These are strange times we’re living in…
When my company made the decision to have everyone work from home, it was such a surreal feeling packing up my laptop and monitor, exiting the building and not knowing when we might return.
That surreal feeling continued the first week of hunkering down at home, as directed by our health authorities. The only time we stepped foot outside the house was to take out the garbage and recycling.
It took until the second week of self-isolation that I could even be talked into walking around the block to get some exercise and fresh air. It’s so easy to forget what helps nourish us in times of crisis. I’m lucky that Sean reminds me to get outside.
I also count my lucky stars that I still had a job and although there were countless fires to put out during the first few weeks of COVID-19, I didn’t take for granted that I was gainfully employed when so many people were not.
This global pandemic has thrown the world for a loop. Such uncertainty for the future has exponentially increased feelings of anxiety, loneliness and depression in people. I’ve realized in the past 6 weeks that those daily walks around the neighbourhood helped to keep me sane during this crazy time.
It helps that it’s spring and cherry blossom season – my favourite time of the year. With our after work walks, we have had the opportunity to enjoy the entire bud to peak blossom timeline. The cherry blossom life cycle is so short! (only 4-6 days after opening) That’s one upside of working from home. The other is spending heaps more time with my furry faces.
Here are some more pics from our beautiful neighbourhood:
Flowers and trees not your jam? There are lots of other ways to take care of yourself:
- Read those books that have been collecting dust by your bedside.
- Watch that movie or binge-watch that tv series. Feel free to send me your recos!
- Try out new recipes and hone your cooking skills (something I’d personally love to do).
- Simplify your life and home by channeling your inner Marie Kondo.
- Especially during a time like this, we need to feel connected to the people in our lives, even if that means engaging with them in new ways. For example, we celebrated Sean’s sister’s birthday with a group dinner via Zoom.
More than ever, do the calming things that will give you a break from all the headlines (although it’s still important to stay informed). I’ve been documenting our quarantine life on my Instagram Stories.
Take good care of your mental and emotional health by accepting what you can and can’t control right now. Look for ways to be kind to the people around you and check in on your peeps to see if they’re ok or need help. When you go out, remember to smile and say thank you – such a small thing goes a long way. Plus we need a lot more of it during these uncertain times.
Our current reality will be here with us for the foreseeable future, but we can and will get through this together.
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