A regular health and lifestyle column from Corinne Yeadon, of the Being Better private therapy practice based in Newmarket Street, Skipton

I HAVE been having some crazy dreams during this period of lockdown.

It seems I am not alone. There are theories of this being a way of helpfully processing and managing a stressful and difficult situation in order to wake up emotionally reset, refreshed and able to fight another day.

A recent dream involved me metaphorically stamping my foot, demanding to go to a pub for chicken and chips and a pint of beer. Interestingly, this is nowhere near my top 10 ‘to dos’ come the liberation, in fact, it wouldn’t even figure.

This led me to consider how easy it is to bemoan what we can’t do or have at the moment. When the freedom of choice is taken away, things can appear much more alluring and desirable.

Identifying and appreciating what we do have makes for a much more positive and healthier way of thinking and being. The restrictions placed on us can feel amplified because of good weather and yearning to be out and about, socialising with friends and families.

Had COVID-19 happened during winter months we may have been more content to hibernate, batten down the hatches and stay put. While it may have been easier to handle, Christmas devastated by lockdown, social distancing and isolation is too unthinkable.

So many people have commented on previously taking things for granted and are declaring to never do this again. Surely, focusing on what is lacking is overlooking the things to be appreciative of?

It helps to identify the good in every situation, feeling thankful makes us feel better. Focusing on what is absent can only lead to unhelpful thinking and low mood.

I have a bucket type list of people to see and places to visit post lockdown, which is growing daily. There is nothing unrealistic or fantastical on the list, no Kilimanjaro climbs or adrenaline fuelled sports. Just places I kept meaning to go and people and places I miss.

There are bound to be down days, no one expects a permanent state of bouncing around like a children’s TV presenter, but it’s about avoiding dwelling during the difficult days.