5 Things I’ve Given Up Because of COVID
COVID will forever be the wrench thrown into 2020. Whatever big plans we had were mostly trashed. But on a smaller scale, there are many ways in which being forced to stay at home has improved my life. I’ve been able to cook more and better take care of my house. I feel way more productive now that I’m not constrained by the hours I’m required to be in an office. And I’ve changed some habits for the better. Here are 5 things I’ve given up because of COVID.
Starbucks Coffee
Pre-COVID, I was never your daily Starbucks coffee drinker but I would still grab it as a “treat” on my way to work probably once a week. I’d get a decaf coconut milk latte with an extra shot of decaf espresso in my own cup and slowly sip the sweet coconutty foam on the last block to work.
Since I stopped driving to work and since Starbucks stopped letting customers bring their own cups, I haven’t had a Starbucks coffee drink since March of this year. And you know what? I don’t miss it at all. It was just extra overpriced calories that I didn’t need. Now, I’m not judging you if you’re a daily Starbucks drinker but take a minute to think about if you really need it or if it’s just a habit?
Reconsidering what we really need has been a theme both with plastic-free living and with COVID.
Chips
I gave up bags of chips when I went plastic-free with the exception of an occasional bag every few months when I couldn’t resist. But my saving grace was the catering company my work would use. That company would make their own chips and they were glorious. But since I haven’t been to the office, no more catering chips.
Baked Goods That Aren’t Homemade
I’ve probably gained a few pounds at work because of the previously mentioned catering company. Along with their chips, I had a hard time resisting their baked goods. When food is there, you end up eating it.
Since COVID, I haven’t had access to plastic-free baked goods, so I had to make the occasional batch of cookies myself. And because I had to make it myself, it didn’t happen as often.
Bulk Bins
This one has made me particularly sad. Most of my local stores have closed their bulk bins. I used to take these for granted. If they ever come back, I’ll never take them for granted again!
Bulk bins were such an easy way to get dried goods without any plastic packaging. Now, I get bulk items online from the Wally Shop. I love them and I’m glad COVID pushed me to try them because they also offer a lot of liquids I can’t get in bulk anywhere else nearby. I talk more about my experience in this post:
Text Only Communication
I remember years ago when I called one of my best friends to tell her I was engaged. When she picked up the phone she said “You’re engaged!” I asked her how she knew and she said “You never call me on the phone.” Touche, BFF. Touche.
I’m sure with the invention of texting, many people have stopped actually talking on the phone. I text with my friends all the time. Since we all live in different cities we don’t see each other nearly as often and having kids limits the amount of traveling we do…and of course now COVID too.
So, earlier on in COVID, I started FaceTiming friends and family more often. Now, on most days my kids FaceTime my parents and once a week I call my parents and aunt and FaceTime my best friends. Despite the distance and social distancing, I’ve never felt closer to them.
For all the things COVID has taken away from 2020, it has reminded us that the relationships with those we love are the most important things in life.
What about you? What have you given up since COVID?
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