Finding Joy in the Pause: A Cyclone-Induced Reset
When life forces us to slow down, we often discover unexpected moments of creativity and productivity. With Cyclone Alfred causing a four-day lockdown, I found myself with an unusual stretch of free time. While the storm outside was unsettling, I felt fortunate to be safe and able to take a break from work. Instead of succumbing to boredom, I embraced the pause—and it turned out to be an incredibly fulfilling experience.
The Unexpected Productivity Boost
“Psychologists often talk about flow state—a deep sense of immersion and enjoyment in an activity .”
Psychologists often talk about flow state—a deep sense of immersion and enjoyment in an activity (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990). I unknowingly tapped into this during my unexpected time off. In just a few days, I:
✅ Ironed and organised my wardrobe into pre-styled outfits, complete with matching bags and accessories. Shout out to Pintrest for giving my outfit inspo!
✅ Wrote two poems and shared them with important people in my life.
✅ Made significant progress in two books from my reading list: Hidden Potential by Adam Grant and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros.
✅ Had an impromptu dance party, much to my roommates' amusement (or annoyance!).
✅ Completed a few home workouts, even pretending to be a fitness instructor, yelling motivational nonsense at my partner who joined in.
Why Doing Things Feels Good
The simple act of engaging in activities—even ones we don’t consider ‘essential’—can boost well-being. This aligns with the concept of harmonious passion, where we engage in activities for the sheer joy of doing them, rather than external rewards (Vallerand et al., 2003). Unlike obsessive passion, which can lead to burnout, harmonious passion enhances mental health, creativity, and overall life satisfaction.
In modern life, we often default to quick dopamine hits—mindless scrolling, binge-watching, or snacking on junk food. But research suggests that active engagement in meaningful tasks—like writing, reading, exercising, or organizing—leads to long-term happiness and fulfillment (Ryan & Deci, 2000).
Takeaway: Embrace the Process, Not Just the Outcome
If this unexpected break has taught me anything, it’s that we should make time for the little things—not just for productivity’s sake but for the joy of engaging in them. Creativity isn’t reserved for a select few; it’s for everyone. Whether it’s dancing in your room, writing, or rearranging your space, these moments can be deeply satisfying.
So, my message to you is this: choose activities that make you feel alive, not just entertained. Enjoy the process, not just the result. You never know when an unexpected pause will become a reset you didn’t know you needed.
References:
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.
Vallerand, R. J., et al. (2003). Les passions de l’âme: On obsessive and harmonious passion. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85(4), 756–767.