March 2022 marked the second anniversary of the pandemic. After two years of living in a world where we must ask ourselves, “to mask or not to mask We heaved our lives into a new normal where students lost crucial social connections with their fellow students.

Studies show that the COVID-19 pandemic triggers a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. We have felt this in various forms from everyday fatigue to burnout to general unhappiness. Human beings are social creators and need another human being.

However, a positive thing that has come out of this increase in anxiety was an increase in slow living. The ‘slow lifestyle’ means adopting a slower pace of life, consciously making an effort to be more present at the moment, and therefore living in a more balanced, meaningful, and life-affirming way. The “slow living” trend is growing exponentially on YouTube. Slow living videos increased by 4X in views on YouTube in 2020 compared to 2019.

It’s definitely a lifestyle consideration that contrasts starkly with the typical American way of living a fruitful life. It was a systemic way of thinking that has been popular since the early 1900s and the establishment of the American working-class identity. However, we don’t need to stay dependent on the past where unfulfilled aspirations were the norm.

This need to live a simple life and enjoy the moment because we don’t know if there will be another chance is a critical part of the process. I turned to a time when stress was much more manageable and embraced the simple indulgences of my childhood. By doing so, I was able to find new ways to manage my stress.

Reading:

I was known as a bookworm when I was a kid and up until I was a young adult. But as the magazine took up more of my time, the time I made for my reading began to decrease around 2016. Then in late 2021, I started to pick up books again. Each story gives me time to focus on something else instead of the world. It purposefully takes time away from unhealthy targets, such as Instagram and other social media platforms. A good book helps me remain calm and brings enjoyment to my life.

Art Appreciation:

Spending time in museums rejuvenates me. Looking at art created by other human beings years before I came into this world, makes me smile. There is a deep sense of personal and sometimes spiritual connection. Like reading, taking in paintings and photographs lets me understand the stories that the artists are telling to us.

Sleeping:

Working from home and being an entrepreneur allows me to control my schedule. If I want to sleep in, I will sleep in. As a result, I don’t feel lazy. If I am well-rested, I can make it through the tougher days knowing that I will reward myself with rest and relaxation.

These childhood enjoyments brought me happiness at 12 and now at 36.