Positives to Take From the COVID-19 Situation
Life looks a little different right now. Most of us aren’t waking up at 7am, getting dressed and heading out the door to work. Instead, we’re working from home in an effort to promote social distancing and keep COVID-19 from spreading. We’re not meeting up with friends for coffee or making new connections at networking events. In a way, it feels like normal life has come to a screeching halt.
I think I speak for everyone when I say that our current situation is scary. People all over the world want answers as to when this extrovert’s nightmare will end. Although we can’t wave a magic wand and watch the coronavirus disappear, we can shift our mindset and try to make the best of our current situation.
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I promise you can find a lot of sweet sugar around the sour lemons if you look for it. But in case you needed help, here are some positives to keep you uplifted during this difficult time.
1. Living Life at a Slower Pace
While work is still keeping me busy, I feel like my mind is no longer running a million miles a minute. Life has slowed down, and so have our usual causes of stress and anxiety. Don’t get me wrong, we certainly have a lot of new things to stress about now, but COVID-19 has grounded me in a way. The things that we used to stress about and take so seriously are now much more miniscule in comparison. I feel like I finally have time to breathe some fresh air, which is especially nice since the air quality in Los Angeles is better than it’s been in quite some time.
2. Spending Time With Pets & Family
Staying home means more time with the people (and pets) that matter the most. When was the last time your family had time for family game night or family bake-offs? Seeing your loved ones every second of every day may lead to some bickering, but try to enjoy each other’s company. (Hopefully it’s not that hard!) Plus, who’s going to complain about spending more time with their dog?
3. Uniting With the Community
If this virus has shown us anything, it’s that we are all in this together. People all over the world are going through the same thing. I can call up my family in Spain and we can all relate in the fact that we are stuck at home. The internet has been a great way to unite as a community too. I’ve certainly gotten some laughs from TikTok and memes of what people are doing with their time at home. The fact that we are all struggling together has made people more compassionate towards one another. Neighborhoods have become little communities. In Laurel Mintz’s neighborhood, they do something called “6 at 6.” At 6pm, all the neighbors come outside in their driveways with a drink (making sure to stay 6 feet apart, of course). Meanwhile in Biana’s neighborhood, families all have drawings of rainbows in their front windows to share with one another.
4. Getting Out in Nature
Previously, it was hard to find time to get outside since everyone’s schedule is so busy. Now, you literally have to go outside to stay sane. And let me tell you, I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed being out in nature more. Hearing the birds chirping as I work from my backyard has been so peaceful. With all the rain and lack of car pollution, the earth is happier. So many of us have been taking walks, and it’s always nice to run into a neighbor (again, 6 feet away) who you haven’t spoken to in a while.
5. Tapping Into Your Creative Side
All this extra time on our hands gives us an opportunity to be creative. With all the restrictions we have, we must be creative in determining what we’re going to do with our time. Whether it be putting together a puzzle, playing games over video chat with friends or starting a blog, there are so many ways to exercise those right-brain muscles! Take advantage of this time to get started on the projects that you never had time for. Who knows what amazing ideas will come out of this!
Carly Steinberg, Social Media Intern
Elevate My Brand