5 frugal lessons we can learn from lockdown
Photo by nattanan23--6312362 via Canva.
If there’s one thing quarantine has given us a lot of, it’s time - and with this time, comes the opportunity to reflect and contemplate our lifestyles. I hear a lot of people talking about getting back to normal, but I hope that we can adopt “a new normal” which will take us into a different mindset - less reliance on possessions and stuff, and more of an appreciation for the natural world and living consciously.
Recently I’ve been remembering my grandparents and the way they lived. How, in their day, things were built to last, money was spent thoughtfully, and anything and everything could be repaired, reused, or repurposed. Theirs was a simple (and sustainable) life by necessity; I encourage us to take it on by choice.
Here are 5 ways we can shift our mindset during isolation to live a more frugal life when the world adopts the new normal.
Think frugal, not cheap.
As the old adage goes, “buy well, buy once”. Cheap items are cheap for a reason - these items will need to be replaced regularly because they will likely break. Instead, consider spending more money on higher quality products that are made to last much longer. Second-hand items for the home can be a real find, and bring a lovely vintage feel too.
Fast fashion is one of the least sustainable industries in the world today
Consider your fashion choices.
Fast fashion is one of the least sustainable industries in the world today. A capsule wardrobe is a great place to start, and will help you consider which essential items need to be upgraded (think the perfect pair of work pants and a pair of pumps you can wear daily). Clothing swaps are a great (sustainable) way to update your wardrobe without spending much at all.
Rethinking work-life balance.
If there is one thing we have all learned in isolation, it’s that it really is possible to work from home. As we adopt the new normal, it will be a time for us to have that conversation with our places of work, focusing on a work-life balance in combination with career success.
Plan your meals using what you already have in the kitchen
Shopping your kitchen.
During the circuit breaker, this is something the kids have really got a kick out of. We see what we have in the fridge and cupboard and create something out of it. You can get as creative as you like, and if all else fails - SOUP! Check out this recipe to get the basics, and then have fun experimenting with whatever veggies you have leftover - or check out this innovative cake!
How we fill the spaces in our home.
This has been a key focus for me in my journey towards a minimalist, sustainable life. For me now the priority is to source beautiful secondhand or antique pieces that reflect our life in Singapore, rather than buying the latest bits and bobs. I love that our home reflects our family’s life. One of our neighbours recently gifted us a beautiful Chinese style antique chair they no longer used, which is now one of my favourite pieces.
Adopting the new normal.
The 2 months or so we spent in lockdown has helped me to be even clearer about the lifestyle changes I want to make as we begin to adopt the new normal, whatever that may look like. I encourage you to use these strange times to consider the small lifestyle changes you can make to live the sustainable, frugal life you didn’t know you were missing!
What have you been reflecting on during COVID-19 lockdown? Have you made any lifestyle changes or new commitments? Let us know in the comments below!
What learnings or reflections are you going to take with you as we adjust to the new normal?