Bláthnaid or known as Bee to her friends, is an Irish model and music student is now based in London.
We caught up with Bee to find out about her life in isolation…
What does isolation look like where you live? How has your local community been affected?
I was very lucky to be at home in Ireland for the first lockdown in 2020. I was there when it all got announced so I decided it was best to stay put. Spending five months in the countryside with fresh air, lots of walking trails and my dogs definitely wasn’t your typical lockdown.
I felt quite removed from the severity of what was happening in London at the same time. Living through the next two lockdowns returning to London my experience was very different. I definitely appreciate the months I had at home a whole lot more.
Can you talk us through your daily routine in isolation?
If I don’t have any early morning castings or jobs I start my day with an early morning walk to wake myself up and pick up any groceries I may need. When I return I focus on my university work. It was strange adjusting to online studying but it seems natural now.
Throughout the day I’m always listening to music and I try to make my home as calming as possible. Food has become such an important part of my day. Getting the time to use the cookbooks I have has been so exciting. I find cooking very therapeutic. It’s my favourite part of the day.
Keeping in touch with family and friends is also vital. I always love to know what everyones up to. Catching up is so important. Even if it’s as mundane as cooking the same recipe as my sisters on FaceTime.
I love to end my day with a shower or a relaxing bath. I try to stay off technology towards the evening if possible. Listening to podcasts or meditation is how I switch off. Sleep is really important to me, so I try to make sure I’m in the best mindset before going to bed.
What are the biggest impacts the lockdown has had on your life?
I know lockdown can stack a lot of invisible odds against people. I think it’s important to acknowledge that what we’re experiencing right now is not easy. To be separated from our friends and family for such a long time can be very dispiriting.
It’s more important than ever to check up on everyone important in your life and to remind them how special they are. For me one of the biggest impacts lockdown has had was preventing my sisters and I from going home for Christmas. Hopefully next year we can make up for lost time.
What has been a silver lining from being in isolation? Any special memories?
I would say having those first five months at home with my parents and my dogs. I’m grateful that I had more time to give my studies. I really feel I have got to know myself more by having so much more time to reflect.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learnt during this time?
That family and loved ones are everything. I sadly lost my aunt during lockdown and it has taught me how important it is to love. To live in the moment and to take as many pictures as possible. Even when things seemed miserable there was always so much love in my family, and it’s what held us together even though we’re apart.
What are your self-care tips at home?
Candles! I am notoriously known for my ever growing candle collection. I think they just give an instant lift to any room and also my mood. I always feel better when I do my skin-care routine too. Face and eye masks are my weakness! My favourite brands right now are iUNIK and Kora Organics.
Where do you want to travel to when the restrictions are lifted?
I would love to go to Iceland with my sisters! We’ve always talked about it. But firstly I would love to go home to see my parents. I’m a homebody at heart.
Transport yourself to December 2021, what would you like to have achieved this year?
I would love to say that all my family and friends have made it through the year with some good stories to tell. I would like to have worked with some exciting brands, and to say I’m happy in myself and have done as much as possible to help others along the way.
