The year 2020 also brought something good
2020 will go down in the history books thanks to the corona pandemic. For many people it was a disaster year that we would like to forget as soon as possible. Yet 2020 has also changed our lives in a positive way. We would like to take these five positive things with us to this new year.
1. Gratitude
Since we ended up in the corona crisis and a lot has been stopped or closed, the world seems to stand still for a while. As a result, we have turned more inward. We started reflecting: what am I grateful for? Maybe it’s something small, like a compliment from your partner, a smile from a passerby or a sweet card from a friend. Or is it something bigger, and are you grateful for your family, health or freedom. It was these things that gave you something to hold on to over the past year. And from which you got a warm feeling of gratitude. Nice to take with you to this new year.
2. Rest
While the developments surrounding the coronavirus were almost impossible to keep up with, there was also suddenly a lot of peace in many lives. There were no or fewer social obligations, no traffic jams and we also had no morning stress, because we were mainly at home after all. Families saw each other more because of working from home, which may have resulted in a better work-life balance. In short, we have become calmer and happier in general. Something we like to keep that way!
3. Be nice to each other
When corona overtook us, we all had a sense of togetherness. The mentality prevailed: ‘together we will get that virus under our thumb’. We clapped for care, supported the entrepreneurs in our neighborhood and did groceries for our sick neighbor. Let’s hold on to this sense of togetherness and be a little nicer to each other. The world could use that.
4. Healthier Habits
Due to our new home working rhythm (because: no travel time), many people have learned healthier habits during the crisis. For example, we walked or cycled a lot – before, during or after work. Running was also a popular sport during the closing of gyms. And because we can have a more extensive breakfast or lunch, some also eat healthier. With these good habits we will continue in 2021.
5. New hobbies
Did you not have a job during the crisis? Then this was the time to discover new hobbies. Puzzle, paint, read or do odd jobs: we were all too happy to do this last year. We should always have that curiosity and the urge to learn new things. Keep learning it is very good for your brain. According to brain expert Dick Swaab, it can even delay the onset of Alzheimer’s by about three to four years. So play that game of chess or learn that new dance? Just do it!
