Apr 24, 2020
4 habits to adopt to make the lockdown bearable
“The world is going through a period of crisis, but whether we look at it as a crisis or as an opportunity to reshape our thinking, depends on us. So use this period as a lesson on how to live life with a concern for all of humankind.”
― Abhijit Naskar
The world isn’t the same, but what can we do than to move ahead and adapt to it. If we keep complaining and focusing on the what-ifs, we would keep feeling miserable.
There are two extremes. The people who have been rendered jobless and the ones who can go about their regular business. No matter what, both of these people feel the effects of the pandemic.
Nobody knows how long this whole phase would last. We don’t know if it would end next month or next year, but remaining positive is our only way to get through this. Personally, I see this phase as a blessing because it has helped my writing in significant ways. I write more, and I publish more. So, that’s a plus for me.
Here are some ways to make the lockdown bearable;
Only focus on the Positive.
Many things would make you start to feel miserable. First of all, the news. There’s content everywhere on the virus and the newly reported cases. It’s all over the internet and TV. You have to make a deliberate effort to avoid those content.
Also, stay around positive people. You become who you surround yourself with. If you stay around positive people, you would become positive and attract more positive people.
Think about it. It’s even better now that you can work from home because you can control the people who have access to you. You no longer have to sit through meaningless conversations. You’re now in charge of your energy. Be around optimistic, motivated, and supportive people.
Find your Purpose
There’s something unique about every one of us. And there’s no better time than now to find out what that thing is and to go after it.
Before now, your excuse was work and how you never had time to do what’s unique to you. Like I said before, this is a unique opportunity. No one knows when we will get this opportunity again. So use it!
As technology advances, your creative work would be your only option to find work because trust me, AI is coming to take many jobs. Many people would lose their source of livelihood. The only positions AI wouldn’t easily occupy are the ones that demand human creativity. No better opportunity than now.
The good thing about it is, your creative work becomes your legacy and would speak for you even after you die.
Your legacy is defined by the impacts you had on others and how well you served and made the lives of others better.
How do you find your purpose?
- Explore through books
2. Use the challenges you’ve overcome to help others who struggle with them
3. Pay attention to what you’re naturally good at.
4. Find out what people appreciate you for.
5. Listen to what your heart tells you
Work on your Thought
The pandemic has affected everyone one way or the other. But two people would come out from this. The person that came out better and the other that came out worse.
You define which side you fall under. Yes, you feel miserable, and you can’t go visit friends, go to the movies, etc., but would complaining solve anything?
I would admit that work has been slow on my end, but I don’t want to focus on that. I’m focusing on growing my personal brand because that’s the best I can do.
I noticed that worrying about what might have been only made me get angry and frustrated.
Make it a mission to come out of this a better version of yourself — and you will.
“Embrace failure. Missteps and roadblocks are inevitable but are ultimately an opportunity to learn, pivot, and go after your goals with new perspective.”
Reach Out to People
I’m guilty of this. I hardly reach out to people because I just conclude in my head that everyone is okay. But it’s wrong.
It’s not like it’s only one country that’s experiencing this — the whole world has seen the effects. Reaching out to people is a good way to make you and the person you’re reaching out to happy.
Use this period to be a source of joy to the next person. It might not necessarily be money or food, but you can put a smile on someone’s face with a meme, a funny video, or a funny tweet.
Everyone is trying so hard to cope with the pandemic because of how scary and damaging it is. Be the person that would make the next person smile.
Final Notes
To succeed, you have to see the positive in every situation. You’re the driver of your life, and only you get to decide your final destination.
Please be safe and wash your hands
