When the news is all doom and gloom—as it has been since the outbreak of the coronavirus— it’s hard for even the most optimistic among us to stay positive. It’s true that we need to take this virus seriously; sadly, we already know what it is capable of. But it’s important that, while staying informed to protect yourself and those around you, you also allow time to focus on your own happiness. This collection of articles encourages you to do just that.
It turns out it’s still possible to enjoy a mini break or visit a museum in Milan or Paris – just take a virtual tour. Culture is as accessible as ever; you just have to know where to look. You’ll most likely have seen the videos of crowds finding ways to enjoy music together, whether it be from their balcony or via social media, sharing in a sense of community spirit many thought long gone.
This is where technology comes in. It doesn’t seem too long ago that digital detoxes were the cultural trend du jour, with workers across the board shunning phones for a weekend off-the-grid and a taste of sweet nothingness. But this crisis is driving us to rely on technology more than ever, not just for work but for our family and social lives.
If the smartphone wasn’t already a central pillar of your being, it certainly is now. At a time like this, newsfeeds are necessarily being refreshed around the clock. Knowledge is power and, thanks to the internet, we’re able to access important information in real-time from the palm of our hand.
Still, it’s key to strike a balance. It is possible to reap the benefits of technologyand take time for yourself. One suggestion for doing this is to focus on your memories. Harness the huge chunks of experience still there in your head, intact and vivid, just waiting for you to revisit – give it a go. This weekend, I’m planning on taking a trip back to Borneo’s wildlife-rich rainforest, followed by a slightly less exotic walk through my local woods.