Now is as good a time as any to revisit some lockdown lessons. Let’s call it “quotes from quarantine.”
SOME THINGS WHICH WE DID PRE-PANDEMIC MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE TODAY
These do not only apply to habits but also hobbies, beliefs, and routines. Our pre-pandemic ways needed a massive shift. While change is never easy, it is often necessary. The key word is acceptance. If we keep clinging to the old way of doing things, it will be hard for us to move forward. We need to evolve. It will be impossible for us to move, pivot, and recalibrate if we don’t. This calls for the graceful letting go of the then and the acceptance of now.
Can you think of one thing that used to be part of your life that you now have learned to live without now?
I CAN ONLY TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME
Choose to conquer one thing at a time. We can only do so much. Taking things bit by bit is crucial and I have constantly reiterated this every time I give talks on coping skills. One of the reasons why we feel so overwhelmed is because we choose to do everything at once. Stop. Slow down. These days, we always hear, “finish strong.” But we can only finish strong if we learn to slow down. By doing so, we can better focus on matters within our reach.
Another reason why the situation can even be more anxiety-inducing is we tend to over-subscribe to everything. So remember: it’s okay to unfollow news and people and let go of habits that aren’t life-giving.
SHOW UP EVEN WHEN THINGS ARE STRESSFUL, EVEN WHEN WE ARE NOT FEELING OUR BEST
While it is okay not to be okay, we should not allow ourselves to get stuck on not being okay. It is okay to feel. But it is essential for us to show up for our life, our mission, ourselves, and our loved ones. We need to show up because there is a mission more significant than ourselves.
BALANCE SAFETY AND SANITY
Many people have not left their homes because they are afraid of contracting the virus. Staying indoors for a long duration of time, however, might affect our mental health. It’s best to find safe and simple ways to take in the fresh air and momentarily get away from the confines of home. Take a safe walk outside early in the morning or late in the afternoon for it can make all the difference.
THERE IS NO ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL TO WORK-LIFE BALANCE
There is no such thing as perfect work-life balance. It is up to the person to define the concept of perfect balance depending on his values, preferences, and lifestyles. We should what works for us. We shouldn’t fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others. While we are on the same storm, we are in very different boats.
SELF-CARE IS IMPORTANT BUT IT IS NOT A SOLUTION TO EXTREME LIFE DIFFICULTIES
Self-care strategies work for normal stress. In extreme cases, however, self-care needs to be extreme, too. It is a call to add more well-being practices. Beyond self-care, we need to work on other aspects such as aligning ourselves to what matters to us.
IF THINGS DON’T WORK OUT, RECALIBRATE
We always have a choice! If things don’t work out in the way we want them to, we need to adjust and opt for solutions that support our well-being.
YOU CANNOT HIDE ISSUES, EMOTIONS, AND RELATIONSHIP MATTERS AS THESE WILL ALWAYS FIND WAYS TO SURFACE
If we choose to deny the expression of these things, our bodies will absorb them. Our sleeping issues will force us to face them. And we must because doing so will lead us to a new understanding of ourselves and a better state of well-being. – WITH PAU DE VERA
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash