Why self-isolation may be a blessing

First things first, this is not a post about COVID19. This is a post to bring some optimism and gratitude to our lives in such a tumultuous, uncertain time. It is a way of accepting the changes happening in the world, and having faith that things occur because they are meant to.

Whilst people often cringe at the dreaded word ‘fate,’ my experiences throughout life have always led me back to this truth: everything happens for a reason.

And if you refuse to believe in that, then believe in this one: things always have a way of working out for the best.

So here are some positive interpretations of our current global situation in 2020 that I want to share with you. I hope that you view this time as a blessing in disguise. I want to bring you some hope, calm and restfulness.

2019 felt like a big year for all of us. Personally, my December last year was exhausting and emotionally-taxing, with health scares, losses in the family, and a lot of mental struggle. Even if you didn’t experience any specific adversity, you nevertheless may have felt drained. Our world just seemed to be pushing towards that perpetually unattainable goal of “success”. Material wealth, career growth, job promotions, new emerging artists drowning in Grammys. The everlasting competition on social media about ‘who has the better social life?’ ‘the cooler friends?’ ‘the more followers?’ ‘the best travel pictures?’

None of us were saying it, but we were all feeling it: keeping up with this world is exhausting. Our bodies, minds and spirits were all heading towards burnout. And maybe, we were all silently praying for some reprieve. For a break.

So it seems that the universe has, in its own way, answered our prayers. It has forced us to slow down, to retreat into the safety and comfort of our homes, to reconsider what really has meaning to us. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not celebrating the outbreak of a pandemic that has caused hardship, loss and despair to thousands. But I am looking for a way to spread positivity and gratitude for what we do have, things which are often forgotten about when our lives are in fast-mode. I want this optimism to bring you hope, strength and resilience – not to just survive this time, but still enjoy living.

Instead of focusing on separation, loneliness and boredom, here are some great aspects that you can appreciate right now.

Work from home

Not having to travel into work means a whole lot of benefits – you can wake up a bit later, dress in comfier clothes, miss out on the public transport grind or being stuck in traffic, save money on coffees and lunches out, and avoid those people in your office you just can’t stand. You’ll be working in your own space, at your own pace, and allowing yourself to have breaks whenever you need. Take some time to make your home office cosy and peaceful! Remember, now is not a time to be punishing yourself for unproductivity or reduced focus. Do the best you can in the circumstances, and enjoy the change in routine.

Establish a morning ritual

Having more time at home, especially if you’re working from your living room, means that now is a perfect opportunity to build healthy, self-care habits to start off your day. My morning routine follows this principle: something for your mind, something for your body, something for your soul. I’ll start with a guided meditation. Then I exercise, whether that’s yoga, a weight session, or a walk, followed by a nourishing breakfast eaten in a relaxed setting. I’ll also say three things I’m grateful for, either to a family member or just out loud. Take this period, where we have less commitments and deadlines, to experiment with a morning routine that works for you. Then once we resume normal life, you’ll have a wonderful new habit of self-care to continue.

Find a type of exercise you love

If you’re usually the type to attend workout classes or the gym, but now are unable to, it’s a great time to try out different forms of physical activity to see what resonates with your body. I really love yoga and incorporate it in my week already – it’s so restorative, and also a great way to relax and practice mindfulness. I use the Down Dog app; they have endless guided yoga practices and are such a wonderful community – so much so that they’re offering the app free until the end of April! This is the kind of generosity and support our world needs right now. Go start right now at https://www.downdogapp.com/. They have a HIIT app too so you can keep up your fitness at home. Also go on more walks, particularly in nature.

So if you find that you usually dread the gym or struggle to stay motivated, this could be a blessing in disguise! Release yourself from that pressure. Find a type of movement that makes you thrive. Even if you do love your gym and can’t weight (pun intended) to return to the squat rack, it’s a really great idea to mix up your exercise on a regular basis.

Spend more down time at home

Between work and social commitments, it seems we never really have a chance to do absolutely nothing and recharge. Now, we get to limit our social activities and outings without having to think of an excuse to say ‘no.’ Remember that social media is less likely to be riddled with photos of people’s social lives; instead, it seems more of us are posting things about appreciating our homes. So take this time to catch up on rest, allowing yourself to do so without feeling guilty or that you’re missing out on activities. Your body and spirit will thank you for it. And who knows, you may love it so much that in the future, you’ll allow yourself to say ‘no’ to invites more often.

Connect with your family

What a perfect time to spend quality moments with your loved ones at home, without the pressure and rush that life normally has. I actually love that society has had to regress a bit – back to a simpler time of entertaining ourselves with board games and card games, listening to music, good conversations over the dinner table, having restful nights in. Take the time to cook meals together as a family in a relaxed way, which is a much needed change from the post-work rush to get dinner on the table. Hopefully, it will remind you how connection and fun are fundamental to us as human beings.

Be creative and do some projects

We all have unfinished books on our shelves, half-painted walls, clothes that we were going to repair, flowers we wanted to plant. Now is the time to bust them out and have some hands-on fun. Start contemplating where your creative passions lie: do you love writing, drawing or painting? Do you want to start a podcast? Do you want to research astrology? Do you want to cook every meal from a recipe book? Put aside some time every day just for you and your creativity. Personally, I’m thrilled to have this much time on my hands – I have discovered I love writing, and can finally dedicate hours to it. But don’t focus on the outcome or worry about results; just create because it brings you joy.

Connect with your community

It often makes me sad to think about how disconnected we can be from our neighbours in this modern Western era, compared to the close ties you see in small, European villages. But times like these can draw us closer, as we’re all facing the same struggles together. Call out to your neighbour over the fence if you’ve run out of flour, or ask if they want help with errands, if they need kids or pets looked after. Even if you’re just sick of only seeing your immediate family and want to have a joint barbecue dinner. Sharing resources and time with those next door creates a sense of community, and once you build that relationship, you’ll realise how much it was missing from your life.

I hope these thoughts have made you more positive, maybe even excited, about the current situation we’re all facing together. If you take advantage of the benefits, you’ll experience happiness, rather than waiting for the uncertain end to this period. Every day counts, every day is a chance for you to have fun and grow. Begin by journalling or brainstorming the activities you want to start and how you’ll find some pleasure every day. Now more than ever, self-care is important. Also remember to reach out and check on loved ones, as this is a time for solidarity.