10 – was struck by a driver who was four times over the drink drive limit. Doctors were able to save the badly injured child’s life, but had to amputate her right leg in order to do so.

Kiara got her first prosthetic leg the following year, and soon came to terms with her disability. She now proudly shows her artificial limb in modeling shoots, and hopes her work will help other amputees realize that there is life after losing a limb.

She said: ‘I had never seen an amputee before when I got my prosthetic leg, I felt very alone and had no one to look up to. As I grew up I decided I wanted to change how many people like me there are in the media, so that kids like me have someone to look up to.

‘If there are other little girls out there with limb differences then I want to be their representation. To be doing what I am now feels incredible and like I am living beyond my wildest dreams.

‘I have always dreamed of being a model but it never seemed like a viable option to do it full time, so it feels very surreal. The accident lit a fire inside me to pursue a career in modeling and in many ways it was the making of me.

‘I’ve been full time for a couple of years now and I’ve done some great shoots. I’ve done swimwear for Target, Tommy Hilfiger twice and I appeared at New York’s Fashion Week for Teen Vogue.’

Kiara was living in Austin, Texas, at the time of her accident – which happened while she was outside watching a July 4 fireworks display. She was life-flighted by helicopter to a hospital in Temple, Texas, and spent 11 days in intensive care recovering from the accident. The lower part of Kiara’s right leg had been severed by the impact of the car. Although the upper half remained intact, Kiara said doctors were unable to save it and had to perform a full amputation.

Recalling the life-changing accident, Kiara said: ‘I was sat on the hood of our car watching the fireworks and all of a sudden I saw headlights coming towards me. I was pinned in between the two and my right leg was basically chopped off.

‘I remember being in and out of consciousness and seeing the firefighters surrounding me. It was terrifying and it has changed my life completely.

‘When I look back now I realize how resilient I was, but I remember feeling very alone, I was the only person I knew who had an amputation and there was no one like me in the media.

‘I only really got interested in modeling after the accident. I liked the idea of being able to express myself with my body.’

Kiara began modeling for fun aged 18, and initially worked for free to build her portfolio.

She landed her big break in 2018 after moving to fashion capital New York and being signed to We Speak – a body positive agency which aims to boost representation of BAME models, as well as those who are disabled or plus-sized.

Kiara – who is married to carpenter Jean Barberis, 41, saw her professional modeling career took off after being signed to We Speak and now does the job full time. She also works as a brand ambassador for design company Alleles, which makes stylish covers for prosthetic limbs.

Explaining the hard slog that has now paid off, Kiara said: ‘Up to the age of 24 I did shoots for free with aspiring photographers and didn’t have to pay anything, so it worked for both parties. Now I work for this inclusive agency and specialize in print fashion modeling.

‘The swimwear one I did for Target was extremely revealing and showed everything and all of my scars, I found it mind blowing that they asked me to do it and it felt great to take part.

‘My main aim is to be a role model, to show other people like me that they can be whoever they want or do whatever they want to do in life.

‘I don’t feel like people in my community get the equality they deserve and I think there’s still a lot of work to be done there.

‘I love what I do and I’d love it if I could help to make a difference.’