Can there be a bright side to a pandemic? Can the COVID-19 lockdown bring out a better side in you and those around you? Let’s discuss.
How the world looks right now
Over the past few weeks, the world has become a very different place. Roads which were once teeming with traffic are clear as a bell and utterly free of smog. Trains and buses once packed with commuters are now virtually empty. The world has ground to a standstill.
Many are working from home, while some are on furlough. Some have had to come to terms with being out of work altogether.
Whatever your circumstances, it’s likely that you’re facing a new paradigm. You might be unsure of how to go on. You might feel alternately bored, depressed, anxious and climbing up the walls with unspent energy.
However, even though it seems as the world as we know it has ground to a halt, this is not the end. It’s potentially just the beginning!
Things may never be the same again. And maybe that’s good!
In times like this, where uncertainty and doubt define our day to day lives, it’s perfectly natural to pine for a return to normal. However, it also behoves us to be honest with ourselves and ask which parts of “normal” are worth returning to again.
There are many who argue that a return to normality is impossible. That we need to address the frailties of our consumer capitalist society that led to the lockdown sending the economy into freefall in the first place.
While you may not be able to do much from your living room to address the inadequacies of capitalism, you should still ask yourself the following question:
Which parts of “normal” do you want to keep?
Here is a golden opportunity to bounce back stronger and harder from your isolation. Here are some ways in which the COVID-19 lockdown might actually bring out the best in you.
Open the gates to a world of learning
Even if you’re able to do your job from home, it’s likely that you have more free time at the moment. Without the constraints of your daily commute or addressing the myriad distractions of the workplace, there’s an excellent chance that you’re actually more productive at home.
Yet, how you choose to use the free time gifted to you will determine the kind of person who comes out of the other side.
If possible, use this time in COVID-19 lockdown to:
- Learn about something you’ve always wanated to explore
- Better yourself – whatever that looks like!
- Identify opportunities for professional development and study
Whether it’s signing up to an online course, finding out about community college courses in your area or how to compare student loans, use this time to invest in yourself. Break out of your comfort zone and commit to bettering yourself.
Re-engage with your creative side
If you’re like many folks then you lived for your creative pursuits in your younger years. When in the youthful years, people tend to make sense of the world (and the feelings within) by expressing themselves creatively.
Creativity can lead to some of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of your life. Yet, over the years, you might find it harder to make time for our creative endeavors than before.
Please don’t make the mistake of assuming that just because you’re older and have more responsibilities than in years past that the creative flame inside you has died. Whatever your canvas, now is the time to re-engage with your innovative side.
Some ways to express your creativity are:
- Work on your novel
- Pick up your paintbrush
- Get crafty with whatever materials you have around the house
- Try a new recipe in the kitchen
Speaking of the kitchen…
Ditch the junk and focus on whole foods
Now that we’re in COVID-19 lockdown, it’s time to address all those dietary bad habits that we fell into when quick fixes were so abundant and affordable. When you were having a stressful day at the office, the allure of the fatty, sugary and salty treats in the breakroom vending machines was irresistible.
Now is the time to start making better choices than before. Doing so will be easier on both your budget and your waistline.
Today is also the day to focus your attention on cooking wholesome meals and stretching your grocery budget through batch cooking. It’s the time to start making your own healthier versions of the prepackaged snacks that are all too easy to pick up off the shelf.
It’s time for more plants and less of everything else. A whole-foods, plant-based diet is full of protein fiber, vitamins, minerals and everything else the body needs, as well as immune-boosting phytochemicals which are more important than ever.
You’ll not only be able to make your budget go further, you’ll wow your friends with your leaning and healthier appearance when the coronavirus-related lockdown has lifted.
Make time for the people you’ve taken for granted
It’s okay to admit it. It’s not always easy to make time for our friends and loved ones.
After a long and stressful day’s work followed by a nightmarish commute through smoggy streets, it’s perfectly understandable that all you’d want to do is collapse in front of the TV. In so doing, however, we risk drifting further away from the people who lend our life meaning.
With the world on COVID-19 lockdown, we’re all realizing how much we’ve taken our friends and family for granted. Now, more than ever, we need to pick up the phone and talk to the people who mean the most to us.
Find out how they’re getting on in these difficult times. Ask if there’s anything you can do to make their lives easier.
And start planning the epic get-togethers that you’ll enjoy when restrictions are lifted!
Start down the path of entrepreneurship
Finally, you’ve likely learned a lot about yourself over the past few weeks. You’ve learned how professionally resilient and autonomous you can be as you work at home or brainstorm future business projects.
You’ve realized that you’re much better at managing your time and prioritizing your workload than you believed before, for example. You’re starting to wonder if maybe your employer doesn’t deserve to take you for granted the way they have for so long, perhaps.
Maybe, now is the time to start down the path of entrepreneurship. To develop a business plan, start carrying out market research and competitor analysis and think about how you’ll build your very own brand.
On the other side of the COVID-19 lockdown
You’ll emerge into a different world when the COVID-19 lockdown is lifted. And what sort of person the world sees then is up to you! That’s pretty exciting, no?
Wow what an inspiring piece of writing! I really like how you framed it saying “who will you be on the other side of this quarantine” I think that’s such a hopeful way to phrase it
Oh Deanna, your lovely comments made my day, thank you!
