10 Surprising Things We Learned About Ourselves This Year

As we think back on 2020, we may get caught up on the loss, overwhelm and negativity. But there were some positive changes too. In many ways, this year we were forced to get introspective and reckon with our habits, beliefs, coping techniques and defense mechanisms. As uncomfortable emotions rose to the surface, we started to recognize and deal with them rather than push them back below the surface. 

As uncomfortable as that all was, a lot of amazing attributes were forged in the fire and as we move into 2021 it’s important to look at the lessons learned and carry them forward. We have connected, learned and grown in ways we may never have thought possible. Below are a few things that I will be taking into 2021 and I hope you will too:

That we are strong

...not only physically, but mentally too. Yes, some days were really rough and sometimes we didn’t know if we’d make it, but we did and are even stronger for the experience. Twelve months ago did we would never have thought about simultaneously working from home, homeschooling, handling zoom calls and the added stress of uncertainty and changing expectations? We did. We can do hard things. 

That mental health matters

We have seen anxiety, depression, stress and overwhelm rise to the surface in surprising numbers. In fact, according to a CDC study, over 40% of participants had at least one behavioral symptom of anxiety, depression, or a trauma or stress disorder. Taking this time to really evaluate our stressors has been important. Do we need to incorporate more wellness strategies like exercise, nutrition and sleep? Should we talk to a therapist? Go on medication? There are no right or wrong answers, just make sure to prioritize your mental health. 

That rest is important

Parties were cancelled, Vacations were postponed. Tournaments were restructured. 

There was not a lot of FOMO (unless you were first in line to get the vaccine) and honestly, it was so refreshing. We also saw that even though people were at home more and allegedly able to get more rest, due to the pandemic stress the quality of sleep was disrupted and people were feeling more exhausted than ever. Avoid caffeine after noon, limit electronic devices before bed and exercise during the day to ensure that your quality is sound.

That human connection is where it’s at

What did we miss the most during 2020? More than anything, I want to hug my 90-year old grandpa, take a weekend trip with my best friend and start back our monthly friends’ dinners.  Even before 2020, we’ve known the importance of connectedness. Loneliness and social isolation are associated with poorer mental health outcomes and all-cause mortality. Not surprisingly, we’ve seen loneliness skyrocket this year. Though we are not hugging and getting on planes as frequently, we understand the importance of those phone calls, texts and zoom meetings to keep in touch with our loved ones. 

That our time with family is everything

Yes, we all drove each other crazy this year and probably really wanted some alone time, but when it’s all said and done, having our family and our health are some of the greatest gifts. If I was running off to work every morning instead of having a flexible start time, I wouldn’t have been able to drive around the neighborhood looking for construction vehicles every morning (my two year old is obsessed!) or steal some precious extra moments with my family. 

That we don’t have to do everything

Burnout is real this year. Working from home doesn’t mean that you don’t need a break. On the contrary, most people felt like they never left work! Do I work from home or live at work? Forgetfulness, losing sight of yourself and your goals, frustration, cynicism and unexplained muscle tension, pain or fatigue are all signs that you are heading into the chronic stress realm. If you are feeling burnout, set some boundaries by prioritizing your values, leaving work at work and practicing your version of self-care.

That it’s good to unplug

The news was a journalist’s dream this year. While being informed, educated and aware of what’s going on is important, use that to think about how we can contribute to positive change rather than add to the mess.  Going device free for a period of time, even consciously for just a few hours a day, has a wealth of benefits for our mental health and well-being. If you are feeling drained, putting your phone away is the perfect way to recharge. 

That sometimes we have to let go

There were a lot of unmet expectations this year. We probably had to put some dreams on hold or even change direction entirely. Unpacking emotions of loss and grief is really the only way to face them head on. There is even a study showing that bringing a negative emotion to light, like sadness, will make you less attached to it. Let yourself be sad and then move on. Accept what you cannot change and move forward. 

That healthcare workers are essential

Yes, we’ve always know this, but sometimes a reminder is helpful especially when certain specialties including pharmacists often fall through the cracks. There are some things that don’t pause during a pandemic, and chronic diseases are one of them. Pharmacies came up with many creative ways to ensure their patients got their medicine and the profession is better for this evolution. As we gear up to administer the vaccine, pharmacists are more essential than ever. 

That it’s important to have a meaningful career

With so many things out of our control this year, we have started to actively participate in what is controllable and one of those things is creating a career or using this time to develop an interest.  We see many people pivoting or and using this pause to take stock of their career and what they want. using this a turning point in their career to get a little more education, make some connections or really take that chance and go for their dream job! Why? A meaningful career should excite and energize you. If you intuitively feel like you are in a rut, burnout, or need a big career pivot, take this time to research, network and connect with people in your desired profession.