I recently attended a virtual wellness event with Clinical Pyschologist, Dr. Robin Grant-Hall and it got me thinking a lot about this past year. The event focused on emotional tips to survive a pandemic and primarily how to create positivity this year while dealing with the emotional and physical effects of living in a pandemic. I left the event and immediately began reflecting on how I was feeling. Being forced to slow down has created an opportunity for certain things in my life to change. My routines look different, my world is different.
The main thing I got out of the lecture was that we all need to be adaptable and creative during this time and that the combination of these two things will help build resilience for the future and may even result in a getting to a new place of happiness while enduring these difficult times. So what can we do right now to shift our perspective and create positivity?! Well, we can (1) take advantage of the virtual events and classes being offered as a part of this pandemic; (2) permanently adapt changes in our routines that have resulted in a happier, healthier life; (3) go on adventures (even though the adventures may look and feel different); and (4) practice self-care and check in with ourselves to see how we are holding up mentally and physically.
(1) Attend a virtual class or event
One thing that I am embracing in 2021 is the opportunity to join events or classes from the comfort of my home. The shift to all things “virtual” is really opening the doors for everyone to attend things that they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to attend pre-pandemic. Business owners are shifting gears, being creative, and offering more experiences online. This makes 2021 the perfect time to explore a hobby, new or old. Now’s the time to take that introductory course or join a lecture that was once only available to people in a certain location. I am also finding it easier to fit these types of events in my calendar. My schedule while busy with work and kids is no longer jammed pack with social events. We are spending a lot more time at home as a family. I can sit with the kids and join a night time meeting much easier than driving somewhere to attend an in-person event. Whether it’s a new topic you’re interested in or a fun yoga class, there will be so many ways to explore new things in 2021.
(2) Self-Reflect on Changes in Routines or Activities
The pandemic has led to changes in my routines. I am no longer commuting every day to work and we are definitely not going to a ton of social events with friends. While the shift in these routines when the pandemic began was a bit jarring, there’ve been some changes that have been positive for my family and I hope to continue even when the world picks up again. One huge thing is the amount of time we spend outdoors. While we did play dates and kid gyms before, we are now going for walks around the neighborhood more than ever and discovering local town trails. Prior to the pandemic, I don’t think I realized just how getting outside impacted my overall mood and spirit. I’ve also enjoyed fitting in more work-outs and eating dinner a bit earlier with the kids. I hope to make some of these changes permanent going forward.
(3) Go on an Adventure
We went from being stimulated almost 24-7 to slowing way down! It’s important to continue to stimulate our brains and one way to do that is by going on simple adventures (while staying safe and healthy!). This really means getting creative with how we spend our time! Our adventures are not what they used to be and that’s ok, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have them. One thing that Rob & I embrace is driving somewhere new if only to walk outside or see the ocean for a bit. This is also the reason rentals are soaring. One idea that I love is driving a few hours to a new place, staying in an Airbnb, ordering local take-out, and walking a new town. This of course depends on your own personal comfort levels, but there are all sorts of ways you can do something different without sacrificing your personal safety.
(4) Practice Self-Care
There are a lot of heavy things going in the world right now and taking time to be present, reflect, and take care of yourself couldn’t be more important. Self-care can mean different things for different people. For me, it’s taking a warm bath, meditating, working out, getting outside, and ordering my favorite take out. Other ideas may be journaling, giving yourself a manicure, diffusing your favorite oil, crafting, dancing, or getting a good nights rest. Whatever it is for you, it’s so important to check in with yourself and stay on top of how you are feeling. It’s also equally as important to check in on others and be that support. We need each other right now!