What a wonderfully inspiring post Christy. I’m in furlough and not sure what will happen. Like you I’m trying to focus on the positives. I’m updating my blog, writing and editing
Also I’ve started a new initiative on my blog Isolation for writers, bloggers, creatives and artists. I’ve had a lot of interest in it. It’s keeping me occupied! Hope you are keeping safe and well. Take care, Marje x
Hi Marje, your isolation group is wonderful and thanks again for inviting me into it. I think you are smart to be updating your blog and working on your writing projects during this time. I hope you are able to return to the workplace soon, once it is safe to do so. I worry about a second wave coming in September but am trying not to think too far ahead as the anxiety can be too much… Instead I am trying to look at the positives. And comments like yours are wonderful, thank you xx Stay safe
Hi Christy, thank you for your kind comment. I’m so pleased you joined me in the isolation group. It’s my cover reveal day! I’m wondering what it will be like if I go back to work! I’m already feeling somewhat out of the loop. I’m very worried about a second wave. COVID19 has impacted my girls – my youngest is going into her final year at university. Her course will now be mainly on-line. And Tasha is starting teacher training end of August, so who knows how that will go. But as long as we all stay safe and well we will be alright. We’ll get through this. Take care, Marje x
You are truly inspirational. Always looking for and finding a positive from a negative situation. Also giving others the message that the extra time we devoted before on other options (now not available), can be diverted to other ‘new’ positive growths within each of us. Thank you and stay safe.
Thank you for the unconditional love and support!!
A wonderful essay, dear Christy. Were others to share your views, our present and future could not be in better hands.
xoxoxo
Christy, Christy, Christy! I could stand up and applaud you right now. SO thankful you wrote this article. It is brilliant in every way.
These are really bizarre times. For some folks – this has been the best weeks of their lives, as they have shifted from their stuck routines to a new way of thinking – realizing their true potential. Many businesses are being birthed out of this tragic mess. Yet it would be cruel and wrong to not think of, and pray for, those who have lost so much: loved ones, jobs, homes, etc. My heart breaks for the suffering souls.
My husband and I have experienced what you describe in this post. We have been busier than ever, while still protecting the health of those around us and our own, of course! Our plant nursery has blossomed (no pun intended) because we have had the time and ability to focus on it so much more. Entrepreneurial opportunities are everywhere and I pray that everyone finds within themselves the understanding that they CAN achieve the dreams in their hearts! Creating a business is one of the most rewarding things we could ever do in our lives. It’s our own baby. You know very well my friend how this feels! And I’m SO proud of you for achieving all that you have — the best is yet to come!
We really have been given a golden opportunity when we flip the negative into a positive. It’s not always easy to see past the fear. Yet when we take the time to calm our hearts and minds – we realize that we still have much power to change our lives and our world. So much of what became ‘normal’ in our culture needs to be dead, forever. We need to reawaken creativity, empathy, dreams, passions and goals. We need to leave old limiting mindsets behind and heal not just from Covid-19 but from our own painful pasts. We are worth so much more than we have been giving ourselves credit! Every one of our lives and our voices matter!
I love love love this post, Christy and I love you for sharing it! Sending mega hugs your way and praying that you and your loved ones remain safe! 🤗🌺
Thank you for all the positivity, you are bringing up with your postings, Christy. Very appreciated. Hope you are feeling well yourself, and stay self. Best wishes, Michael
Some very true and honest facts here, Christy.
A timely post for the times right now, Christy. The world really is so different right now, and here in Australia there are quiet streets and barely any shops are open. I think there are lots to learn from this, and hopefully a new normal ahead will be better for all of us. I like your tips about learning and engaging in our creative side during this time. It could be a time where we can actually sit down and think about what we actually like doing, and try doing it at home :) Thanks for writing another insightful piece :)
Thanks for appreciating the post, Mabel. I hope you’re doing okay and that you’re able to do a creative project or two as a way to find some peace during this crazy time.
Interesting point of view😍 and let’s focus on positive changes
I totally agree. It has given me time for a lot of reflection, and honestly I’ve enjoyed some of the peace.. no traffic, no parking issues, more time with my kids and family. Glad to see people out there with an optimistic point of view. Need more of that.
I agree with you about no traffic – and have you been reading about the positive changes in the environment? Wow. It’s great what you say about family time. I’m getting emotional with the thoughtful comments here… Thank you so much for what you wrote.
Very interesting post, because I feel this has brought out the best in me. Stuck at home. Well, I have used it as an opporunity to write more. Am feeling very inspired. Even negatives can be turned into positives.
It is all a matter of perspective.
Stay safe.
I like that you are using your home time to express your creativity. So many of us enjoy your poems! Your words mean more to me than you realize.
Thank you for an inspiring post. Though we are living in a new normal, there is so much we can reflect on that is positive during this difficult time. The list provided in this post is a good start. Stay safe and be well.
Linnea, it really is such a challenging time and not anything like we have experienced before… Thanks for joining me in trying to see positive moments right now xx Stay safe.
Thank you! Love this kind of stuff. I definitely see some positives with the whole situation and my experience.
Gina, I’m just so thankful we have a roof over our head and our health. Your positive light is shining and thank you for it.
What a great post! So many super ideas and really clear thinking; thanks for making today seem more positive. This quarantine is a bit tough.
Your comment means a lot personally to me. The main reason I started this blog was to spread positivity and knowing the post somehow helped your day is amazing. We’ll get through this xx