5 Things Covid-19 has taught me

July 28, 2021

With Covid still being around and the variant showing no signs of leaving us anytime soon. I would like to take this time to reflect on the last year. Part of growing as a human, is being able to look back on past mistakes and see how far you've come and give yourself credit where its due. At the start of the pandemic, I remember being very anxious and pessimistic about life. Asking myself everyday "when is this going to end?". Although we do have a vaccine, things aren't necessarily "normal", but then again was anything normal to begin with? 

1.) Embrace Nature/Outdoors 

So just like any other 25 year old, I do enjoy going out and spending time with friends and family. I am not into the bar/club scene (it was never my thing) and I mostly go to coffee shops to get work done or read and collect my thoughts. At the brink of the pandemic, the only thing we could do in Georgia is go to work, essential businesses like Kroger, and the park. During this time, I grew a newfound appreciation for parks as the were my escape. Something I was not doing previously and took for granted. As most places have established new business hours, I still urge you to go to a park, get some exercise in your day or just sit on a bench and read. 

2.) Put your phone down

I know, this does not come off as very shocking. Especially if you have been keeping up with my other blogs. I have noticed in observation that most of us, spend a lot of time on our phones, especially in a public setting or with others. We see it as an escape if things are awkward or if we're waiting in line, etc... Now there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. I do it too sometimes if you can believe that. However, my point is, when you're around friends or family, that time should be considered precious. I am sure your Instagram DM's and Twitter notifications can wait, but quality time is something to be appreciated and we should not take for granted. 

3.) Do things that will add to your life 

This one was a big one for me, at the start of 2020. I was working in Pharmacy. I have been in that field a little over 2 years. Although, I had a great staff and I was getting paid well, something felt off. After 3 months of working there, I realized that I had got bored of it. I ended up staying there during the peak of the pandemic as this was a security blanket for me. Now I'm sure a lot of you had or are still currently working a job you despise and isn't helping your actual career goals. This isn't a self-destruct message to quit your job tomorrow, however, think to yourself "How is this job gonna help me achieve my goals in the next 6 months to a year?".

We all do things we don't enjoy or in other cases to "get by". But this pandemic, has showed me and others that its never too late to chase your goals, regardless of age. Start that podcast, switch your career, release that book/artwork. The only disservice would be to still talk about it, years later and have nothing but regret and a bitter taste in your mouth. 

4.) Check-In on your tribe 

If its something that hasn't been evident through the midst of this, is that humans are selfish by nature and the pandemic has shown that. We have to be mindful, that we are not the only ones going through something, and that in some cases, our situation could be much worst. Check-in on your friends and be there for them. There really isn't much left to say. 

5.) Have an Emergency Fund 

Okay, this is something that hit home for me... I was not saving much prior to the pandemic. I was spending money on junk food, not so much on materialistic things, but I am a foodie by default. There was a handful of people who lost their jobs or decided to go through a career change. Having an emergency fund set to this side is essential because we cannot predict the future. 

If you're a student reading this whether you are getting an allowance from your parents or working a job. Put some money aside for yourself, at least 30% of your income. I won't get into investing because I am not a financial advisor, I am only a mere mortal man. 

I could honestly make a list of a few more things I learned, but I kept it to the 5 that were the most important to me. Hopefully, reading this helped you reflect on your life and where you want it to be. Life is too short to be surviving. We are in control of our life, and nothing is set in stone.