You know that friend who is always trying to look on the bright side even in really difficult situations? Well, at Wholesome Culture, we’re definitely those people.
We know that positivity is hard to hold onto right now. With thousands of people dying and millions of people living in isolation, the devastation of COVID-19 is unmistakable. However, amid the fear and confusion, we are doing our best to find glimmers of lightness in what is a very heavy situation.
So if you’re overwhelmed after reading all the headlines or feeling lonely as you stay at home, here are a few reasons to look at this changing world with hopeful, optimistic eyes.
5 reasons why spending more time at home can be a good thing
1. Staying home helps us protect each other
The obvious benefit of staying home, of course, is that it protects ourselves and those around us — near and far — from potentially getting infected with the disease.
Here’s why: research shows that because the virus is so contagious and often completely asymptomatic, it’s easy to spread the disease without even knowing it. (It’s a case in which ignorance is NOT bliss!)
So, if you find yourself talking to your succulents and wooden spoons because you haven’t had contact with another human being in days (just us?), keep in mind that your stir-craziness may just be saving someone else’s life.
2. Staying home is reducing air pollution
With less drivers commuting and fewer flights taking off, cleaner air happens to be a side effect of the outbreak.
According to research, here’s what the numbers show:
- Since quarantine measures began in February and March of 2020, nitrogen dioxide has decreased by an average of 35% across China compared to the numbers in 2019. And in certain cities in China, the N02 reductions are up to 50-60%.
- Cities in Italy, such as Milan, had about 40% lower concentration of N02 in February/March compared to the same time period last year.
As we’ve also seen, the canals in Venice are clearer, thanks to less boat traffic. So, perhaps this time inside is giving the world outside a chance to reset.
Although, even with this good news, the question remains: how do we implement sustainable solutions to air and water quality problems? While worldwide isolation is showing to come with environmental benefits, it is certainly not a long-term answer.
3. Staying home is potentially creating more remote work practices
The most ideal commute for the environment is no commute at all. Yep, working from home isn’t only beneficial if you’re trying to do a load of laundry mid-day, it also cuts carbon emissions!
As more employers encourage their teams to WFH during the pandemic, the hope is that practices will be in place so more people will be equipped with tools to successfully do their jobs remotely (even if that means remote Wednesdays or every other Friday). Who knows, maybe, just maybe, all those tech-resistant bosses will see how Zoom meetings really do work!
If you’re new to WFH life, our post about boosting your productivity while working from home is a can’t miss.
4. Staying home is giving us more quality time to connect
Whether or not your love language is “quality time,” if you’re quarantining with a roomie, partner, or family member, you’re likely getting a whole lot of QT in. And quality time is not to be underestimated!
One study shows that when someone spends time with their significant other, they are generally twice as happy (and less stressed) than they are when they aren’t with them. Sweet, right? And according to Psychology Today, face-to-face contact can lower the risk of certain mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety.
What if your roomie is a pet? We’ve got you. A 2017 study shows that humans (and dogs!) get an increase in oxytocin, “the love hormone” when we gently pet our pooches. So, pet away and soak up the feelings of connectivity from your couch!
While we’re on the topic, check out our other blog post to learn about all the health benefits of pet parenthood.
And we don’t know about you, but we’ve spent more time on FaceTime with our friends and family than we have in a very long time, maybe ever. So we’re also viewing this time as a way to carve more chats with friends and relatives we haven’t seen in a while — from a distance.
5. Staying home is giving us time to start passion projects
If you have a passion for cooking or writing, consider using this time to show a little extra love to a part of yourself that often goes neglected.
Give yourself a cooking challenge and make as many recipes as you can from your favorite cookbook. (We’re big fans of our Wholesome Culture Cookbook, if you’re looking for some plant-based inspiration!) Pour your heart into a gratitude journal or finally take that online calligraphy class you’ve been eyeing. Find something that speaks to you and just start!
Want to learn more about how we’re responding to the COVID-19 pandemic? Check out our FAQs page.
And here are more posts we think you’d love while you’re hunkered down at home:
