Aside from the horrendous loss of life, nearly four weeks into social distancing, people are understandably longing for things to get back to normal. Despite the upheaval, there are definitely some positives to be taken from these unprecedented times, as well as some things we are better off without.

The first thing I noticed about the lockdown is people generally being nicer and more considerate to others. There have been countless acts of kindness towards front-line workers and their families, as well as help for those who have been forced to self-isolate and have been unable to get to the shops for essentials.

Traffic on the roads has been cut to a fraction of normal levels and the skies are largely free from planes as lockdown rules keep many people at home. There is no drone of motorway traffic that normally wafts in our direction and the dawn chorus is now songbirds rather than lorries.

This more sedate way of life is something that could benefit us all both in our personal and professional lives.

Those still working have had to adapt to new ways of operating. While there have been teething troubles and anxiety caused by having to find workarounds, there is no rushing to get children to school, nor battling rush-hour traffic to and from work.

Once schools reopen fully and the kids set off in the morning, you are a few minutes from home, no commute to contend with and you can get on with six or seven hours of uninterrupted work. You are less stressed, happier and more productive. If it was sustainable, wouldn’t you want it to carry on?

When the dust has settled, companies will no doubt be looking at new ways of working, especially if they have large premises and overheads to consider. It might be a solution that suits everyone.

As positive as I am about life, there are some worries that cannot be avoided. I don’t like waking up each day worrying if I have a cough or fever. I don’t like queueing for food and essentials. I hate not being able to see the rest of our family.

And whether you are employed or run your own business, everyone is understandably worried about money and financial security. 

Knowing that there is financial help available is a relief, but it won’t be until all businesses are fully operational again that money worries will start to ease. 

During the lockdown, technology has come into its own, not only allowing people to work from home, but also to help them communicate with friends and family and to order vital supplies.

While it has been invaluable, it has also reminded me how preoccupied we have become with it. Before it became a lifeline, it was taken for granted that apps could replace human interaction in almost every walk of life.

As well as ordering goods and services online, we can also walk into fast-food restaurants, place, pay and collect your order virtually without speaking to anyone. Taxis can also be booked with a few taps on a smartphone.

In restaurants and pubs, friends and families would sit with their eyes glued to their phones, hardly saying a word to each other or those serving them.

While the crisis has promoted care and support for others on social media, I hope this continues face to face when the restrictions are lifted, and anti-social media is something I would be glad to see the back of.

Like everyone else, I can’t wait for things to return to normal. There is plenty I am looking forward to, but some things that can stay in isolation when this is all over.