What life lessons have you gained during quarantine? The last 100 days have certainly been a time for reflection as we grapple with our “new normal.”  With our lives on pause, we have a unique window of space to decide what we do and don’t want going forward. My own life lessons have thrown up a few surprises showing me that it’s the things I take for granted that are the most precious.

Nature is essential to my wellbeing

Without a doubt, nature is the soothing balm that has got me through lockdown. I have often questioned my decision to live in the suburbs.  But over the past fifteen weeks, I have gained a new appreciation of the forests and fields that surround my home.  Squirrels, wood pigeons and magpies have been faithful companions while I work from home. Carpets of bluebells have lifted my spirits during some of the darkest days.  Lockdown has taught me that nature is pivotal to my wellbeing.

Writing is important to me

During lockdown, I have rediscovered my love of writing.  In my busy former life of commuting, socialising, swimming and hiking, there just never seemed enough time to write.  Now desperate for things to fill my time – writing has turned out to be my saviour.  From journaling to blogging – writing has completely absorbed me providing the ultimate lockdown distraction. It’s also been cathartic to write my worries down and get it out of my head and onto paper.  Writing has proven to be the ultimate release and so much cheaper than therapy!

I could never permanently work from home

Lockdown has given us all the opportunity to see if working from home suits us. And for office workers it’s the most important life lessons learned from COVID-19. While I don’t miss the time squandered on my commute – the journey is the means to a more fulfilling life.  I miss sharing cakes with my colleagues. I long for the joy of impromptu lunches out.  Working in pyjamas is no substitute for the wonder of walking past St Paul’s Cathedral every day. At home every day is groundhog day.  Working from home for me is dull and stifling and I’m counting the days until I’m back in the office.

FOMO has influenced me far too much

One thing I haven’t missed during lockdown is the dreaded FOMO (fear of missing out).  So many of my decisions in my former life have been influenced by the fear of missing out rather than the desire to actually do them. I have endured countless stilted Saturday nights at social gatherings when I would rather be indulging in solitary hobbies at home. Lockdown has given me the permission to no longer feel guilty about how I spend my time.  I hope that when things do return to normal, I’ll have the courage to ignore the FOMO taunts in my head and live a life that’s true to me.

My friendships mean the world to me

Social isolation was my greatest fear at the start of lockdown. In pre-pandemic days, I hardly ever picked up the phone for a chat as it just wasn’t the done thing.  Texts or Facebook was how I kept in touch.  Coronavirus has given me permission to pick up the phone and have more meaningful communication with my friends.  Some friends are no longer working. Others are stuck in furlough limbo with no idea if they’ll have a job to come back to.  The saying “it’s good to talk” has never been more pertinent during these challenging times. I plan to continue with the ancient form of telephone communication long after Coronavirus is as distant as Spanish Flu.

What are the life lessons everyone should learn from Coronavirus? Please share your thoughts below.