Continuation of our series, see previous post.
As we try to wrap our minds around the fact that we are in the middle of a global pandemic, it is even more important now than ever to consider a Simple Life. With “Social Distancing”, “Self Quarantine”, “Work from Home” all becoming the new normal, maybe its time for some reflection – we need to succeed at living a Simple Life in Difficult Times.
The air is at the cleanest it has been in a long time. Someone sent me pictures of how the swans have returned to the canals of Venice. People are being faced to slow down, and that may not always be a bad thing. We are eating all meals at home. Spending time with our families. While the doom and gloom have forced us inwards, maybe we this is something we needed!
Here are my tips to stay safe, stay sane and stay simple!
- We shouldn’t need a pandemic to remind us to wash our hands! Please do so regularly and be aware about your surroundings and hygiene. Remember not to waste water while doing so.
- Stock up, but be mindful. Hoarding items you may not really use means others who may need it may lose out. So plan your lists responsibly.
- Support all small and local businesses as much as you possibly can during such trying times.
- This is a great time to hit the kitchen. Look into your pantry and get inventive. If you have children, use it as an opportunity to involve them. The kitchen is a great laboratory for experiments and learning.
- Find a hobby that you always wanted to work on. Maybe you loved painting or always wanted to learn crochet, why not use the extra time to do that now?
- De-clutter, it’s the perfect time to do a Marie Kondo!
- If you are on “work from home” mode, compartmentalise, plan your work time and balance it with family time. Remember that working from home also means that you can now be available for each other.
- Use the opportunity to home school the children. Some schools are being proactive by sending resource material home but even otherwise there is so much available on the Internet. Lets try and use the modern tools we have access to positively.
- Gyms maybe closed, but when planned correctly, you can choose to go for a walk, run or even a trek with only your family.
- Meditate! Now you have the time. Spend a few minutes doing some breathing exercises, good for your mind and your lungs!
- Read, read and read some more. Pull out all those books that have piled up.
- Pay attention to your plants! Maybe even start a small vegetable or herb patch. Maybe a small corner today will be your own self sufficient veggie garden a year from now!
- With less time spent in traffic jams and other noise, use this as an opportunity to reflect inwards. Think about how you can simplify your life, even after all of this done and dusted.
They say the Earth is healing, and maybe she is, and maybe with her we can too. Remember to stay safe, please do follow social distancing (encourage everyone you know to do the same) and together WE will overcome. But when we do, lets not forget how to stay simple and mindful.
Next post from the series: Quite Simply Put, Go Local!
