Cancelled plans in 2020: The joy of missing out

If it seems like you are missing out on everything you had planned in 2020, Katy Beskow shows you ways to celebrate and embrace the joy of missing out, while being safe at home. Leave FOMO (fear of missing out) to one side – we’re all in this together!

1. Home ergonomics

You may be working from home, so you’ll be spending more time there than ever. It is a great time to make your surroundings as comfortable as possible, and you won’t need to spend lots of money to create a home to be proud of.

Consider rearranging a couple of rooms to optimise space, create a dedicated workspace, introduce a houseplant (or two), or treat yourself to a scented soy-based candle for a sense of luxury. Find some time to declutter, for a streamlined home with all the benefits of minimalism.

2. Slow living

If you’ve always felt too busy to embrace slow-living, now is your opportunity to utilise your commute time and reduce your pace.

Instead of having a quick shower before you start work, take a soothing bath. Pop some ingredients in the slow cooker, and cook a nourishing meal while you work.

Relax for a few minutes with that book you’ve been meaning to read. Practising slow-living will help you to be focused and present in the moment, which is exactly what we need during these times.

3. Save for better days

Save the money you would normally spend on eating out, commuting and socialising, and put it towards something meaningful, such as paying off debts, a future trip, or just as a back-up plan.

Although it is tempting to treat yourself to shopping online, think mindfully about what you’re purchasing and if it’s really worth the money you are about to spend.

Now is a great opportunity to create a budgeting plan (that one you’ve never had time to write up) to help you save towards the financial freedom you’ve only ever dreamed about!

4. Enjoy the outdoors, even from home

Take time to enjoy your garden, balcony or local outdoor space. If you have a garden or balcony, get green-fingered and plant some herbs, edible flowers or attractive plants, then sit back over summer and watch them flourish.

Enjoy al fresco dinners, picnics, or a simple morning coffee in your garden or on your balcony, and appreciate your time outdoors.

If you live near some green space, breathe in the benefits of forest bathing, which is believed to have many emotional health benefits. You can also search online for local walking maps, or create one of your own.

5. Make a meal

Missing those meals out in your favourite restaurant?

Get creative in your own kitchen and whip up your favourite dishes and fakeaways. If you find it difficult to get into the swing of cooking every night, create a meal plan (including breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner) based on what you have available in the cupboard and fridge.

This will guide you with what to make, without the panic of wondering what to have for each meal. If there are multiple people in your household, take turns to cook dinner to relieve pressure – and enjoy a night off!

6. Limit screen time

Laptops and screens are vital for working from home, remotely catching up with family, and providing entertainment from TV shows to quizzes. It is easy to be frazzled by too much screen time, so focus on spending time away from them.

Have lunch in the garden, replace Netflix night with board game night, and leave your phone at home when you go for a walk. Reducing screen-fatigue will allow you to feel refresh, invigorated and energised.

7. Get planning

If you’ve always wanted to take a dream trip, been meaning to visit family who are not local, or to start a business of your own, now is the time to get plans on paper – and then into action.

Use time you have to draw up ideas of things that really matter to you, then create an action plan for how to make it happen.

Allow yourself to dream a little, be open-minded, and make the most of spare time to set goals, and more importantly, make them happen. Your future self will thank you

8. Relax

During unprecedented times like these, it is important to relax both your body and mind. With salons and gyms being closed for the time being, create a spa experience in your own home with a fragranced bubble bath, simple manicure, and homemade face scrub.

Search for online exercise programmes (some are free) and ensure that you set time aside each day to complete these to maintain fitness, and release those endorphins.

Also remember to take care of your emotional health by switching off after work, finding moments in which to be mindful, and using positive affirmations.

9. Learn!

Always fancied learning a new skill? Now is your time to shine. From languages to cooking, dancing, gardening, or pilates, turn learning into a hobby while at home.

You can sign up to classes online, order a few books, or take things at your own pace and plan your own learning. Whether it’s fun you’re after, or a formal skill, don’t miss out on this opportunity to do something new.

10. Feel grateful

At this time, when everyone is thinking about their missed plans, events and opportunities, express some gratitude for what you do have. When we’re all spending more time at home, without the luxuries of socialising with others, or the opportunity to travel further than the local area, feel grateful for your health, your home, the ability to contact friends and family remotely. Feel grateful for what you and others have right now, and remember that we are all missing out together.