It’s really wild to think about how much of 2020 has flown by. It’s wilder to think how much of it we have spent confined to our homes in one way or another. Because of that, I’ve been reflecting on the number of new habits and skills that I’ve picked up as a result. All of the habits on this list have been (1) good for me in that they add something positive to my life and (2) exclusively the result of quarantine. What I mean by that is, I know for a fact that I wouldn’t have been pushed to try any of these things if not for quarantine. Still, there was and still is absolutely no pressure to “make the most” out of a worldwide pandemic. These just happen to be five good habits I started during quarantine.
Daily Walks
Honestly, I needed to make this a habit once I started law school. For context, I went from teaching, which required long walks to the subway and standing on my feet all day, to law school, which involved sitting in front of a lecturer or a screen all day. On top of that, at home workouts completely cut out walks to the gym. Sitting at home all day because of quarantine, made me miss both fresh air and physical activity. Now, I take what I call “worship walks” every day from about 3-5 miles depending on the time I have. Honestly, I hope to continue this through the fall and even winter on the days that it’s not too cold.
Taking My Own Photos
I’ve got a whole blog post dedicated to how I take my own photos that you can check out here. But basically, I started taking my own photos because I couldn’t rely on traveling on the subway to various locations. I also couldn’t wait until I traveled back home to Queens to have my younger brother take pictures of me. So I got over myself and the discomfort associated with taking pictures of myself. The result has been far better than I expected. In fact, the photos for this post were ones that I took myself.
Therapy
I’d always considered starting therapy just to enhance my life, not because I was going through a particularly tough time. But the stress of COVID-19, my second semester of law school, the killing of George Floyd, and too much alone time took a bit of a toll on me. I had a lot on my mind, but physical distance from family and friends made it difficult for me to communicate. Sitting at home all day left me with nothing but time to think and overthink at that. Virtual therapy made it much easier to start since I was still in the comfort of my home. It has definitely been helpful to have an unbiased and trained professional talk me through some of the things I’m experiencing.
Shopping in my Closet
I’ve definitely done a fair amount of shopping during quarantine. But not having anywhere to go gave me more time to take a second look at some of the items I already have in my closet. I’ve had the dress featured in this post’s pictures for a little over two years. Searching through my wardrobe gave me the chance to try it on again for some outfit pictures!
Listening to My Limits
It seems like “in a pandemic” has been the three words you add at the end of a sentence to emphasize how. It’s so true that being in a pandemic put grind culture on hold. Grind culture really made it acceptable to ignore physical, emotional, and mental health. But it felt like COVID-19 made the world simultaneously pause, consider, and respect the fact that everyone is going through something. So because of COVID-19’s impact, I’m much more comfortable acknowledging when I’ve reached my capacity. five good habits I started during quarantine
Those are the five good habits I started during quarantine. Do you have any habits or skills you gained during this time?
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13
