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Potential Gifts from Quarantine Life

5/4/2020

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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


quarantine_gifts.pdf
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