While it’s never been more obvious that health comes first and we would never underplay the seriousness of the Covid-19 crisis, there have been some moments of light relief that have reminded us of our collective strengths as well as our shortcomings.
And some things that might have brought a smile to your face in the midst of our toughest collective challenge for generations are your attempts to carry out the everyday tasks we usually leave to the capable hands of professionals.
Some of these DIY projects have been triumphs, others have been disasters – but one thing they prove is that, for better or worse, us Brits are never afraid to have a go at pretty much anything when it comes to the crunch.
Without further ado, here’s a quick review of three things we’ve learned to do ourselves during lockdown.
1. Haircuts
How hard can it really be to execute a haircut right? Your barber usually takes minutes to turn you out like an A-lister.
But the collection of bowl-cuts, accidental mullets, emergency skinheads and tattered scalps popping up on social media proves what should have been obvious all along – barbers and hairdressers are highly skilled professionals after all!
Tip: watch this skin fade tutorial from Nick Murrell for some decent home haircut hacks.
2. Pub quizzes
With so many of us turning to virtual pub quizzes for entertainment, we can’t help wondering whether the hardcore quizzing community is welcoming this influx of enthusiasts with welcome arms or cursing them as cynical bandwagonists.
Either way, it turns out that even without a physical pub and draught beer (oh how we miss you both!), alcohol plus questions plus video apps still equals fun.
Is it just us though, or do most quiz groups tend to have that one member who kicks the posterior out of proceedings with a tortuous round that includes multiple three and four part questions and takes at least an hour to complete?
Tip: check out quiz gurus challengethebrain.com for some terrific pub quiz brain-teasers.
3. Home improvements
Chances are that in recent weeks you’ve also attempted various home improvement projects that you would never have considered yourself capable of previously (and perhaps that you’ll continue to avoid in future!).
We’ve seen projects ranging from bannisters to bird boxes and blinds to rustic flower planters pulled off with varying degrees of aesthetic value and professionalism, but the main thing is probably that we’re always willing to try.
And those of us who have resurrected DIY hobbies that we happen to be pretty good at might even be inclined to swap our day jobs for something we actually enjoy doing when some sort of normality returns.
Tip: fancy some new doors during lockdown? The craftsmen at Oakwood Doors are still delivering!
So there you have it – a hattrick of new skills that demonstrate how hapless, hopeful and human we all are.
And while we can’t wait to let the true pros take over again, bravo British resourcefulness!
What have you tried for the first time during lockdown? Let us know in the comments section.
