We are currently in a unique situation, where we are doing for the greater good of the community by staying at home and doing nothing more. Currently, every one of us must practice the measures advocated by the government in order to flatten the curve and eradicate this invisible killer. These measures include social distancing, staying at home, self-isolating and washing your hands.
People would say that this is the best time for introverts because they are doing what they love most, staying indoors away from human interaction. They do not need to interact with people and enjoy the sound of silence and their much-needed space for recharge, in the comfort of their home. Extroverts on the other hand, who get their energy highs by being surrounded by people and being constantly engaged in conversations, struggle big time. Moving away from the extreme end of the scale from constant interaction with people, bonding over dinner and drinks to staying at home with no face to face and minimal social interaction is one of the worst nightmares an extrovert can have.
Fortunately for me, though I am an extrovert, I am still able to maintain my sanity, thanks to being mindful and grateful. These are the two key behaviours that help me through my current lockdown period and enjoy the solitude though I am an extrovert.
There are many things to be grateful for during this self-isolation period. First and foremost, I am grateful to be able to self-isolate at home, because this means I have a home, a roof over my head. There are countless of folks out there who are homeless and have nowhere to go during current times. This situation is worse for them currently, as some 24/7 restaurants have closed down due to extreme poor business, providing them have less places to spend their nights. This sense of gratitude makes me appreciate my self-isolation period more as I know being “caged up” to be protected from this invisible killer is one’s blessing.
This sense of gratitude of having a home has also resulted in me coming up with a list of tasks to perform to tidy and spruce up my home, a place which I can call my own. This list is timely as well, since I will be spending 24/7 at home. Simple tasks such as tidying up the kitchen cabinets, living room and bedroom cabinets top the list as these help me declutter and move towards minimalism lifestyle. Adopting Kon Mari decluttering method, throw or give away things that do not spark joy helps me a lot in getting these tasks complete.
Another top on the list to be grateful for is having this additional time that I have due to nil external social activities. I am able to do things that I have always been wanting to do but have been shelving aside due to the more exciting things in the “outside world”. I am now picking up a new language and taking up some courses online, which are useful for my side hustle. In addition, I am unleashing my creativity and bringing back some fond memories by doing some photo montages from the pile of travel photos that I have printed some time back, collecting dust in my storeroom.
Having this additional time and less distraction also means that I can practice my daily mindful practice, which is the best selfcare routine one can have. I have carved out a cosy corner at the balcony, decorating the corner with mindful messages affirmations, meditation cushion and my essential oils diffuser. The corner is surrounded by pots of houseplants which gives my mindful practice corner a touch of nature.
Being at home does not mean that I am totally cut off to the world, thanks to social media and advent of technology. I am still in constant touch with my family and friends and bonding with them over quarantinis over face time.
In conclusion, staying mindful and grateful, coming up with a list of meaningful activities to kill time and keep in touch with family and friends have helped me enjoy my current “staycation”.