5 Reasons we should not go back to Normal after Quarantine ends.

“Mindfulness not only makes it possible to survey our internal landscape with compassion and curiosity but can also actively steer us in the right direction for self-care.” 

Bessel A. van der Kolk (The Body Keeps the Score).

Here we are, collectively going through a struggle together. And it is a mistake to think or even to wish for things to go back to “normal” just like they were before the pandemic started. How can we when we are all being taught a lesson in mindfulness? People are finally paying attention to the little things in life. Washing the dishes. Styling their own hair. Making their own coffee. Structuring their own day and planning out their own routines.

One of the most common concerns that arose during lockdown is the concern of staying fit and healthy. Access to gyms and health centers has been cut off and the external stimulation and motivation (your friends, the gym pool etc etc) is no longer present. All you’re left with are thousands upon thousands of workout videos and healthy recipes being shared online. They are free, and effective. Are you making use of them? Which brings me to the first reason we should not go back to normal;

1. You are as fit and healthy as you are disciplined.

Without discipline, on a bad day your lack of motivation will fail you. This is not a disadvantage. You are now aware of the power of your own will. Without it, there’s not much a personal trainer and a dietitian can do for you. It is up to you to create a routine – and stick to it. When you are at home without anyone’s observation and motivation, can you get up and move? Can you cook yourself a healthy meal?

Once this lockdown ends, before you rush to make a long awaited appointment at your favorite hair salon, take a few moments to appreciate the skills you have developed managing your own hair and nails at home. I know I have. In Kuwait (and possibly the region) the average woman’s vanity expenses exceed 150 KD per month. Ladies if I miscalculated, please do share your true expenses. A simple hygienic activity of cutting and shaping your nails has evolved into a first class treatment costing 10-30 KD, depending on the service. Add to that hair treatment expenses, beauty products including make up, body moisturizers and facial treatments.

2. You’re not paid enough to match society’s beauty standards, honey.

If staying at home away from external stimulations hasn’t forced you to face your inner demons then you’re probably spending too much time watching TV and scrolling through social media. What are you avoiding through all these distractions? If you are unable to sit quietly enjoying a cup of coffee staring into space without your phone in your hand – are you really ok?

3. There is something wrong with you, and you need to fix it, gently.

Self-healing is a process and it is to be approached gently and lightly. You cannot drastically change overnight but you can start by acknowledging your feelings. By listening to your thought patterns. Only then can you understand yourself. How do you learn something new if you do not read or listen?

We’ve been in lockdown for what – two months now? And I can safely say 95% of my monetary spending has been on food. I’ve excluded of course my website expenses and online subscriptions like Netflix and YogaJournal.com. Hopefully the next time I spend money buying unnecessary gifts, driving from place to place wasting gas or being allured into purchasing the latest fashion trend I will be mindful.

4. Living costs are not high, your lifestyle choices are.

Finally, I will end this article by stating the last but not least reason things are never going to be the same;

5. You are not in control and if you didn’t know that before, now you do.

One day you’re at the office having a laugh with your colleagues and the next you’re requested by the government to stay home. Some of you even lost their jobs permanently. Many of you are lucky to have socially responsible employers. This lockdown has taught us – harshly – that we are not in control. Especially if we have been acting selfish and disregarding our impact on Earth and collective energy of the universe. What we can control is how we respond. And how we choose to change and grow from this. Let’s start by appreciating the people that are carrying the weight of this pandemic on their shoulders – everyone out there at the front lines.

Is there anything that this pandemic has brought to your attention? Please share with me in the comments!