Social distancing and our habits

I'm sure like me you have seen many memes of the types of people that will come out of lockdown, from the alcoholic, fitness fanatic to the creative chef.

Obviously, we will not come out of lockdown being just one type of person. We all go through different experiences and different types of learning, and whatever the experience may be, they all serve a purpose.

But I have also noticed one thing that is very interesting. And it has a lot to do with the people of influence in our lives. During this lockdown, if we are not in the company of people we are usually with, it does change our habits, our mindsets as well as our behaviour.

I have noticed that I communicate far less in Singlish (Colloquial Singaporean English), because my communication is now mostly via articles I write, professional zoom calls, clients, workshops, etc

I use Singlish as a way to connect with some people during conversations, with shop keepers, cab drivers. But with the lockdown, I no longer do so. My eating habits, personal time schedule, exercise schedule and so on have changed as well. Some for the better, some not. Honestly, I am enjoying the hermit lifestyle a little too much! 

What have you noticed that is different about yourself and your lifestyle?

I have observed also how people have changed in how they are communicating, all in varying degrees. And perhaps the most jarring for me is seeing the spelling/grammar mistakes of others (which they would normally not make) in messages or social media, and I think it has a lot to do with their lack of social interaction, with their people of positive influence? 

Whatever it may be, maybe it is a good time for us all to take stock of where we are.

Other things I have noticed are those who are usually quiet have suddenly become more visible on group chats and social media. These are all outlets for us to express ourselves or want to be heard/visible.

Social isolation and distancing can be damaging for those who are not used to it, I've seen countless articles in the past week of young people taking their own lives, it is senseless. But it is a reminder that most of the world, especially the young do need some form of social interaction. Think about how you can create opportunities for online interaction if you have young children or teens.

Some questions for us to answer for self-awareness:

• How have we changed, unconsciously?
• What has taken over our lives right now, and the changes crept in without us realising.
• What new good/bad habits have we picked up?
• How are the changes affecting us?
• If they are good, can we maintain them? If they are not, are we able to kick them?

Taking stock allows us to feel more in charge of our own lives, especially during a time such as a pandemic where most things feel as if they are out of our control.

I would love to hear from you, on how you have changed during the lockdown, drop me an email :)

Stay safe!

©2020 Shamala Tan

Let me know how I can assist you if you have any questions [email protected]

Shamala Tan is an author, spiritual entrepreneur and healer. Her work focuses on transforming the lives of others on the spiritual, emotional, mental and earthly level.

One of her success stories as an author is to being featured alongside New York’s bestsellers Sonia Choquette, Robert Allen, Arielle Ford, Marci Shimoff as well as Christine Kloser in the book Pebbles In The Pond.

Shamala’s clients include small business owners, holistic practitioners as well as those seeking to find more significant meaning and value in life. Shamala offers laser coaching to her clients on a one-to-one basis or in a group environment, offline as well as online.