Self-actualization in the past 10 days of Self-quarantine

While social distancing and COVID-19 anxiety is a new norm, surviving in (300 ft² / 28 m²) Manhattan condo is no joke, or so I thought 10 days ago…

My initial thoughts were rather alarming:

• Will I go mad with claustrophobia kicking in on day #3?
• How can I remain efficient and effective with my free time?
• How can I help community by reducing my own carbon footprint and giving back?
• Should I isolate myself in Bermuda with US borders closing - will I be able to come back?

… lack of fitness, calories invasion, stock plunge, hunger management and don’t even mention ‘Netflix’…. God help me!

Putting influx of fake news and paranoia aside, I’ve decided to focus on what I do best – self-discipline, and positive thinking. Trust me, time management and regime do miracles. There are additional 3 to 5 hours a day by simply cutting out the commute and mundane tasks in between the battles, which is blessing if you apply it right (no SVOD binging, it’s easy to be lazy!).

I’d like to share my thoughts on how I’ve remained sane and effective for the past 10 days (and counting) of self-quarantine:

Stay Fit

It is paramount not to abandon fitness at all cost, to stay focus and get the day started with a soul soothing mediation, yoga stretches or in my instance 20 min HIIT session to get the blood running. While all gyms and health clubs are shutdown, I’ve put together a simple home routine recommendation* (no equipment requited) for morning, afternoon and evening 10-20 min drills. There is an abundance of free online curricula available, with main fitness chains streaming live sessions for that well needed calorie burnout. If you must go outside, consider very early runs or late evening walks to avoid crowds, and get that fresh air by Hudson river walk as I do with N95 on.

Fact: I’ve used to spend at least 60-90 min a day (including commute) on classes/gyms with current program using only half the time and being more than 1.5x effective.

Eat Healthy

Easier said than done, being in small confined apartment with the fridge 6 ft away isn’t easy! Although, I follow intermittent fasting and 2,500 calories a day program I must admit, I had to fight hunger a lot more. Rather than buying everything I could carry in my local supermarket; I’ve made essential purchases to last me 7 days on the current diet. I’ve started meal planning and cooking instead while not relying on food delivery services, which made me appreciate home meal even more. No wastage, small portions and being mindful of what you put in your mouth (calories count!)

Fact: Shop and eat smarter; plan your meals and appreciate communal home dinner. Its a blessing not being in a noisy restaurant, but rather be present and in sync with your family or loved ones.

Time is a constant

Conceptually time is a constant, but the rate at which time passes is relative. Unique opportunity is to use ‘additional freed’ time to your advantage. My solution is simple – reading, and I don’t refer to following and re-sharing Internet madness, please stop – it’s not healthy!

Invest this time to grow as an individual, self-develop and foster the mind; I can’t remember last time when I’ve had a whole weekend spending on the veranda with the book, opposed to be running in between brunches and idle errands in NYC. Two books a weekend is very double, 25 books in the next 3 months – this is an achievement; we all can get smarter and more intelligent by the end of this pandemic.

Fact: Last achievements are - “The sales acceleration formula” by Mark Roberge and “Thinking Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman (winner of Nobel prize in economics)

Work ethics

Integrity, principles and work code really kicks in during the house arrest. Luckily for AdTech / Martech industries we are still employed and working inexorably to support our customers in such vexing times. It takes disciplined mind to know how to remain effective and efficient, while satellite floating on Zoom and Google Hangouts video chats to stay connected to colleagues, clients and partners.

Fact: Productivity and output has increased (x1.3)

(a) remaining laser focus on being present and accomplishing one program of work at a time

(b) saving time by not commuting to see clients, while video conferencing instead (more meeting per day)

(c) working longer hours, with less distraction (not convinced if it’s a good or bad thing yet!)

Final remarks

Humans are very adaptable and resilient beings (Thanks C. Darwin), so please stay positive and do your part for humanity sake – less people you’ve been in contact with the better, self-quarantine. If you are able to donate to others who are in need - please do; elderly and 1,000s of unemployed New Yorkers need your help right now – relief page here.

COVID-19 is here to stay, survives plasma is already available but herd immunity must be built first like a population. Its not weeks but months before we get back to ‘normal’ life, but it’s Okay! One day at a time, we all get through it collectively – with humankind compassion and solidarity, there is another day.

Stay healthy, stay sane and use your free time wisely. Use this point in time as an opportunity, to reflect on life, self-discovery and actualization.

Namaste (from tiny NYC studio)

* DM for home workout video inspiration programs (all sourced via YT)