How isolation has changed me
It’s natural to think that an event as momentous as our current Coronavirus crisis will have, at least somewhat, changed us. Maybe not the intrinsic us, but at least some of our habits, or even just ways of thinking. Here's a few things I have noticed are different about myself:
- I’m more focused and productive
I have noticed that, given the reduced capacity to fill time by visiting friends or aimlessly wandering in public spaces, I am more inclined to do more ‘productive’ things – even just reading a book or watching a thought-provoking TV show. Usually, I will get to a point in the day where I have done my work or study and I itch for something more exciting – usually involving seeing someone else. During these times, I have found myself channeling this energy into things around the house that I would normally put off, like the aforementioned reading, or sorting, or learning a song on the piano. The ultimate upshot of this change is that I get to the end of the day and actually feel a bit better about myself and my day than usual. Who would have thought?
- I can cook more than I thought
I recently purchased a slow cooker – something I used to really appreciate as a kid was coming home after school to a house that smelt warmly of slow-cooked meat and veggies, so I have been trying to recreate that feeling. And it has gone quite well! Some recipes have been more miss than hit, but all in all, I realise I have been underestimating the satisfaction of making your own – what I would term ‘grown up’- meals. And slow cooking food means you can buy the cheap stuff and it still tastes good!
- I am more reflective
I always knew I was lucky in the broader sense – lucky to have been born to a stable and loving family, in a free country and to have had opportunities to lead a good life. But isolation has highlighted just how good my life is at the moment. I have close friends who can make even dull times fun, a loving boyfriend who puts up with my attitude, a comfortable and cosy place to live and great work and study that keeps my mind engaged and me feeling pretty fulfilled. I don’t say all this to brag, but rather to highlight things that, just a few years ago, felt out of reach for me, and to encourage us all to occasionally think on those things that make us lucky.