This time last year we were hopeful for a complete end to the pandemic and a return to normal life. Then the Delta strain hit and we went back into lockdowns and cases picked up again. Now, we’re facing the reality that Covid is here to stay and we’re grappling with the certainty of a different future from what we had previously imagined.
With this renewed hope, now is the time to take stock of our lives and look at where the pandemic found us and where it leaves us. It’s true that our lives have been disrupted in unprecedented ways. We have lost a great deal. Yet a lot of good has also come from the pandemic. It has even impacted many of us positively as well. We’ve learnt lessons that no school would have ever taught us, and if we commit to growth, we can carry these lessons for a lifetime. Afterall, you should never let a crisis go to waste!
So, what are these hard-fought lessons? Let’s take a look.
1. We Understand the Importance of Getting Outside into Nature and Sun
They say you often don’t appreciate something until it’s gone, and I’m sure I never fully appreciated going for a walk before the pandemic. Afterall, who could have ever predicted that something as simple as a walk to the park would be out of reach? Then, as the pandemic hit, many people found the only nature we could access was our backyards, balconies or the rays of light through windows.
For days we were stuck indoors, and the effects to our collective mental health have been well documented. Boredom, fatigue, irritability, loneliness, anxiety… the list goes on. Not only that, but many of us also have to deal with the equivalent of the ‘freshman five’ although for me it’s more like the ‘Covid ten.’ Although I have put on weight I am forever thankful for the vast array of spandex clothing I have been able to order online.
The physical and mental impacts of not being active are well documented, as are the impacts of not getting enough sun and the positive impacts of getting out into nature.
This study shows that to be happier, all you need to do is take a moment to notice the nature around you. Simply take a moment to look at that tree outside your window, or that plant that has just flowered, and notice how it makes you feel. Researchers say observing nature — wherever you may be — will make you feel happier. Similarly, a team from the London School of Economics and Political Science found that being outdoors, near the sea, on a warm, sunny weekend afternoon is the perfect spot for most people. In their study, participants were found to be substantially happier outdoors in all natural environments than they were in urban environments.
Dr George MacKerron, from University of Sussex, who undertook the study in conjunction with the LSE, said, “People recorded the highest levels of happiness in marine and coastal locations, followed by mountains and moors, forests and farms.”
With things clearing up, we’re now stepping out again, and it shows. Just spending a couple of hours in nature changes the trajectory of our entire day. We’re happier, more relaxed and optimistic. As things open up again, let’s not forget to go out and savour the landscape. Feel the sun on our faces, and the breeze in our hair. Take in our surroundings and get that little bit more exercise into our days while we’re at it.
2. We Value Relationships More
With the hectic lifestyles that we led before the pandemic, many of us were taking our relationships for granted. But thanks to Covid, some of us were forced into small spaces 24-7 with the people we love – they say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and this has proven true for many families.
Difficult conversations were finally had. Issues were raised that were long overdue. Matters were clarified. Not an easy process; but a necessary one. Although Covid has exposed some gaps in already-shaky relationships, it has left others with a renewed appreciation for family.
With nothing else left to do, we baked cookies with the kids, and had sourdough bread bake-offs with friends. We finally called our mothers every week, just to check in on them and make sure they’re ok. We played silly games and ate meals over Skype and Zoom. We planted gardens together, and went for walks with bubble-buddies.
We’ve also had an opportunity to talk to our neighbours, often the only other company we could get besides our families. We shared supplies when families were running out.
Quite simply, we prioritised checking in on friends and family, and as a result many of us have formed closer bonds than before the pandemic. There is substantial research into the benefits of close social bonds. You could read this study which outlines the health benefits of being social. Or there is this study that looks at the economic impact of having a happy marriage, and a good social life. The results? Good relationships and social bonds not only make you happier, they also make you richer! And then there’s this study which shows that eating together benefits your kids’ mental and physical health.
During Covid, we learned to care for each other. When we return to a new normal, the pandemic will have left behind more united communities. Our challenge will be to continue to take the time to invest in these relationships once we’re back in our stressful, overcommitted lives again.
3. We’re More Grateful
Covid taught us a painful lesson on gratitude. The things we have, the very mundane things that we don’t even stop to think about, can be gone from us in a moment. Did we ever think that popping by a café for coffee would be a luxury? Or taking a flight? Or attending a party? Or just meeting friends to catch up? We know that now, and many of us have learned to be more grateful for what we have.
Covid has impacted us all in so many ways. A quote I love to think about is that “we’re all in different boats, but we’re in the same storm.” So, while Covid has impacted us all, it has definitely impacted us in different ways and what each of us is thankful for will differ. For me, when I get sick of working yet again from home, I try to remember that at least I have a home and a job. That is something to be thankful for, and something which many people cannot say. When I think about what could have gone wrong, I know I have been truly blessed and this brings a peace and quiet optimism to my life that I wish I could share with everyone I know. And I am not alone, many people have been counting their blessings throughout these tough times… and that’s a good thing.
Gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. Practicing gratitude can be as easy as sharing what went well that day with your family at the dinner table or keeping a daily or weekly gratitude journal.
Related reading: How to Practice Gratitude, and Why You Should do it
Covid has pushed us to our emotional limits; but it has also challenged us to live a more intentional, purposeful lives, build stronger relationships and acknowledge that every day is a gift. Hopefully, these three silver linings of the pandemic are lessons we all carry forward throughout the rest of our lives.
442623 150867I take great pleasure in reading articles with quality content. This write-up is one such writing that I can appreciate. Maintain up the excellent function. 848887
251237 343923Aw, it was a extremely great post. In thought I would like to devote writing such as this furthermore,?C spending time and specific function to produce a great write-up?- nonetheless so what can I say?- I waste time alot and never at all appear to obtain 1 thing completed. 321042
537100 583172Read More HERE. I bookmarked it. 37346