I have a terrible confession to make. One that I hardly dare voice but here goes. I’m not struggling with lockdown. I’m actually quite enjoying it.

I fully appreciate that I’m in a privileged position. I’m working, albeit from home. I don’t have young children that need home schooling. I have a garden. And a social life even if it is through a screen.

For many people it must be horrific. Shattered dreams, money worries and overwhelming boredom.

If I think back to what I was like in my 20s I know I would now be struggling. Not being able to see my partner, not getting my weekly nightclub fix. Plus being in the frontline as a midwife.

Of course I am worried about the economic repercussions of lockdown. Will I still be able to retire next year? Will my son (who is completing his final year at university) get a job? But it hasn’t impacted yet.

What I think this situation has taught me is that I need to slow my life down a wee bit. I’m enjoying having the extra time at the beginning and end of the working day. Time to read, learn, crochet and reflect. I’m enjoying not getting up on a Saturday morning with a day of housework and food shopping in front of me. I’m viewing it as preparation for a more relaxed, flexible life when I retire from full time employment.

What has taken me by surprise is that five weeks in I’m actually fitter. I’ve embraced my gym’s zoom classes. Often two a day. On Friday I did 80 burpees during one session. I would never have been able to do that before. Last year I really struggled to do the obligatory 60 burpees on my birthday. I’ve signed up to do an online challenge with my daughter. I’m feeling good.

I have more time to exercise as I’m not travelling to the gym. I’m missing not being able to lift heavy weights but maybe I need more of a balance when we return to normal. Whatever the new normal will be.

The time has given me the opportunity to consider my role as a wellness professional coach.

Days before the start of lockdown I completed a certificate in wellness coaching. I was already an approved professional coach with a handful of very satisfied clients. Wellness coaching seemed the logical next step to take given my interest in fitness and health.

Wellness coaching is a process where the coach provides a safe environment for the client to explore those issues that are impacting on their wellness and to identify goals and strategies that will result in long term changes. The coach’s role is to lead, challenge and encourage. But not to instruct or suggest. It is this that makes coaching so powerful.

Interestingly the NHS has recognised the role that coaching can play in supporting people that are struggling to get through this crisis. Many of my fellow coaches have signed up as volunteers to the NHS Project 5 programme. What an opportunity to get established. But I’m not sure. I’d prefer to practice my craft on clients that are looking to enhance their wellness not struggling with it.

Five weeks into lockdown I’m embracing the opportunities that the extra time has given me. Mentally and physically I’m in good shape. I’m lucky. But I feel some guilt when others are struggling. Can I help?