The Lessons COVID-19 Is Teaching You About Yourself

Hey everyone, firstly, before I jump into things… I want to ask you, how are you? How have you been? Take a moment just to really ask yourself how you are… Before you read on.

There is no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically transformed the way we think about life. Everyday gestures had to be banned in an effort to limit contagion risks. 

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However, what we may not realise is that a change of routine can also be a beneficial experience. After all, since the start of the pandemic, you’ve been able to shift your attention to an inward-looking lifestyle. Self-isolation and social distancing have opened the door to self-introspection. You’ll never have another opportunity to get to know yourself in depth.

Therefore, why not seize the chance to discover new things about yourself and correct some damaging thinking patterns along the way? 

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#1. Your routine is your saviour

We can’t deny that COVID uncertainty is without consequences on your mental health. Anxiety and increased stress are some of the most frequent responses to the pandemic. It feels like your life has been turned around since March. So, of course, feeling upset and anxious is a normal reaction. However, as the pandemic is showing no sign of disappearing, most people are using their time at home to create a mental health boosting routine.

Coping with the unknown can teach you to create stability for yourself. Giving yourself a break without worrying about long-term plans is an important lesson that keeps you grounded. More importantly, you can establish a day-to-day routine to life under COVID. Your routine offers a soothing sensation because it makes things more manageable by focusing on your immediate needs. And with it comes a new realisation: you can maintain your positive routine even after the pandemic. 

For me, my skincare, my meal times and my switch off times are essential. Remember, routines give us a sense of purpose and they can truly transform your day.

#2. We all have coping mechanisms

How do you usually cope with stress? It’s fair to say that dealing with the pandemic is an entirely new situation. Therefore, you might find yourself developing new coping strategies to alleviate stress and cabin fever. Here’s an essential truth for you. Not all coping mechanisms are healthy. Chances are that you’ve built unhealthy and potentially harmful strategies during lockdown. But don’t blame yourself for it! It is an exceptionally stressful situation, and, with no time to prepare, you’ve had to improvise to protect your mental health. But as time is passing, you can develop stress resilience and evaluate your coping approach. 

Excessive online shopping, for instance, has been a favourite. When you feel stuck at home, you want to bring all the pretty things underneath your roof. Unfortunately, as money can be tight in uncertain times, you may be left wondering how to pay off your credit card balance and consolidate your debt. The first answer is to curb your online shopping habits. Instead, plan your purchases ahead, and according to your budget, so you’ve got something to look forward to. 

For others, excessive drinking or eating has been a source of entertainment at home. Gradually, reduce quantities. Stopping cold turkey without an alternative can be painful. But please remind yourself that seeking professional help is never shameful. & the NHS are still there for you, even during a pandemic.

The bottom line: You’re now in a better position to reduce stress in a healthy way. 

#3. Simple choices can go a long way

More and more households have been cooking from scratch during lockdown. With all the extra time spent at home, it’s natural to find new hobbies and activities. Cooking your meals may have changed your mindset about food. You can eat yummy meals that are easy to make. One of the most commonly quoted reasons for buying processed food and prepared meals is cost. Most households assume that cooking is expensive.

However, as stockpilers forced shoppers to adjust their grocery shopping, most people discovered that cooking could be not only fun but also budget-effective. A courgette and garlic quiche cost less than £4 per person, for instance. In a small household, you can enjoy the quiche for several days, making your dinner go much further without compromising on nutrients.

Why stop cooking and enjoying your food once the pandemic is over? Let me know if you would like me to share some more recipes on here!

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#4. You’re loving make-up free days

Were you the kind of person who would get up early to get ready for the day? Hairstyling and make-up have changed during lockdown. You’ve been enjoying more days without foundation or hair products at home. As a result, a lot of people have focused on care products to enhance the health and appearance of their skin and hair. The consequence: you are not sure you want to go back to styling your face and hair anymore. A natural look helps you make peace with your appearance. Life in lockdown has taught you to love yourself a little more. 

Learning to love yourself and tackle harmful stress responses are essential life lessons. COVID-19 has helped people to grow wise and mindful, and that is something we can all cherish. Even if things have sucked, I truly like to look towards the light and be thankful for this ongoing challenge… There are some positives.

We have been forced to pause. Stop. & truly focus on the things we take for granted.

Stay safe, be wise & please seek help if you’re suffering. x

All my love,

Jess xx