Finn's Newsletter: Spring 2020, Issue No.8

Restrictions abroad are being lifted; what can we learn?

 

As some of our closest neighbours across the pond in Europe begin to lift their most severe lockdown restrictions, there are now questions concerning our own lockdown and when it will end. As well as the question of when is the question of how; we look at other European countries to see what we can glean from them, as well as the sentiment of the British public.

Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and Austria are among the leading European countries who are taking steps to end their own lockdowns, with schooling at the top of each of their lists. As lockdowns begin to ease, it seems that reopening schools, albeit daycare and primary schools only in most cases, are amongst the first to return to normality. When our own restrictions are eased, expect early-years childcare to be amongst the first to return to normality.

As well as schooling, smaller retail units are also being reopened fairly promptly, with countries producing lists of “approved businesses” – including hairdressers, DIY shops and flower shops. Germany has opened retail units based on their size, with any business that has a floorspace less than 800 square metres allowed to trade as usual, as long as social distancing measures are still adhered to. Austria has taken a more stringent view on opening “non-essential” shops, allowing shops to open with a floorspace of less than 400 square metres, half of that of the German restriction.

 

In terms of our own restrictions, we may see a clear-cut policy of the Government allowing shops with a specific floorspace to reopen, as in Germany and Austria, or we could go down the route of specific retail units being allowed to open due to their economic significance.

Whilst these lockdowns abroad are slowly lifted, it is important to note that there are still strict measures in place. Lockdowns across Europe are not being simply lifted, instead there is a slow and steady opening of schooling facilities, shops by necessity or size and social distancing measures are still strictly enforced.

The wearing of face masks is also becoming a familiar sight across the continent as people return to their daily lives; in some countries such as Austria the wearing of masks is obligatory in order to quell a second peak of infections. There is some scientific consternation around the efficacy of wearing face masks, and the British Government has indicated concerns that making the wearing of face masks obligatory could have detrimental effects on the supply of PPE to the NHS, therefore this may not be something we see widespread across the UK.

Whilst the past month or so has seen life in the United Kingdom, and indeed across the world, change enormously due to the coronavirus there are encouraging signs from our European comrades that life will start to return to normal in the fairly near future. Expect a measured and hesitant approach to relaxing lockdown regulations as the Government seeks to hone an exit strategy that allows for the economy and health services to recover, whilst simultaneously avoiding another surge in cases – therefore early years schooling, potentially followed by secondary schools and specific retail outlets will most likely be the first to reopen. Interestingly, it seems that as a country we are amongst the most concerned with regards to the threat of coronavirus, with a March poll published in the Journal of Risk Research finding that the UK had the highest level of perceived risk out of all the countries surveyed – this could indicate that we would be amongst the most receptive to a slower and more measured easement of lockdown restrictions than our closest counterparts.

Healthy habits to see you through lockdown

 

It can be easy to become demotivated spending so much time indoors at home; especially if you were used to being out of the house more often than in. However, it is important that we pay attention to our mental health and wellbeing to ensure that we are looking after ourselves. Whilst we have so much more time on our hands, we have an opportunity to adopt some healthy habits into our usual routines to keep us feeling good. Continue below for some ways to improve your wellbeing.

Drink Water

We all know that we should drink more water, but it can be easier said than done. Water is so important for our health as it performs a range of vital functions in our body. Our body is made up of 60% water! When we don’t drink enough of it, we can become dehydrated causing tiredness, poor concentration, and headaches. Most of us should drink around 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. For a different taste we can also try herbal teas, coconut water, and include foods in our diet that have a high-water content.

There are also apps that can help us to remember to drink throughout the day, such as Plant Nanny. Plant Nanny allows you to grow a virtual plant and water it every time you drink a glass of water to help it grow.

Eat Healthily

A balanced diet is a healthy diet. We should include a variety of foods in our diets to ensure that we get all the nutrients and vitamins for our body. Some ways that we can incorporate a healthy diet into our lifestyles is by meal planning. Now that we are spending more time at home, we have more time to cook meals from fresh. So now is the time to get out those recipe books or head to the many online recipes available at the click of a button.

Another tip to encourage healthy eating is to keep healthy snacks around. This will ensure that you do not binge on unhealthy treats. Baking your own healthy snacks is a great way to understand what you’re eating (such as making your own granola bars).

Exercise

Research shows that exercise can help to relieve stress, improve mood, and stimulate the production of endorphins which can create feelings of happiness for us. So, it is the perfect remedy for days where we might feel stuck in a rut. It obviously improves physical health too!

There are hundreds of free online workouts that you can follow. Or you can make it as simple as going for a walk or a run, dancing in your living room, or doing some yoga. The more we can get our bodies moving during this time the better we will feel.

Be More Present

If there is one thing that has changed for most of us during lockdown, it’s that our lives have slowed down. No longer are we rushing around from the moment we get out of bed in the morning.

