I am an entrepreneur and run my own business, which means that I rarely take a day off.
There’s not a day that goes by where I’m not checking my email or working on something.
But that being said, I do find time to unplug from the hustle and bustle of my daily life. I think it’s incredibly important to do so. Especially during the pandemic where I find I’m actually working more than I’ve ever worked because my daily commute is gone.
So with the exception of exercising, which is now so easy because I have a peloton in my home, I start working when I get up and work way into the evening.
I’ve become more productive during the pandemic, and I’ve also had much more of an opportunity to build my brand because there isn’t a lot of noise and distractions from the outside or things to do.
All that being said, I have been microclustering with a small group during the quarantine, and I find it really helpful to make time where I unplug and just enjoy being with them.
Last weekend for example I went up to the log cabin of my dear friends. We spent the weekend cooking amazing meals, watching movies by the fire and enjoying hikes. I wasn’t on social media much on purpose. I didn’t obsessively check CNN and the New York Times. My puppies loved it and so did I. I felt rested and recharged.
While I checked my email and did some work for a few hours each day, I really took advantage of being in the present moment. I feel like we’re always running around to get somewhere and always making plans so it was just nice to just sit still.
If there’s anything I’ve learned during the past 10 months in quarantine, it’s that it’s not necessarily what you do but with whom you do it. I have much more fun now making a meal for my friends and family than I did going to a fancy restaurant or bar in New York City before.
If you feel like you are working nonstop without much distraction or fun, try to create it for yourself particularly during these winter months when we are cooped up anyway. Learn how to cook or bake – or both! My family and friends benefit from my new quarantine culinary skills. Outdoor dining options are still open, many of which have heaters. It’s also great to take a long walk with your dogs, and of course there’s so many things you can do virtually.
Although we will return to normal, or some semblance of normal, I don’t think things will go back to being the same way. I don’t believe I’m the same person who needs the same things.
Like I said I don’t need to go to a fancy restaurant anymore. I’m more than happy to make a meal with family and friends over some great wine. That is why I am thankful for this time because I think we all got back to basics in terms of what’s important and what we want. We had the time to really take stock of our daily habits and spending patterns.
Although I still live in New York City, there’s so many more things I enjoy doing outside of the city now. I also appreciate the present much more than I ever did. I used to always be nervous about the future or making plans for the future or thinking about what my life was supposed to be like instead of just living it every single day and not worrying too much. Part of this of course is the liberation of not being with a controlling partner, and part of it is the fact that I have more time to think during the past 10 months without distraction.
If you’re like me you’ve picked up some new habits and skills (baking!), and maybe even a couple of dogs like me (the pandemic puppy trend). I’m always happy to share some recipes with you from my time in 2020!
My advice to everyone is keep slowing down, take stock of what your life is like and what you want it to be and make it happen. Don’t make excuses, well I’ll do something after the quarantine is over. Do it now.