10 Benefits of The Great Pause

The Coronavirus has been at the forefront for all of us, and our lives have been turned upside down.

For some of us, this has been a time of great peace and self-reflection. However, many are living in a time of panic, compounded by fear. From being laid off from work and struggling to get approved for unemployment benefits, to those being forced to go to work because they’re an essential employee, there doesn’t seem to be a happy medium on either end of the spectrum. Life feels chaotic and insecure. Whether you’re unsure how you’re going to make ends meet with the stay at home order extended in several areas, or you’re struggling to stay healthy working on the front lines, the good news is that there is hope.

In the midst of fear and isolation, we are learning that profound, positive change is possible.

– Rebecca Solnit

Social distancing has become our new normal, and it may be difficult to find anything positive when our world is going through so much chaos. It may even feel easier to put your focus on anything but your own self-care. In the past, in the busyness of the world, we put our focus on those around us. However, COVID-19 has forced us all to significantly take a pause and focus on ourselves for once. This shouldn’t be viewed as a negative thing. In fact, many positives have come from the great pause brought on by COVID-19. I’ll share some of them below.

Here Are 10 Benefits of The Great Pause:

1. We’re Becoming Less Wasteful

It’s no secret how wasteful we all used to be, but COVID-19 has forced us all to appreciate every little bit that we have. We are finding ways to stretch our food reserves and learning how to feel satisfied with less. Through being less wasteful, we are learning how little we really need to be able to survive and thrive.

2. Appreciation of What We Took for Granted

This goes hand in hand with benefit #1, but also deserves its own spot. With the supermarkets low on stock, and finding things such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer nearly impossible, this is a great reminder to appreciate all that we have. There is peace and serenity to be found when we are living exactly within our means.

3. Less Reliance on Money for Entertainment

With the stay at home orders in place, many businesses shut down, and social distancing on the forefront, we have learned how to have fun without having to spend money. We are learning that doing things like taking the dog for a walk, exercising, or meditating does not cost a thing. The simple pleasures actually mean more to us at the end of the day. 

4. Greater Value on Our Health

Many of us have taken for granted our health and well-being. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that life is precious, and we must appreciate the gift of life that we were given. It’s up to us as individuals to keep ourselves safe and healthy, especially during times like these.

5. Environmental Benefits

With all of the decreases in industrial, transportation, and business activity, there have been significant climate benefits. There has been a noticeable drop in pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in some countries. This also means cleaner air and clearer water. With fewer people out and about, this is also a benefit for wildlife as they now have places to freely roam.

6. Greater Sense of Creativity

This slowdown has helped many of us get in touch with our creative side. Whether it’s doing long-awaited projects around your home, or finally finding the time to do that Pinterest craft, our creative juices are flowing.

7. Focus on Improving the World

Our world starts right at home. Many people are finding the time to improve their properties from painting, to gardening, to tidying up their lawns. To-do lists are being tackled and all of this can be brought out into the world once the lockdown is lifted.

8. Focus on Helping Local Businesses

With so many local businesses being closed, their futures may look bleak. Many community residents are doing their part to help local businesses during this difficult time. There are even people that have donated their stimulus check to a business or two to help them during their time of need.

9. Greater Focus on Family

Many parents have now taken on the role of “teacher” and have been homeschooling their children. It’s important to appreciate the extra time we have with our children and the fact that we can be so “hands on” with their education. This will be the closest we’ll ever get to them, and it’ll be a time that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.

10. Greater Focus on Self-Care

Have you taken the time to take care of you and your needs recently? Use this down time to get to know yourself on a much deeper level. Not sure where to begin? This free online event is a great place to start.

All that being said, there are many benefits of the great pause, and we do not have to give in to the negativity that surrounds COVID-19.

There is hope, there is healing to be found, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We will all get through this challenging time, together.

– Ashley

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