We can use our additional time spent at home to learn how to be more present, which essentially means to be focused on the one thing that you are doing, or the people you are with. Practicing mindfulness can help with this. There are many apps available to try, such as Headspace. Headspace talks you through short breathing and mindfulness techniques to calm the mind and promote positive health. Keeping a gratitude diary can also help you to focus on what you have in your life without always thinking about more.

Connect With Family And Friends

Although we can’t meet up with our family and friends as normal, it is so important to stay in regular contact with them. With the endless digital tools that we have available, it’s so easy to do this. There are many ways to be inventive when connecting online through social media or video call. There are games and quizzes you can play; as well as having a good old chat. Keeping in touch with people will boost our sense of belonging as well as providing crucial support to those we care about. Our relationships are so important to us so create a habit of checking in with family and friends more often.

Property programmes to inspire you

If you’re missing the thrill of looking at new properties and imagining your next home, we have put together a list of programmes which will help inspire your next property purchase. Available on streaming platforms to fit into your timetable, this selection should give you a taste of what could be possible with your own home and future properties.

 

Netflix

• How To Live Mortgage Free With Sarah Beeny – Property entrepreneur Sarah Beeny meets with different individuals who have managed to clear their mortgages by using simple and effective tricks.
• Tidying Up With Marie Kondo – Tidying guru Marie Kondo has become somewhat of a sensation over the past few years in helping people declutter their homes and their lives.
• The Apartment – In this reality series hosted by design icon Jamie Durie, interior designers show off their design skills each week in a bid to win the overall prize.
• Amazing Interiors - This series shows that we should never judge a book by its cover as each of the properties featured looks relatively ordinary from the outside, with the interiors then anything but ordinary.
• The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes – Living up to its title, this series explores the world and discovers the most unbelievable properties, from Norwegian valley homes to Spanish cliff-face villas.

Amazon

• Homes By Design – This series focuses on a different design aspect each episode and looks at superb examples of property architecture throughout the Americas and Europe. From Gothic Revival architecture, to ocean inspiration this series truly does have it all.
• Homes Under The Hammer – Originally made famous on the BBC, this series is also available on Amazon and showcases properties bought auction which are then restored by their new owners with the express intention to sell them quickly or let them for profit.
• CoCoCozy Design House – CoCoCozy is regarded as one of the top design influencers around the world, and this series chronicles the latest design project from the renowned design house.
• The Really Big Flip – Flipping a house is the process of buying a property that is ripe for restoration and then selling it on as quickly as possible for a profit. This challenge programme follows three teams who are tasked to do just that.

 

Channel 4 On Demand

• Property Ladder – Amateur developers source run-down homes for them to develop and sell for a profit, but along the way they are presented with challenges both financial and logistical.
• The Property Chain – Perfect for those who have never purchased for, this series follows property chains and explores the whole process – from offers being accepted all the way through to move-in day.
• Location, Location, Location – A Channel 4 favourite fronted by Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer, this programme follows different individuals and couples on their property searches.
• Big House, Little House – In this series, two sets of couples with budgets at different ends of the spectrum create amazing new spaces in their homes.

How to increase your kerb appeal

 

With us all spending more time at home, it is an opportunity to pay closer attention to our homes where we usually don't have the time to. Especially the front of our homes! If you were planning on getting your property on the market you can still prepare for this during this time. Making a good first impression is key when presenting your home; and the first thing potential buyers see is the front of your house. The homes that perform the best are the ones that can grab the attention from the off, and thankfully, maximising your kerb appeal doesn’t have to break the bank! So we've included some tips below:

1) Front and centre

The front door is always a good place to start, especially as it’s one of the first things that people see when it comes to your home. UPVC doors can be cleaned easily enough with the right product, and if you’ve a wooden door, why not consider a fresh lick of paint? You can also bring your garage or front gate into the equation for a bit of colourful synchronicity.

Giving your letterboxes and door handles a polish shows good attention to detail, but if they’re looking a little tired, don’t be afraid to replace them.

2) Plot your path to success

The path to your front door or outdoor paving stones can get dirty with ease, so applying some TLC, whether that’s with a pressure washer or a good ol’ bucket of warm water and a scrubbing implement will instantly help your outside space.

If you have paving stones, then keeping your weeds in check is also a shrewd move; pulling out the weed killer for large front porches, paths or driveways will make things look far neater.

3) Plant an impression

A simple touch, but an effective one. Adding some greenery around your front door suggests to the naked eye that you take care of your property and look after your home, so look into some potted plants to go outside your front door. Hanging baskets are another option if ground space is limited.

4) Window dressing

The windows on your front room are another area where little touches can make a big difference. Keep on top on cleaning your curtains and blinds for a tidy appearance, and also the inside of your windows. If your windows aren’t providing you with enough insulation, you could even look at replacing them altogether in the future.

5) Night Lights

Finally, take a look at the area around your front door at night and imagine how much more welcoming it could be with a bit of light. A solar-powered light is easy to install, charges itself during the day and won’t cost you extra in your bills! If you have an outdoor power supply this will help if you’re looking to install something akin to a classic-style lamp, but you needn’t go overboard.