Adjusting to life at home has been challenging, to say the very least, but there have actually been many positives to self-isolation. From saving buckets of money, to finally being able to finish that Netflix show, and having hours more free time to spend with the kids. It’s important to reflect on the positives of our current situation.
Appreciating our families
For most of us, self-isolation has meant hours upon hours more time with our families; for once we aren’t rushing anywhere, so we can spend quality time with each other. Perhaps you’ve had a couple of unusually deep and meaningful conversations with your growing teenager, or maybe you’ve enjoyed numerous afternoons baking a healthy snack with your little ones. Simply keeping kids (big and small) entertained has brought out our best creativity, right?
Discovering more ‘time’
It’s not every day you can go to ‘work’ a corridor or flight of stairs away. I’m sure I’m not the only one rolling out of bed 30 minutes before the start of a class or meeting. Whilst routines are still important (especially for stress management), I think we should all appreciate the new-found flexibility and freedom that our lives suddenly offer us. There’s no doubt that my morning feels nicer not having to rush for the train or wait in traffic.
Finding new hobbies
If there was ever a right time to cook that difficult recipe you’ve been eyeing, write that book you’ve been aspiring to do, study that course just because you’re curious, learn a new language, or even simply start a new Netflix show, it’s right now!
With the sudden increase in free time that many of us have been experiencing, there has never been a better time to invest time in your hobby or challenge yourself to something new.
Inspiration can be found anywhere, from friends and family to social media and YouTube. In today’s technology era, you can learn just about anything you want to online, so explore your interests, and use this sudden influx of time to master an existing hobby, or hone in a new skill.
Driving to a good mood
If you did have to leave home and drive out recently, you’d be amazed by the lack of traffic on the roads. Driving is no longer a stressful experience! This alone is enough to boost my mood.
For those environmentally-minded, reduced traffic means reduced emissions. In fact, we’re seeing record low emission levels worldwide! Mother nature can finally take a deep breath without getting choked on fumes.
Bringing our communities closer together
A crisis can bring out the best in people. Most people look to help one another in challenging times that we all face. Some recent studies have shown that stress, feeling of loss of control or vulnerability can induce supportive behaviour amongst people, which heightens the sense of community.
Closer to home, we’ve seen people giving toilet paper rolls to the elderly neighbours, we’ve seen neighbours taking turns to visit shops to pick up essential items for each other, we’ve also seen more people showing up to buy coffees or food from local shops to support small businesses.
Altruism and generosity are everywhere as people become more empathetic towards one another in a crisis.
If there’s any conclusion you should take from today’s post, it’s that we should embrace this time for what it is; a much-needed break from our fast-paced and isolated lives. It’s ironic that our times of isolation may in fact make us feel more connected with one another.
What I’ve learnt from being stuck in self-isolation is that not only are we helping to combat a deadly virus, we have also been given a chance to reflect on our true values in life.
