The “At-Home” Diaries: A New Comfort Zone

With our new way of living there comes a shift; a shift in what we feel comfortable with.

Will our comfort zones adjust on a permanent basis? Have they altered already?

I don’t have the answers but I do know our behaviours are modifying to meet our circumstances and how this will play out long term is uncertain.

A “touchy feely” person is my nature. I am inclined to shake hands, kiss hello and offer a hug – it is how I like it and how I grew up. My father and my brother always embraced and my parents were lavish in their affections. I have been the same with my family and friends forever; it feels unnatural to behave differently. Of course for the safety of others, I am observing the social distancing rules and sticking to my household, as hard as it is. When I feel wobbly I imagine how much worse it could be and I am grateful to live as I am living.

Our comfort zones are very defining.

I haven’t thought about them in the past, as what came naturally, was not only comfortable but also the norm. My comfort zone has never been to avoid others, cross the street if we are too close in proximity or wash my hands, like Lady Macbeth, if I have been touching the forbidden. My hands fly about like windscreen wipers; it’s how I express myself. None of that works right now.

What about socialising, dating, travelling and all the other comfort zones we take for granted? Will they change? Will we care less about what we don’t have and keep our focus firmly on what is safe and in front of us? How we have taken for granted this global life and the riches it has offered. I sincerely hope my thoughts and emotions will stay in the correct lane when we come out of this.

I want it to end as soon as possible, the news is nothing but heart-breaking and I want our health professionals and carers to have a break and breathe. What amazing warriors they are?

But, I want to learn from this and let any comfort zones be right for our times. There are positives to note and lessons to be learned; I don’t want to forget them in a rush to make life exactly the same as before. I fear that would be a mistake.

For starters, my busy comfort zone, the one where I am happiest busiest, is definitely not coming back. xv