9 points on finding a silver lining in the lockdown

The global lockdown has thrown our daily routines into chaos. But, I am one of those who can find positivity in every situation. And so can you! Here’s my list:

A Forced Slow Down

We live in a word where it is all go, go, go. Hustle, hustle, hustle and even when we get downtime it’s usually packed between other activities. With so many places closed, it is giving us breathing space. To slow down and catch our breath.

Family Time

Schools and Colleges have closed. Offices are either closed or making people work from home, this means you get to spend more quality time with the kids.

One of the biggest problems today with the family unit is down to disconnect. It’s usually because the family doesn’t get to spend enough good quality time together. Well, this virus has given us an opportunity to reconnect.

Mindset Around Education

I think one of the problems with our Victorian education system is that it was designed to prepare kids for the workhouse (or these days the “company”).

Now is the time to inculcate something new. Explore new topics by watching documentaries, reading books, doing child-led experiments and taking online classes – welcome to a new world!

Breaking Routines

Routines are a double-edged sword. Having a solid routine in place does help get things done, you know what you have to do and just get on with it.

The downside is that we get stuck in the groove and the routine gets so embedded in our lives that we stop thinking outside it.

Having our routines disrupted by having to take time off work/school is a great opportunity to be more mindful and see where we are stuck. It’s a great excuse to shake things up and try something new.

Being More Productive

We are all at home, savings hours of daily commute and tiredness that comes along with it. We are at the place where we are most comfortable, we have flexible work stretches, and we’re getting to eat hot and tasty food at home. This definitely adds to productivity. Set your goals and start working!

Ditching the 9-5 Mindset

So whilst you are taking a break from the usual 9-5 and working from home, pay attention to how long you actually spend on your work. Focus on finishing the work rather than just spending 8 hours of being online. When you do this, you’ll understand more about your capabilities and also add value to your employer in this crisis time.

Going Old School

We have all heard the perils of too much screen time and since everything is so different why not try something other than the usual “Netflix and Chill”. Turn old-school and play board games with your family and read more books. Share your life stories with your kids and learn more about them as well.

Decluttering Yourself

Since you are stuck at home, it’s a great opportunity to dig into some of those jobs that you have been putting off!

Pick just a shelf or one drawer, keep it minimal and you’ll get results much quicker. Try asking “Do I really need it?”.

And – get the family involved too, get them decluttering their cupboards and clothes closet. It is a great life skill that doesn’t get taught!

The Joy Of An Empty Schedule

So many of us complain of not having enough time and now we have all this time handed to us on a plate.

What are you going to do with yours?