Lockdown has been a strange old time for most of us.

Whether you've not been able to see family members, have loved ones working on the NHS front line or been home schooling and working from home, all of our lives have changed.

For many, being able to sit in our gardens or have time to focus on gardening and planting has been a welcome relief and distraction.

But for people living in flats, many without balconies or outdoor space, it has naturally been more of a struggle.

A story we wrote about Bournemouth residents being less likely to have their own outdoor space than anywhere else in the region prompted a huge response from many of you on social media.

And reading the comments made us think about all of us coping in very different circumstances.

We wanted to share people's comments with you. They help to give a different perspective and in some respects, solidarity that you're not alone.

From the inspiring to the practical we hope you can all take something from them.

1. It’s been hard especially with all this nice weather. Luckily I have a horse so I have been exercising and seeing to her needs which helps. Also having the beach near by so been going for a walk as well. It’s hard but we all just have to get on with it.

2. Single mum of three in a flat with no outside space, some days are worse than others, but we have a roof over our heads, full tummies and our health which is more than others have.

Bournemouth Echo:

3. I live in a small flat with no balcony and no garden. But it's been fine...when the sun is out you sit on a chair by window and sunbathe. But I am lucky as I have a flat...some people do not have a home at all.

4. We live in a flat with a 4yr old and 20m old, we’ve got a small balcony and are supposed to be moving out on 31st May, our hallway is full with 68 boxes we have packed ready for our move. You just have to get on with it.

5. With an 8 year old boy I’m not going to lie and say it’s been easy but by staying in home 100% of time since just before lock down (I’m pregnant!) has made it easier as going out for a walk would (for us at least) be tempting and upsetting not to be out playing in parks, beach etc! We understand it won’t be forever and couldn’t carry it on our shoulders if someone got sick or died because we were selfish.

6. It isnt the end of the world. It is only for a few weeks. We have plenty of windows and they are all open all day. We have 3 doors that open as Juliet balconies so we stand there when we need to. I have a tread mill so exercise is not a problem. Mental health is fine. It is all about how you deal with it. We are positive and so are not struggling at all.  If this is the worst thing that happens to a child throughout their life then I would consider that a win. We have had lots of fun. Tents put up in the sitting room, completed schoolwork together and made it fun, we have baked, played board games and generally got through it. The time has flown past to be honest. Also, you say chat from a distance. My aunt is 74 and goes out every day to walk her dog and every day some idiot tries to stop and chat to her or passes her within inches rather than distance themselves. Sadly too many idiots that are not taking it seriously.

Bournemouth Echo:

7. I live in a one bed flat with 2 toddlers, it is hard both on the parents and not fair on the children, but you just have to make the best of it and work harder to keep them entertained, I love my children and would do anything for them - that means more to me than what is going on.

8. We live in a flat with no outdoor space and in shielding isolation so stuck inside but have windows open when possible and spend time looking out the window. It is what we have to do if we value our lives and those of others.

9.  I’m a single mum in a flat with no outside space, we have gone out everyday to our local green area and i've even gone round to my mum's back garden which is a 20 minute walk from mine, she takes the dog out and we use the back gate to use the garden. It’s not really affected us that much. You have to use what you have in a safe way that’s all, doesn’t mean keeping yourself in completely​.

10. I’m a single mum in a lovely flat in Winton. We have been going to Winton rec daily when the weather allows. It’s nice to see people adhering to social distancing in Winton/Charminster. My son has also learnt how to cross the road safely with his bike. On the days the weather hasn’t been great we’ve been around the block. As it’s been said already, we are healthy and happy.

11.  It's depressing but we go for a walk everyday and even if we have to wear ALL the jumpers the windows are thrown wide open as soon as we wake up! Oh and picnics in the garage was fun!

12.  I’m not going to lie, it’s been incredibly hard. We live in a one bed flat with our three year old. We’ve done loads of indoor activities with him and spent lovely family time together but I can’t help but feel like it would’ve been easier with a garden for him to play in. Especially with the weather being so nice! But we’ve gone out on daily scooter trips and we are so lucky to have our own place.

Bournemouth Echo:

13. I live in a flat with my 2 daughters. No problem at all. We are just happy to have our health and are appreciative of others who are putting their lives at risk while all we have to do is stay at home and weather the storm.

14. We are in a one bed room flat with no outdoor space and I am working from home. We are ok - but it's really sickening to hear others with gardens moan! I only go out a couple of times a week - my choice as I want to get through this with the least amount of risk. My husband is a key worker so that's enough risk for the 2 of us. We are lucky having a home, jobs, food, technology and our health - lots dont.