New habits in the face of COVID-19

There is no denying that right now is an incredibly difficult time for a mass majority of us. With so much indefinite unknown it is hard to find the light. However, I have found that having this extended time solo has forced me into adapting and adopting better habits.

Our community shared some of the new habits and routines that they have adapted and hope to continue once we switch back into some semblance of ‘normal’ again.

1. Being less wasteful.

Being chronically ill and extremely fatigued most of the time, I tend to buy and eat whatever is quickest or easiest to make for meals. Having extended periods indoors, I’ve quickly had to learn how to utilize the resources around me which has actually proven to be a really positive experience. I am trying things I would have never tried before, cooking more and being less wasteful with resources overall.

• “I can find the things I need or want at smaller stores. Have been trying items and foods I probably would have never discovered. No more going to the big box stores.”

2. Spending more time outdoors and getting in touch with surroundings.

I have taken more walks around my neighborhood in this last month than I think I have taken walks in my lifetime. I’ve discovered new places in my neighborhood, including a hiking trail with a stream of water. Walking to this spot every single day has become meditative for me and so necessary in maintaining a level head. I never spent the time to appreciate my surroundings as much as I am learning to now.

• “I’ve started taking solo walks around my neighborhood, just to get some alone time out of the house. I haven’t spent this much time outdoors in a while, and I hope to continue it as long as the weather and my health permit!”
• “Agreed with many of you that have already posted – taking walks has been a pleasant reminder of how calming being in nature is. I spend a lot of time outside in the summer (at the shore) but otherwise don’t. I want to get outdoors more!”
• “Taking walks! Getting to know your neighborhood and fresh air.”

3. Being able to evaluate your feelings and work through them.

An important thing to do during this time is to not only take breaks from social media and the news, but to evaluate how you are feeling. Doing this helps you to move through those feelings in a healthy way. Sometimes we get so caught up in the revolving door of life that we forget to take a moment, breathe and spend a moment with ourselves.

• “Being able to take breaks throughout the work day and regularly thinking about how I’m feeling.”

4. Adopting smaller habits that help boost your mood.

I have made my bed everyday for a long time because it makes me feel like I am starting the day on the right foot. However, I have found that this habit of mine started slipping. I now make my bed everyday to make sure I spend some of the day in other parts of my apartment. It makes me appreciate the other spaces I have to utilize.

• “Making my bed every day.”

5. Slowing down the hustle and bustle and being able to truly appreciate the little things.

• “ I am a park ranger and I manage two state parks. I do not love house cleaning. While I am on 7 days a week now, as I live on site, I am free to set my own schedule. I am a morning person, and when the park is open, I have to up and at it early.  Now that we are closed to the public, I am taking those morning hours for ME, and I find that I don’t hate housekeeping…I hate it when I am tired. “
• “We have been taking lots of walks and bike rides. It is great to see and talk to neighbors from a safe distance.”

What is one habit you have started or changed during quarantine that you hope to continue afterwards?

• About The Author

Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Alicia puts a little bit of “brotherly love” into everything she does. She is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University where she studied Television, Radio, & Film. She now works as a freelance editor, producer, videographer, and photographer. Alicia was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of 14 and when she was re-diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 22, Girls With Guts was just starting out. Her passion for GWG was instantaneous as she had not had that kind of support before. She has been on the board of Girls With Guts since 2013 starting out as Director of Multimedia and has now served as President since 2017. She’s always had a knack for bringing ideas to life and that is where her passion and Girls With Guts merged. If she’s not helping to further the overall vision of Girls With Guts, you can catch her raising awareness about her personal IBD journey whenever she can.