The Great Pause

Haven't people been saying for years that they are too busy, overloaded with activities, overscheduled? I am looking back at my Google calendar, and there is at least one appointment, activity, reminder, etc. every day - not to mention my regular job and its days full of meetings. Between me and my husband, we have so many activities, we're rarely home together to just hang out. So we cram our quality time into a "date night" or busy weekend. And we don't even have kids and all their accompanying scheduling!

What have I done just in the few days we've been practicing social distancing?

• Spent quality time with my husband, where neither of us was worried about getting work done or other obligations
• Went for a walk around my neighborhood, which we haven't done in years
• Cooked more at home
• "Slept in" (I am usually up at 5:30... Now allowing myself to sleep to a more reasonable 7 AM, or later!)
• Reconnected with friends I usually just follow through social media posts
• Spoke more to family members on the phone

I saw this time referred to as "The Great Pause," and I hope that's what it turns out to be. Yes, there will be people working harder than they ever have before - people in the medical field, of course, as well as everyone it takes to keep things humming along: the supermarkets and pharmacies, delivery drivers, manufacturers of all those supplies and foods, farmers, the people developing and manufacturing treatments and vaccines, first responders, utility companies. If everyone else who has the luxury of pausing can take it seriously and stay home and away from others, we have the best possible chance of keeping the most people safe. 

What are some other benefits of The Great Pause?

• Travel pollution should be greatly reduced (I heard smog is already significantly lower in Chinese cities)
• We can re-evaluate our workaholic lifestyle
• Parents can really connect with their kids
• It sheds light on many Americans' basic needs for security (paid sick leave, insurance coverage, food assistance, etc.)
• Everyone will really be ready to party, go out, travel, and patronize all those places we haven't been able to support once it's safe to do so!

...What else?