Potential Gifts from Quarantine Life

I’m sharing the following activity from my counseling practice.  

I’ve made a list of various “gifts” you may have acquired, received, or given during the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine. 

The list highlights potential positive outcomes from this time of our lives. It is not meant to deflect from the traumatic and negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, but to point out any light in the darkness for those of you who are looking for it.  

Activity 1:

• Choose one thing on this list that you have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.    
• Close your eyes and/or take the time to think about the ways it has impacted you, your life, your loved ones, or the world for the better.   

Activity 2:

• Underline or highlight the things on this list that pertain to you during the pandemic and quarantine.  
• Reflect on what you have marked. For example, does the number of things you underlined or highlighted surprise you?
• Note— There is no “right” or expected number of items to check off this list.    

Potential Gifts from the Quarantine 


Environmental 

• I “upcycled” or reused something I typically would have thrown away 
• I set aside some things to donate rather than throw them away 
• I learned to make my own household cleaning/ hygiene item that I typically buy (i.e. laundry detergent, disinfectant wipes, soap, hand sanitizer, etc…)
• I learned how to repair or embellish an item of clothing to make it “wearable”
• I went through my clothing/footwear and found items I like that I had forgotten about
• I planted a garden/a new plant
• I started (or spent more time) feeding backyard birds/animals 
• I noticed/appreciated less air traffic 
• I noticed/appreciated less road traffic
• I picked up litter or trash at least once outside 
• I have an increase in appreciation for our natural world / getting outside in nature 
• I use less paper towels now
• I use less toilet paper now
• I’ve become more conscientious of how I use products 

Self Care and Spiritual Growth 

• I got outside more than usual 
• I enjoyed my time outside
• I took the time to slow down and enjoy something
• I found a new way to exercise/work out
• I spent time on a hobby
• I discovered a new hobby 
• I did some reading for pleasure 
• I made something creative 
• I learned a new joke/new prank that made me laugh
• I learned something new about myself
• I discovered a new talent of mine
• I discovered a new strength of mine
• I got a good nights sleep at least once 
• I made a list of things that I’m grateful for 
• I learned to appreciate something I had taken for granted
• I learned to eat more mindfully 
• I discovered new music that I love
• I did something intentional to feel better about myself 
• I apologized to someone 
• I spoke my truth about something 
• I remained sober
• I started a new self care routine
• I learned and/or used a new coping or calming strategy 
• I take more deep breaths now 
• I learned something new about what triggers my fear and insecurity 
• I made new goals for myself (that I feel good about)
• I set a boundary with someone
• I appreciate simpler things now  
• I’ve considered what I prefer/like about life in a pandemic 
• I learned something new about my ancestry/genealogy
• I received and/or appreciated something kind someone did for me or said about me
• I gained a new interest in something 
• I felt inspired by someone/something  
• I learned or experienced something new that made me feel joy, wonder, awe, love, etc…  

Personal and Community  Relationships

• I know how to connect with friends and loved ones better now via Facetime, Messenger, Zoom, etc… 
• I sent “snail mail” to someone  
• I mailed a thank you card to someone 
• I attended a “birthday parade” 
• I put up signs with positive messages on them (or wrote them in the driveway)
• I checked on a neighbor 
• I spent more time with my pets
• I waved/said hello to a neighbor while walking in the neighborhood 
• I spent more time with family 
• We created a new family tradition
• My family discovered a new way to spend time together 
• My family (or people I live with) learned to share household chores/responsibilities better
• I did something to boost moods/morale in my community 
• I took part in a neighborhood sing along, neighborhood dance party, or similar event  
• The people I live with learned a new way to create space and boundaries for each other 
• I became a better listener

Civic 

• I donated food to a local pantry 
• I donated blood/plasma 
• I put up a sign to express my gratitude for essential workers
• I made a purchase from a local business/ I supported local businesses
• I made masks for others 
• I helped organize something to help others during this time 
• I ordered/bought stamps to help boost revenue for postal services
• I have more gratitude for essential workers/people who help us day to day with essential tasks and goods
• I learned new ways to conserve electricity, gas, or other utility

Life Skills

• I learned a new cooking or baking skill 
• I learned how to create a budget  or a new way to budget 
• I followed a budget for a full month 
• I learned a new way to take care of a vehicle/bike
• I learned how to manage my time better
• I took time to learn about something new that will help me in my career 
• I took time to learn something new that will help me live independently 
• I planned/made a budget for a future trip for when it’s safe to travel 
• I stayed alive
• I asked for help/support 
• I learned at least one first aid skill  (i.e.proper wound care, monitoring for concussion symptoms, recognizing symptoms of illness, etc)
• I practiced driving for my drivers license test
• I know how to wash my hands more properly
• I learned how to cut, dye, or style hair 
• I learned how to bathe or groom my pet (i.e. trim nails)
• I learned a new skill in doing laundry 
• I learned how to "change a bed” (how to put clean sheets on the bed) 
• I learned a new organization skill/strategy
• I learned a new way to use “leftover” food/meal
• I learned a new fire safety skill 

Feel free to print out the list and/or share it.  It’s a starter list and I know there is much more to be added to it.  Feel free to copy and paste it onto a new document so you can expand on it for your own use.  

Bonnie Thomas LCSW
Indigo North Counseling
5/4/2020

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