Here in Melbourne, we’ve begun to peel back some of the lockdown restrictions. For the first time in a long time, I was able to visit one of my favourite parks and curl up on a blanket in the sun with my Kindle.
I have never seen so many people at this park in my entire life.
Families were everywhere; having picnics, riding bikes, sun-baking, reading, walking. Some people played music, most were laughing.
It’s the same at my local park where I walk in the afternoons – the number of dog-walkers, joggers and families flocking to the oval has increased ten-fold in the last few weeks.
With more time on our hands and fewer things to do to fill it with, exercise is on the rise – I know I’m certainly more active than I’ve ever been.
People are spending more time outdoors, as it’s the only place they can go.
I think it’s beautiful.
And I think, sadly, it will change when the restrictions are lifted further.
Everyone is itching to get back to normality. But maybe we need to ask ourselves the question – what aspects of ‘normal’ don’t serve us?
Although there are many things I’ve missed, I can think of a few that I hope have changed for good. Here are 5 things I won’t be rushing back to:
1. Skipping my daily dose of vitamin D
In our busy lives, one of the first things to often fall by the wayside is spending time outside in the fresh air and sun.
If you’re anything like me, your workday probably looks like this:
- Get up at 5:30 am
- An hour session at the gym
- Get to work
- Quickly scoff some lunch at midday
- Back to work
- The homebound commute in horrendous traffic
- Walk through the door well after dark, scrap together some dinner and mindlessly watch something on Netflix in bed
I’m not just talking about getting some exercise at the park. I’m talking feet to the grass, drinking in the sounds, sights and smells of Mother Nature.
This time in isolation has helped me to realise that I’m happier outside.
2. Poor quality, distracted time with loved ones
Now that our restrictions have lifted to the point where we can visit family and friends in each others’ homes, I’ve woken to the fact that so much of the time I’ve spent with loved ones in the past is poor quality.
Whether it be going to the movies, having a Netflix night at home or meeting up for lunch just to bury ourselves in our phones in order to post it all over Instagram, we often spend time together without really spending time together. Without really being present.
The past two nights I’ve caught up with friends and we were so happy to see one another, we didn’t touch our phones or laptops or TV remotes once.
Just hours of laughter, stories and genuine connection.
3. Mindless spending, needless buying
With nowhere to go and nothing to do, my bank account has sat relatively untouched, aside from bills and living expenses.
And you know what? I’m don’t feel I’m missing out on anything. I don’t crave expensive takeout, or splurging on unnecessary knick-knacks or pieces of clothing.
In my version of ‘normal’, I buy food to eat even when I’m not hungry, just because it’s there. I treat myself to that extra cocktail on a night out, or to that dynamite dress that I don’t yet have an occasion for.
Since this period in lockdown, I’ve become perfectly comfortable with the things I have and I’m suddenly hyper-aware of how much I actually need.
4. Stifling my inner book-nerd
Oh, how I loved to read as a kid! Why is it that I barely do it anymore?
It’s always been something I’ve enjoyed, but not always something that I’ve made time for.
Why do I pass up a good book for another episode of some shitty reality TV show? Why do I deny myself one of life’s simple, yet incredibly worthwhile and transformative pleasures?
In isolation, I’ve found the time to fall in love with reading again and it’s something I’m determined to continue on the other side of this nightmare.
5. Writing for play, not just for work
I started this blog to keep a regular writing practice while the writing I usually do for my job was put on hold.
It’s been a long time since I’ve written freely – about my thoughts and feelings, about things that interest me.
In the beginning, I assumed this online diary would end as isolation did. But now, I’m not so sure I want it to.
I like blogging. I like stabbing away at the keyboard without wondering if it’s ‘good enough’ or if it will pay well. I like writing for me instead of for someone else.
So I think I will continue blogging – although, I suppose my blog will need a makeover once it’s no longer a diary of someone in iso.
…
Have you found any silver linings through this pandemic, or identified any ‘normal behaviours’ that you hope you don’t revert back to?
THE ISO DIARIES 