The New Normal

Isolation can be a sobering experience and today with more than 20% of the global population in some form of lockdowm without a definitive end date, self isolation has become our reality, the new normal.While isolation is never really a desired state for most people it can be even more daunting if like me, you live alone in a overcrowded city and have a family that is scattered around the globe and a long distance relationship.

While for most part work has continued uninterrupted(thanks to technology), working from home also means more time to self. So what do we do with this gift of time? The answer to this lies in all the social media apps on your phone. A simple scroll will give you a general idea. Fancy a laugh? there is tiktok, fancy some Michelin star desserts? there is surely some amateur chef making banana bread on YouTube, fancy some workout inspo? Instagram live is buzzing with workout videos. Social media is abuzz with people doing literally anything to kill time so much so that it seems less like pandemic and more like a productivity challenge.

A number of studies being conducted suggests that most if not all countries will have to follow some form of social distancing well into 2021. While this positivity has held us well in the initial days of the crisis it is probably time to see this with a wider angle. It is time to adapt our lifestyles to this new reality instead of seeing it as an anomaly. What is the book you have been meaning to read or the business idea you never had time for? Or what about that online course you have always wanted to sign up for? Reports suggests picking up tasks which are more meaningful for our long term growth provides a sense of achievement and has a positive impact on our mental health.

While the world outside unfolds its chaos, there has never been a better time to focus on yourself. Prioritize your self, your goals and especially your mental health. While life does feel heavy right now it has also made us realize how precious it is and when all our distractions and trimmings are taken away all we are left with is ‘US’.

#Selfisolation #mentalhealth #covid19