Lucy Campbell, a six-time British Women’s Surfing Champion had her eyes firmly locked on hopefully representing her country at what was meant to be this year’s Tokyo Olympic Games, before the ongoing coronavirus pandemic forced the postponement of the global spectacle. Despite the blow, dryrobe brand ambassador Lucy hopes she can inspire others by sharing insight on how she’s adjusted to life in lockdown. Here she shares her thoughts on why a changing of the goal posts shouldn’t mean all doom and gloom. You can and should try to find solace in self-isolation…
Lucy Campbell
“All of us are adjusting, we are going through phases of sadness and we are finding our new norms. I know (and I count my lucky stars) that deep down, I have not been too affected by the craziness. I think at times, we have all struggled to get our heads around what is going on. Personally, I initially struggled on not knowing a time frame…when will I be competing again? When will I get work/income again? Is it too soon to start training hard? What training can I do? Despite these worries, a little penny dropped in my mind that eased my feelings and I’m hoping I can help you too.
- Invest in yourself & set small achievable goals
A couple of weeks ago, I realised that if I just take things week by week and have just one focus at a time, I can set my heart on just that. I had a small achievable goal to reach for and the uncertainty seemed less daunting – So on week 1, I put my focus on ME. The best advice I was given last year, (I was going through a tough break up at the time) is that the best thing you can possibly do is invest time in yourself, and so I mostly meditated (I use the head space app) and took the time to have a little step back and reflect. I spent time doing the little things that made me happiest; whether that’s slow morning coffees, cuddles with my puppy, listening to music, reading (I highly recommend the medium app), or baking with my Mum. I put all my focus on everything that I am grateful for with yoga and easy workouts thrown in too. Of course, I still had work to do but as I’m self-employed, I set aside a few hours a day to get the essentials done.
- Don’t let that ‘to-do’ list get the better of you. Do spend quality time with those around you
As time has passed, I hope I speak on behalf of everyone in saying that things have got a bit easier. I no longer feel guilty for not tackling my to-do list by mid-morning. I cannot train how I usually would but I’m still finding ways to pursue surfing the best I can. I’m still doing home workouts, skating, running and occasionally I can get in the ocean, which is more than some countries at the moment. One thing I have loved doing is helping my Mum and Dad build their dream garden. I’m usually home for fleeting visits so it feels really good to repay them with my time after all the weekends they spent driving me around the country for various competitions when I was younger.
- Do what makes you happy
With the right mindset, we can take this opportunity and spin it positively. We finally have the chance to get engrossed in our passions or hobbies and we can learn the value in taking ME time. Next week, I’ll be doing what I can to keep me happy – whether that’s getting the sewing machine out again, practicing my Spanish or getting my taxes done! Having said all this, the most important message from me is this…
And finally…
You don’t have to come out of this any better, any fitter or anymore any educated than when lockdown started, you just have to look after yourself.”
Lucy Campbell is a brand ambassador of dryrobe, producers of the world’s most advanced change robe. To find out more visit www.dryrobe.com
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