5 Positive Things to come from Self-Quarantine and Social Distancing
by Fletch
It’s a global pandemic and there’s only one thing I can do to help flatten the curve; I can practice social distancing. Governor Polis (of Colorado, obvi) issued a stay-at-home order effective on March 26th, 2020. Essential personnel are excepted, but most aren’t so lucky. See the order here.
It’s easy to watch the news and see the negatives, now and at all times. What follows is a list of five positives that have come out of social distancing for myself and others.
Note: It goes without saying that following the orders and recommendations of credible public officials, medical personnel, and the CDC should be your first priority with regards to COVID-19.
#1: More Sleep
This is the easy one; fewer opportunities to socialize, less time out, more time at home.
Are those the Grand Tetons? I think those could be the Tetons.
#2: No Commute
Multiple scientific studies have shown a decrease in job satisfaction associated with longer commutes. I’m not going to link that here. Or something similar, here. Or a study of the actual costs, right here.
The last one is worth a look. They’re all worth a look, really…
Just know that the shorter your commute, the better. My commute lately is bathroom, kitchen, couch. 😉
#3: Crossing Items off the To-Do List
I’ve crossed a lot off of my “honey do” list and to-do list recently; organizing the closet, doing my taxes and similar paperwork that I’ve been putting off, and cleaning the house and floors so they’re good enough to eat off of.
I have kids, after all. #littlesavages
#4: More Time for Hobbies
I’ve been hiking more. I’ve been outside in the back yard more. I’ve been to the park more. I’ve been writing more, and more.
We all have our own hobbies and being forced to take a step back from the daily grind gives a chance to fall back in love with them.
That brings me to the last one…
#5: Perspective
Without all of the distractions, socializing, events, I’m left with time to sit and think, to reflect on my life and the things that are important to me.
There are essentials, just like there are essential personnel; there are habits and hobbies that make us unique and make us who we are, and having to step back from the day-to-day grind really gives us a chance to reset and clarify what is important.
The Colorado Soul 
It is the same for me, I am enjoying being able to spend time doing my hobbies or just relaxing and watching some tv or reading a book. In my country we aren’t allowed to go out and hike or exercise, all exercise must be done at home so that is one of the things that I am missing the most.
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We can still access outdoor parks. Where are you living if not the US?
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No, in the Caribbean, Trinidad. And no for the next two weeks we cannot even go to local parks. But hopefully after that things could somewhat get back to normal 🙂
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