The pandemic has not only had a strong impact on people's well-being, it has also prompted them to reinvent their lives and reassess their goals and priorities.
During this global pandemic, many people have spent much of their time in isolation at home, which has allowed them to think more about what they really want.
While we all experienced challenges during this time, it was these trials that made us reflect on our lives and contributed to our growth and development as we adapt to these changing circumstances. Self-reflection is useful because it helps us set our priorities and determine the lifestyle we want to lead. For example, here are four actions that many people have decided to take:
- Acquire new skills. Many people have turned to upgrading their skills during the pandemic. Some have turned to pastry or cooking in general. Others honed their computer skills, learned a new language, or started playing a new instrument.
- Find new hobbies. Life in a pandemic has also prompted people to optimize their “downtime”. Puzzles, board games, and gardening have all become popular. People devoted time to arts and crafts and became interested in collectibles, woodworking and other similar activities.
- Spend more time with the family. The pandemic has brought families living under one roof closer together by reminding them of the importance of spending time together. Rather than working long hours or spending too much time on their electronics, families are finding ways to support each other and enjoy each other's company.
- Improve your physical or mental health. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of being in good health. Exercising regularly, staying active, eating healthy, sleeping well, worrying less, and having people they trust to talk to during times of stress are some of the ways people have tried to take care of themselves.
Think about what skills, hobbies, or actions mean more to you now. All of this could be a stepping stone to improving your life, both personally and professionally.
Aspire to a better life.
Upon reflection, many people recognize that aspects of their lives that once seemed important, such as getting "up the ladder" or competing with your neighbors, are now neither priority nor important.
Overall, people are obsessed with shopping per se (ie, therapeutic shopping) less and less. Rather, they prefer to use the money they would have spent on non-essential purchases to have fun and memorable experiences with family members and friends.
Indeed, people are becoming more committed to attaining a better quality of life. That’s why the job market has been so active lately. Many people are re-evaluating their work and reconsidering what brings them true happiness. They also seek greater flexibility, such as working from home on a part- or full-time basis, working closer to home to reduce commuting, and separating personal and work time to maintain a better work-life balance. Some people have moved from large, expensive cities to the suburbs or rural areas to enhance their quality of life.
However, it is important to make sure that these decisions made in the quest for a better life are suitable for your situation. Here are some quick tips to put into practice as you brainstorm some important actions:
- Think rationally. Be clear when making important decisions. List the possible pros and cons of this important decision you are about to make in order to see the big picture and stay objective.
- Involve your family members. Major changes can also affect your family. Discuss your wishes with your partner and family members. Open and strong communication is crucial to achieving the best decisions for everyone involved.
- Be realistic. We all dream of other lifestyles that would make us happier. For example, leaving the workforce may be tempting, but what would your life be like if you stopped working? Can your family live without your income? Consider all the consequences.
- Stay focused on the long term. We all have financial and life goals, but making hasty decisions can put them in jeopardy. The pandemic, stressful as it may be, is a relatively short-lived phenomenon. It's more helpful to focus on the long term and how you plan to achieve your goals.