6 things I will appreciate more after self-isolation

These are some crazy times we’re in. While I feel very fortunate to be safe at home, all the changes in our daily lives have really put into perspective how much we take for granted every day. In between work and my very demanding Netflix schedule, I’ve been able to do some reflecting on some big things in my life that I will try to appreciate more once the quarantine is lifted. [/intro]

Uninterrupted, quality time

I live alone, so for the sake of my sanity, I decided to quarantine at my parents’ house. Before all this, I hadn’t spent much more than a long weekend back home since moving away to university. If it wasn’t for the quarantine, things like the distance and work would have prevented me from getting this extended time with my family. Of course, I wish it was happening under different circumstances, but nevertheless I’ll take it as a little silver lining.

So, whether you’re self-isolating with family, roommates, friends, significant others, or even pets, consider the last time you’ve given them your undivided attention. Take this opportunity to reconnect. Whether you end up still liking each other, well, that’s a different story. May the odds be ever in your favour.

Having plans & places to go

I think we can all agree that one of the simple yet great joys in adult life comes from unwanted plans getting cancelled. That feeling you get when you see the “Hey, so sorry to do this, but can we reschedule?” text can be compared to the feeling of switching from jeans to sweatpants after a long day.

That is…until everything is cancelled. With social distancing in effect for weeks now, we’ve all had to clear our social calendars whether we wanted to or not. Making plans for the future is a privilege that we all have. So, for the sake of a better Future Liza™, I promise to be grateful for all my plans. After all, it means I’m safe and free to go anywhere I want. For any family or friends reading, I give you permission to hold me to this. 

The office

No, I’m not talking about the TV show — if anything, this time has allowed Michael Scott to grace my TV more than I’d like to admit. I’m talking about our one and only Stryve office. While I feel super lucky that I’m able to work remotely during this time with pretty much no interruption, I’ve learned that I’m definitely not cut out for remote-only work. I’m motivated by the buzz of everything going on at Catalyst, by my fellow Stryvers, and even the sound of everyone being in the zone, clacking away on their keyboards. It’s the sound of productivity, and I never thought I’d actually miss it.

More video calling, less texting

I’d like to make a toast to the video conferencing platforms of the world. FaceTime, Zoom, and Houseparty, just to name a few. Despite having these tools available to us for years, we’re using them as though they’re some revolutionary new thing. Business use aside, I’ve been on more video calls with family and friends in the last month than ever before. It’s so much more rewarding to have a face-to-face conversation (even if it’s virtual) than to spend all day texting. If I’m going to try to keep up even just one thing from this time, it’s for sure going to be more video calls.

Supply chains

Maybe it’s because I specialized in supply chain management in business school (fun fact!) but I have an appreciation for the work that goes into getting goods onto shelves. It’s pretty amazing that we can buy what we want when we want it, and as I’ve learned over the last few weeks, it’s something we completely take for granted. Having our supply chains threatened or disrupted isn’t something we’re used to, so when they are, panic-buying ensues (Exhibit A: toilet paper hoarding).

For the most part, our biggest worry isn’t “if” stores will restock, but rather “when”. This is how much trust we have in our supply chains and not everyone in the world is so fortunate. While some items may be sold out for days at a time, we’re lucky to have this level of accessibility to the things we want and need.

The outdoors

It’s kind of ironic that under normal circumstances we choose to spend so much time indoors, yet when we’re told to stay inside, all we can think about is how much we want to be outside. Thankfully, things in Canada haven’t escalated as they have in other countries, but still, I don’t think anyone could have imagined that going outdoors freely was something that could be taken away. 

For many, the outdoors means being active and exercising. It’s exploration and fresh air, and it’s a positive contribution to mental health. I’m already someone who loves being outside, but when this is all over I’m going to push myself to get out there even more. I challenge you to do the same.

If you’re more of an indoor cat, push yourself to sit on your porch or balcony. Hell, even cracking a window is better than nothing. The weather is getting better and better, and while we may not get to experience beach days or happy hour on our favourite patio, the outdoors still has so much to offer. Get out there and take advantage of it while you can.

What have you taken for granted?

What are you missing and what will you take from these quarantine days into your regular life? Let us know on social media!