Turning a Page
By: Anita Sud
Tags: Life Lessons, Mental Health, Self-awareness, Relationships, Life

Turning a Page

Accepting and adapting to changes

I now look out of my eight-floor window, each morning minus the anxiety I felt post-retirement. I feel no guilt about still being in bed, and not out at work as I know everyone else is also at home.

photo by John- Mark Smith on Unsplash

Whilst they are hurrying and scurrying, preparing for work from home, I too am planning my day. Unlike them, my screen time is limited, and I have the choice to decide what I want to do.

It’s liberating to be the master of your own time, and I no longer envy my colleagues, who are now working from home, managing the household chores and their kids without the help they had previously. Most of them have become experts in half dressing for their online classes, waist down still in their shorts or pyjamas.

Working from home was exciting for a short period, but most people long to go back to their previous routines. The novelty wore off soon enough, and they realised they missed the interaction going out to work provided. They also discovered that the work hours had increased as bosses realised they were now available twenty-four seven.

photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash

The informal exchange between colleagues during coffee breaks that infused them with ideas and energy needed to take on challenging tasks is no longer an option. Continuous screen time, lack of movement and stress will have an unfavorable effect on their long-term health.

We have all got accustomed to feeling safer and more secure within the confines of home, socializing with limited friends and family members. Evening walks, jogging, cycling, gardening are now replacing yoga classes and work out routines at gyms. The die-hard enthusiasts have the option of online courses, but most of us need to be out to avoid mental and emotional stress.

Funny, how we have finally accepted this new lifestyle. The other day, we went out for one of those now rare dinners to a friend’s house, and it felt strange. Dressing up felt good, though wearing a mask took away some pleasure. After a long gap of six months of eating healthy and on time, the late dinner and the many array of dishes were tempting but gave me heartburn.

Returning home past midnight, I wasn’t sure if the changes were all that bad. Our new routine is healthier; one leads a more disciplined life, ensuring that the food we intake is more nutritious rather than tasty. All the immunity boosters taken religiously have made me more aware, and I eat more consciously.

My birthday a few days ago was different from the previous years. My spouse pleasantly surprised me with a gift I least expected. I had once expressed a desire for something and then forgot about it as I realized the expenditure was unnecessary, as this was not the time to pamper one’s vanity.

My better half who usually forgets my birthday, and avoids making a frivolous expense, outdid himself, by taking me by surprise, going out to purchase the said gift and keeping it hidden till d- day.

I haven’t stopped teasing him about his benevolence, wondering if, as I age, he considers me more endangered now!! Or is it his receding hairline making him more appreciative of my hair?

photo credits to the author Anita Sud

Another new one was the number of friends who attempted to reach out and call. I think all of us have realized the importance and significance of staying in touch and spreading love.

The pandemic may have changed the way we live, but it has not affected our spirit. We are more in touch now with family and friends than before and do not take relationships and occasions for granted. The unpredictability of life has made us aware of people and their significance in our lives.

Today we have only emotional expectations from our friends and family. The healthy, unhealthy competition that existed at work is history now.

We appreciate small things and are less demanding. We have gained freedom from the noise and clutter of the past. One short outing instead of the many trips is good enough now. I marvel and wonder how we packed in so much into a day previously.

Luckily, we humans can attach and detach quickly. We change abodes, habits and lifestyle promptly and let’s hope 2021 bring happiness, cheer and positive changes in all our lives.