Browse categories: Free Resources | Thought Pieces

Cultivating Habits in The Apocalypse

Cultivating Habits in The ApocalypseTurns out, the apocalypse is really boring. Instead of plotting our escapade to Mars, we're just... inside a lot. Everything looks painfully normal – beautiful skies, lush greenery, quiet-er roads. It's all so mundane, and that only makes it harder to wrap our heads around new habits. 

We don't have a guidebook for how to live through this. We're making it all up as we go along: us, experts, politicians. Everyone. Problem is, our brains are drawn to the quick-fix solutions, and the pandemic has called for us to build numerous new self-care habits - for survival's sake. 

And in many ways, actual self-care is tougher than reading a non-fiction book. Or getting a manicure - although they both are wonderful examples of quick-fix ideas.

Here are some other ways to cultivate a healthy habit in the midst of this very mundane apocalypse. Most of these ideas are easier said than done - there's no silver bullet for self-care. Looking after your emotional and physical needs requires effort, but you know what? Like many before us have said, it does get easier. How? 

Cultivate Fun Habits

You're worth that effort, so let's talk about it. Habits can be fun stuffs, too. And these focused fun activities actually play a role in taking care of ourselves. Spend time with your thoughts. Journal it out to finally unload the constant hum at the back of your mind. Scientific researches have proven (and I can confirm I've tried and tested it!) that writing out your thoughts crystallises them. Consider what repetitive activities like crocheting or painting would help your mind loosen up a little, or doing something gentle, like colouring-in or putting together a puzzle.

Set boundaries, even they're just for yourself - especially if it's just for yourself. It's easy for things to fall out of balance, especially with reality shifting way more frequently now with the pandemic at it.

You can use a Pomodoro planner to segment your schedule. Not ready to commit to a planner? Test ideas with loose sheets to find the solution that works for you. The goal here is not "productivity". You don't need to be "productive" - yet. We're in the thick of a global madness, and dealing with the cognitive cacophony of things appearing otherwise normal, while in actuality, life as we knew it has been completely uprooted. The goal here is to cultivate habits that will help keep you grounded.

On average, it takes more than 2 months before a new habit becomes automatic. And of course, this varies, depending on the the person, and the circumstances. As we know, our circumstances at the moment are constantly evolving. Taking time to recharge and look after yourself calls for cultivation of habit. 

Commit to Cultivating

The hard part is committing to it – like I said earlier, our brains will go for the easy option. Use our free printable to help you get started.

free habit tracker
DOWNLOAD NOW