The Covid-19 crisis is unique and hopefully a one-off lockdown that no one has to go through for many, many years to come. While I am enjoying the slow down of life, the time to read and reflect, I am missing interaction, face-to-face debates and a beer in the pub.
Here are five things helping me through the crisis:
My dog Moose
Having a happy, always up for playing, companion has been really great. I have been doing a long walk with Moose every day – 8kms – along an old railway track. This daily outside activity, whatever the weather (and it has been a cold cold May here in Ontario), has been excellent for thinking, playing and just getting some exercise.
Netflix
I was a Netflix fan before, but I really am now. Some of my favourite shows has been Money Heist – who knew that a story about a gang of robbers hunkered down in the Spanish Mint would be so captivating. Other shows include Upload, Billions and old movies.
Zoom
While we are all probably sick of Zoom by now, it has been a life-saver (or work-saver at least) allowing me to connect with colleagues on project discussions and catching up with friends for Zoom beers after work. It is not the same as face-to-face meetings and beers but it has made the lockdown possible.
Reading
I had fallen off the reading wagon over the past few years. There was never enough time to spend sitting in a chair going through the every increasing pile of books, as work, social media, socialising all took priority. But I have reacquainted myself with my chair and books and have enjoyed reading about Churchill during WWII, the collapse of the Roman Empire and Orwell’s writings.
HIIT
I have never been a fan of home workouts – I have always needed to go to a gym or outside for my exercise. But needs must and I have been doing High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) at home and am now into it. HIIT circuits need few accessories and can be done with some space and a yoga matt.
It is convenient and a great break from work and makes me feel less guilty about the Zoom beers (see above).