By Flora Davies, Year 10 Journalist Leader

Throughout lockdown social media has been some people’s saviour, allowing them to keep in touch with friends and family. At the same time, hours of scrolling inevitably has led us to feel that we should be doing more to make the most of the time in lockdown. Some popular choices have been: making sourdough, learning a new language, becoming a chef or having a ‘glow-up’.

The 22nd of February marked out an escape route for the UK and knowing when I will return to school has been my salvation. Yet, since the 22nd it has also started a mental clock ticking in my head setting off lockdown ‘lasts’ and ‘regrets’ as (hopefully) this will be the last time that we will have to be imprisoned like this.

In two short weeks I have attempted to perfect winged eyeliner and become a yoga master. Unfortunately, I have to say, I have not been successful. I am sure many have countless stories of lockdown’s abandoned goals and letdowns.

This lockdown has definitely seemed to be the darkest, whether that be from the dank weather, or the fact that it is our third time round, almost a year on.

In this darkness, for some, social media has really been the only beacon of hope and light, allowing them to share their passions and progress. People have shared their lives, and have made the most of this time, from creating a perfectly organised bookshelf to making a soufflé even Paul Hollywood would be proud of.

However others have really struggled, especially with their mental health. In a study by Mind, from the 12th-26th January 75% (out of 2348) of 12-16 aged participants stated that this lockdown has been much harder to deal with. Social media can seem like adding fuel to the fire as it often appears as an ‘endless pit’ of ‘people living their best lives’. The technology of today has allowed people to stay in touch, but at what cost?

As it was World Teen Mental Health Day recently, on the 2nd of March, it is important to always remind everyone that we have been thrown into exceptional circumstances. People react differently to crisis situations, the exact personification of ‘surviving’ vs. ‘thriving.’ 

To some, a successful day may be mastering a new dish and to others, simply getting ready for the day. Everybody has different needs.

So, as we pack our bags and say farewell to Covid-19, it is crucial to remember that although you may not have mastered yoga or boxing, you have survived a pandemic.