5 Things I Learned(so far…)During the Pandemic
Thursday, March 12th my job announced that we would be working remotely “until further notice,” and I must admit that a feeling of worry came over me, because I knew that the coronavirus pandemic was the impetus to this drastic change. As I packed up what I could of my office I realized that I had no idea how “being on lockdown” — indefinitely — would impact my productivity and mental health.
Fast forward to the end of my first full week working from home and being diligent about staying indoors and practicing #socialdistancing. I was feeling trapped…stir crazy—every activity—from doing laundry to reorganizing my entire apartment felt excruciatingly repetitive. It became clear that I truly needed to take a step back and reevaluate what this whole situation meant for me and how to make the best of this devastating time in global history.
Then the month of May hit & the murder of George Floyd played on repeat all over the internet. Black people across the nation were enraged and major national unrest and uproar occurred. Racial injustice became a ‘hot topic’ at work and anyone who did not identify as Black wanted to learn how to be an ally in the fight for racial justice — nice — but, exhausting…
I found myself feeling suffocated. When I wasn’t trying to actively shield myself from the coronavirus — I was trying to protect my mental well being and my personal space in a professional setting.
Needless to say it was all too much.
It is now almost Thanksgiving and I realize how much of a blessing it is to have made it this far into 2020 given all that has transpired since the initial lockdown.
That all said, I think it’s appropriate to insert my list of 4 VERY important things I’ve learned so far during this pandemic here:
1/ This is the time to strengthen your spirituality:
Before I rest my head to sleep for the night or get out of bed to take on the day — I pray.
I pray for clarity of thought, productivity and for joy. Simple things, but they mean so much.
I also ensure that my timeline on every social network is overloaded with positivity, helpful advice for my physical & mental health and random accounts that showcase hairless cats (of course you can insert whatever animal/weird thing that makes you happy here).
2/ This is the time reconnect with friends/family members (virtual/by phone):
For many of us that work a regular job—it can be difficult to use what little energy we have left to invest in those we love. Essentially being forced to stay in the house allows you a very unique opportunity to reengage with your spouse, your children, your siblings or anyone that shares a living space with you. It also forces you uncover creative ways to stay in-touch with close friends—Netflix party anyone?
3/ This is the time to perfect your craft:
Have a special gift for writing, sewing, crafting, drawing, podcasting etc.? This is the PERFECT time to revisit or start a hobby. Who knows…you could turn out to be the next viral sensation.
4/This is the time to acknowledge that you’ve been taking nature for granted:
I don’t know about you, but getting caught up in the humdrum of daily life makes me less in tune with nature and the beauty of just being able to sit outside. The health benefits of getting fresh air and letting your skin absorb the sun are immeasurable.
4/I am exceptionally resilient:
Despite what we are all experiencing together around the coronavirus, political & racial climate and economic distress — there are still personal trials that we will face on a daily basis.
PERSONALLY: these past 8 months have threw me some curve balls mentally and physically that I could have never imagined (one of which was fighting through COVID myself). I realized that I am much more resilient than I give myself credit for & for that I am truly grateful!
