Others were already nostalgic for life in pyjamas and ugg boots. Women felt liberated from makeup,heels and bras. Diaries were empty except zoom meetings. Social events and time spent commuting were replaced by occasional walks. Families were liberated from children's sporting events.

After getting used to life in lockdown,the gradual return to work is causing more change and uncertainty.

And nobody likes change,said Dr Melissa Norberg,associate professor and deputy director of Macquarie University's Centre for Emotional Health.

Professor Norberg said she had become"comfortable in the bubble"."I roll out of bed,work in my pyjamas,put on active wear,and keep it on. A few times I was like,'OMG,I have a zoom meeting. I have to get out of my pajamas'."

For many people,it had been a chance to reflect on how they wanted to live in future.

Some people would want to stay at home,but research showed avoiding routine life outside the home may provide short-term relief but was usually harmful in the long-term,said Professor Norberg.

Ms Howard,who works three days a week in a medical practice,said she had always been phenomenally late,racing to keep up.

"When I am not racing I am not as anxious and stressed,and we can be funny and laugh together. When we are relaxed,my daughter is relaxed,"she said. After a happy time in lockdown,she plans to do less,buy less,and worry less about what others think she should be doing.