Epidemic Habits We Should Practice in the New Year and Beyond

While we look forward to these big positive changes, we cannot ignore the fact that the pandemic has also instilled many good habits in us. Many of these behaviors have made us better human beings, more effective, efficient and self-aware professionals.

Even as the year ends, we should consider these habits, as they are worth pursuing in the new year. Take a look at some of them and why they are worth keeping.

be kind to yourself

As we have faced multiple lockdowns, family illnesses, job losses, isolation from our colleagues and friends, how many of us have best lived through this difficult and somewhat surreal time, have faced it. One lesson that emerged from this period is the need to be kind to oneself. This is probably the best antidote to combating stress.

While many of us love to be productive every day, and successfully deal with all the challenges that life throws at us, the stresses of the pandemic have taught us that it is equally important not to over-humanize ourselves at all times. standards should not be kept. We can be kind to ourselves in many simple ways. For example, eating and sleeping well, enjoying simple pleasures such as eating a delicious meal or taking a nice walk every day, or taking a few minutes to meditate. I certainly look forward to taking this learning forward till 2022.

check your tone

Whenever I have called a colleague or friend during 2021, especially people with whom I have not been in regular contact, I have often wondered to myself, Do I really know what to do during this difficult time? What is happening in their life? I try to assess this during the first few minutes of the conversation, before I get down to discuss the work, or the specific transaction I’ve called for. The tone of my email has noticeably softened when I know the person I’m addressing, or their family, has gone through a bad patch.

The pain of the second wave, earlier this year, has reinforced in my mind the need to empathize, consciously putting myself in the place of others, even when we interact with them. It is a good habit to cultivate in future also as it makes us better human beings. In a rapidly dividing world, it will also make us a better society.

To-do lists always matter

In the past, I’ve usually found it difficult to say “no” to requests from coworkers or friends. All with good intentions, but it usually floods my to-do list. The year 2021 has taught me the need to ruthlessly prioritize things related to work or otherwise, given the many demands of the pandemic, as well as a bout of illness at the start of the year, has brought into my life.

I only make commitments now that my bandwidth and health have allowed me to take, and make sure to leave some time for myself. And I do my best to make sure that I fulfill all these commitments to standards that I can be proud of. I think it has made me more effective, because I give each task the mind space it really deserves.

In addition, prioritizing has also brought a better balance to my life. Saying “no” to low-key meetings and matters is certainly a habit to move on.

be creative

So many people I know have developed beautiful creative habits since the start of the pandemic. My wife has started doing active rooftop gardening, and enjoys it alongside her day job as a data scientist. A colleague has become an avid painter. A friend has worked in making and selling dolls for charity. Two of my acquaintances at work have published poetry books. Many of us are engaged in these creative activities to combat the stress and bleak news of this pandemic.

Over the past year, creativity has helped free our minds from the limitations of the coronavirus. In the coming year, whether the pandemic is endemic or not, these creative works are certainly worth their weight in gold, as they help to rejuvenate themselves in so many wonderful ways.

power of flexibility

The ups and downs of 2021 have enabled an important self-discovery: We may be even more resilient than we ever imagined. Many people have lost their loved ones due to Kovid-19. Loneliness has been a big issue, including among senior citizens. Layoffs have affected workers, especially in some industry sectors. Many local businesses, including small and medium scale entrepreneurs, have faced very difficult market conditions. Much anticipated travel has been put on hold due to entry and quarantine restrictions.

Yet many of us have come out of our tunnels with vigor and energy, determined to take life by our horns and move on. We have started living as normal a life as we can, taking the various pandemic-triggered ups and downs in our progress. Resilience is a wonderful thing, it maintains hope and makes life worth living. This will put us in a good position in the new year as well.

wash hands

And finally, let us not forget a simple, healthy habit that is worth pursuing. This pandemic has taught us how to wash our hands well and often.

This habit is certainly not in the same league as the behaviors listed above, but it’s probably more important than any of them, given that it can ward off disease and save lives.

Here’s hoping we continue to wash our hands equally well in 2022, even after the pandemic is gone.

Harish Bhatt works with the Tata Group. One good, new habit that he has picked up during this year is regular yoga sessions. He recommends it to everyone.