There has been so much in the news about the coronavirus with reports on how serious this epidemic truly is. We have been told to clean our hands frequently, maintain social distancing, and avoid crowded events and locations. Public events have been canceled. Schools have been closed. All of which has caused us to reorganize our daily schedules. You may have more family members at home as they work remotely or return from college.
This has all been disruptive and frightening at times. But, for me, there has been an unexpected consequence to all of this, and I am wondering if you’ve experienced it too.
With several of my speaking and social engagements cancelled, I have been spending more time at home with some unexpected “extra” time – time to slow down from my usually busy schedule and just, well, think about things.
Recent events have gotten me to be a little more introspective, thinking about what is important in my life, and maybe refocusing some of my priorities. I have been reaching out (by phone or facetime) to family and friends, and really enjoying the time “together.” I've had time to scroll through social media and share in joys such as the birth of a new nephew and friends’ successes, rather than just breezing through.
This has been a great time for connecting, but I have also been thinking about how I might also use my “new-found” time to tackle some things that I never seem to do and are constantly nagging at me. Like straightening up my office space and finally organizing those tax receipts. I have been going through my emails and unsubscribing from all the spam I normally just delete in the moment (and keep seeing over and over again.) I also began thinking about going through and editing my thousands of photos (how many pictures of sautéed greens do I really need, anyway?) and put them into files so I can actually find them.
Uncluttering your world is a great way to relieve the stress you might be feeling about the world around you right now.
In her article in Very Well Mind, Elizabeth Scott, MS, states clutter is “a big stressor in itself and intensifies the frustration and exhaustion that an already-stressed person feels…According to the principles of feng shui, clutter drains you of your positive energy."
Some other “stress-busting” activities you might want to tackle with your free time:
- Going through your closet and getting rid of those clothes you never wear.
- Set aside books you’ve read to donate to your local library.
- You don’t need to organize your photos. When was the last time you just looked through them?
- Take some “me-time” and take a bubble bath, or google how to make your own facial mask.
What are you experiencing during “self-quarantine?” Has there been anything positive that you have gotten out of it? Care to share?
Keep well,
Evey
