Sshhhh, it’s all going to be ok. I promise. Just put the gin down, take a deep breath and calmly make yourself some breakfast. This is what I tell myself every morning and it really does help.

Some swear by putting on a nice dress and make-up to help themselves feel better, and that’s great, but my goodness, I did feel sorry for my neighbour yesterday –  she just wasn’t ready to see her husband like that!

Here are some more top tips for life in lockdown:

• Gardening is very good for your physical and mental wellbeing, but an annoying, lazy partner is not. Therefore, may I suggest digging a very large hole…I think you know where I’m going with this?
• If you have kids, get them out in the garden too, maybe an Easter egg hunt, or just hide their lunch every day and tell them it’s a Bear Grylls challenge, they’ll love it!
• Don’t get too precious about spilling food down your clothes; it gives you something to pick at later instead of having to go to the fridge. Again!
• Read a book – actually, write a book! Shakespeare, Sir Isaac Newton, Mary Shelley and Jane Austen all penned masterpieces whilst in isolation. No pressure!

Seriously though, people are amazing in the face of diversity, aren’t they?

I doff my hat to the parents who are now home-school teachers; the retired and furloughed that are volunteering for the NHS; the friend who walks your dog; the best mate who gave you her last loo roll; the brother who sends you the funniest videos; your neighbour who checks you’re ok; the carer for the old lady over the road; the volunteers feeding the homeless; the pub owners who are now selling groceries; the sister-in-law who delivered some gin to your doorstep… the list goes on.

So how do we thank our neighbours, friends and family we share this city with?

Right now we could send them a card or make them a cake (flour supply permitting!) or support our local shops that are still operating online by sending them some flowers, or a fancy whiskey, maybe a cocktail ring or necklace from one of the jewellers or a gift voucher from their favourite boutique.

And when the virus has gone and the lockdown restrictions are lifted? Well, first things first, HUGE hugs all round! We can then link arms and go for a walk; take them to lunch, or just meet for a coffee; stroll around the museums; check out the bookshops and clothes shops; go see a film or a play; have cocktails together – the list goes on because St. Albans is bloomin’ brilliant.

Stay home, stay safe, be kind and LOVE where you live.

Mel x

Melanie Wall’s Lockdown Diary is on Instagram @bestyledbymel1 and Facebook @bestyledbymel