One tiny thing we can’t even see has brought the entire planet to a halt. So many lives have been impacted, our habits changed and everything we knew and believed in was put to the test. And for many people, the 180-degree rotation in their daily routines hasn’t been so disastrous as they thought it would.
Turns out, slowing things down has some advantages. Who would’ve thought?
If you and your loved ones weren’t exposed to the virus first hand, then chances are you had a lot of time to do some self-reflecting, and I’m sure that your circumstances are not the only thing that’s changed.
You had to give up some of your old habits, didn’t you?
Unfortunately, the astronomical number of lives the virus took prematurely, has been so impactful that it completely shattered our reality, and as a result, we’re now beginning to understand that some of the habits we had and things we thought were absolutely necessary… well, we kinda don’t need all of them to make us happy.
A few days ago I was thinking about how I survived this global quarantine with a lot less difficulty than I thought I would.
It made me realize how grateful I am for the fact that all of the people I care about are fine, and how deep the sadness I fell for everyone who’s suffered the consequences of this uninvited guest. I realized that it’s made me more aware.
As a result, I made a decision to keep some of the habits I thought were forced upon me. But looking back, I believe they’re healthier and more natural than a lot of my pre-virus era ones, and some of them definitely aren’t leaving my life any time soon.
ENJOYING ALONE TIME
Never before have I had so much guilt-free free time, so many hours of doing absolutely nothing, because there’s absolutely nothing to be done. And It only cemented my belief that spending quality time by yourself is absolutely priceless. Once you’re alone and every distraction fades from your perception, if you’re not able to feel at peace, it’s time for a change. You should be your own best friend. And if not even you enjoy your own company, chances are many other people will feel the same.
Cherish the time spent alone. Turn inwards, become your own best friend, once you start enjoying your own company others will start craving yours.
Learn to enjoy it, make a habit out of it, after all, that’s when you are the closest to yourself.
MAKE COOKING YOUR OWN MEALS YOUR NEW HABIT
I’ve always enjoyed cooking, but during this lockdown, I really put a lot of effort into developing my skills, and the result of that’s not only better tasting food. I started enjoying food more.
Before, I used to just shove food down my throat, and I always wondered, how can some people chew every bite 22 times? How do they do that? It felt like it took them more chewing for 5 bites than it takes me for the whole meal. I was confused, cause I was a speedy eater.
Turns out, they’re just more present. When they’re eating they’re eating. When I was eating, I was working, I was approaching girls, I was arguing with my mother. And the saddest part is that 99% of the time, all of those things were happening in my head.
Yeah. It’s sad, I know. But so many people have the same problem. And It turns out, the answer is quite obvious: when you’re eating-EAT. Don’t distract yourself with unnecessary thoughts and actions. Be present, concentrate on your food. It’s not just nutritional, it’s meant to be enjoyed.
BEING MORE LOVING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Realizing how many people have suffered during this pandemic, has really made me realize just how precious relationships with your loved ones are.
And the world has become crazy. We’re always in a hurry and often tend to neglect close people.
But if this pandemic has taught us anything it’s that if you have a good relationship with people close to you, everything is way easier.
TAKING BETTER CARE OF MY IMMUNE SYSTEM
I’ve been very dedicated to taking care of my immune system during this crazy pandemic, and I really think that this is will become one of my main concerns as I move on with my life. I’ve come to realize than when I take care of my body and my immune system, not only do I feel better physically, but also mentally. My mind functions better, it’s sharper, and It’s also very cooperative. It doesn’t turn against me, as often. When I take better care of my body, my entire system seems to be more harmonious. So, this habit’s going to stay one of my biggest concerns moving forward.
CONSUMING MORE CONTENT I ENJOY (STOPPED GETTING INTO THE HABIT OF ABSORBING MAINSTREAM MEDIA INFORMATION)
I don’t know about you but during the first weeks of the pandemic, my mind was exhausted. I felt bombarded with information, most of which was recycled. Every channel you turn it’s just numbers, stats, and panic. And after 10 days or so, once I realized that nobody wants to calm the situation down, everyone just wants to repeat the numbers and spread panic, I turned everything off. And I started consuming only the content I was truly interested in. I was reading books, blogs, watching movies, interesting YouTube videos. I was consuming only that in which I was truly interested. And once I stopped poisoning my brain with irrelevant information, the weight was lifted off of my shoulders. I’d check in one a day to see the percentages, and that was it. And it was the right decision.
SLOWING DOWN WASN’T THAT BAD, RIGHT?
When I’d heard the predictions that the pandemic might last for months, I was as confused and petrified as everyone. What’s gonna happen, how are we supposed to just put our lives on hold? What’s going to happen with our jobs, our plans, our goals, our habits?
It turns out that, if you’re alive and well, nothing is ever as terrible as it seems at first.
A lot of people got to really know their loved ones for the first time. A lot of people found passions and hobbies they didn’t even know existed, and a huge number of us really used this time to do the things we enjoy the most.
So, seems that slowing things down isn’t that bad after all.
STOP BEING SO GOAL ORIENTED, START ENJOYING EVERY MOMENT. LIFE IS HERE AND NOW, NOWHERE ELSE
It’s so easy to get lost in the Hustle culture where everyone wants you to just work work work, and be feel like shit if you’re less than 98% productive, but, as we’ve all seen, life doesn’t just revolve around work. There’s so much to be explored and experienced and being always goal-oriented just blinds you to all the beauties of life.
Don’t just think about big goals and habits. Start enjoying smaller, simpler moments, I’m sure you’ve seen how beautiful they can get when you really pay attention to them.
STOP PUTTING OFF THINGS YOU REALLY ENJOY
What’s the activity you always used to put off that’s brought you joy during this lockdown? Did you find a new hobby?
Do more of that. Embrace it.
Not every moment has to be spent chasing money.
Unlike time, it comes and goes.
PRIORITIZING MENTAL HEALTH
A clear mind can guide us through some pretty serious stuff. After the last few months, I think nobody can debate that.
LEARNING NEW THINGS
In times as uncertain as these, where people lose their jobs because of a virus, and tech from 2012 looks like a Tetris, acquiring new skills and learning new things and having healthy habits is not just a good way to spend your free time.
Explicit knowledge is the thing of the past, and modern, knowledge-based economies require tactic knowledge, open-mindedness, flexibility, and the ability to learn and to learn fast.
“The more you learn the more you earn.” Whoever came up with that was a freaking genius.
Whatever you learn, as trivial and mundane as it may seem, nobody can take it away from you.
Who knows, maybe one day your new skill will blossom into an amazing business idea.
The times are crazy, and whatever you gain or lose, in the great scheme of things, seems to be ephemeral. We only have so much time. Make sure to use it as you wish, and make the most out of it.
Which habits did you have to drop during the lockdown?
Have you picked up some new ones?