2020 has been a total head spin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many of us have done it rough. We haven’t been able to visit our friends and family interstate or enjoy as much of the great outdoors as we nomally would. We’ve copped an extended work from home stint and haven’t seen our work BFFs for months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We’ve had more time on our hands, which has given us more time to reflect and re-evalutate. Sure, no one saw it coming but as we move into the new year, we’re armed with mutual experience and a bunch of life lessons. Heck, 2020 has taught us a thing or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we roll into December, we decided to wrap up this rollercoaster of a year and share what we’ve learned. In partnership with our friends at Blooms The Chemist, we checked in on the Smooth team to share 20 things we’ve learning in 2020. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2020 has taught me about true work life balance. About making time for my health and using the internet to stay better connected with friends and family. Work used to feel like it was my entire life and now it is a more sustainable and positive part of my life.<\/p>Jenna, Sales<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
It’s taught me how fun it is to be proactive! Working from home, you can reinvest the time you save commuting into learning and development. There are so many great online short courses and YouTube how to videos you can access.<\/p>Melanie, Sales<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
I’m based in Melbourne so we’ve been working from home since March. Although I’m ready to go back to the office, I’m enjoying the WFH lifestyle while it lasts. Less travel time, fewer distractons and more time to do a load of washing during the week… which means you have more time to yourself over the weekend.<\/p>Jimmy, Podcasting<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The office is awesome and I have so much fun at work… but working from home has made me realise just how distracted I get. I get so much done at home.<\/p>Morag, Marketing<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
It’s fine to fall asleep in a meeting… just make sure you turn your camera off.<\/p>Tim, Creative<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Family and friends<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One thing I learned in 2020 and living so far away from home… My Mum really is my long distance best friend for life (BFFL).<\/p>Hayley, Delivery<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
I’ve learned to take advantage of the time we spend IRL with family. You never truly appreciate it until an unexpected COVID lockdown takes it away from you.<\/p>Martha, Sales<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
2020 has taught me to take stock of things that really matter like family, friends and to be appreciative for what we have here in Australia. It has been a really tough year on so many levels for so many people, so being content with what we do have and can control has helped me get through it. <\/p>Jacinta, UX<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
2020 has taught me not to waste time on the people I really don’t care about.<\/p>Chiara, HR<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Never, ever take your family and friends for granted. When you’re stuck in lockdown, the simple things you do with your family mean more than ever before.<\/p>Stella, Programming<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Health and happiness<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It’s pretty safe to say none of us had 2020 vision but this year, I’ve learned how important it is to have a healthy relationship with yourself.<\/p>Rob, Design<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Getting a daily dose of vitamin D is so important, especially if you’re going to survive Melbourne’s winter and lockdown.<\/p>Brooke, Delivery<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
2020 has taught me to appreciate every little thing and every special moment. You never know what’s going to happen next.<\/p>Chana, Ad Ops<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
2020 has taught me to slow the eff down and look after myself \u2014 who would have thought that’s doable? Working from home, I now get eight hours sleep and cook my own meals, which has made me feel a whole lot better about looking after myself. Sure, I missed my friends and family, but I don’t need to go out and socialise every night. It’s good to look after myself.<\/p>Brooke, Strategy<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
I make a happiness list every morning. It holds me accountable and I make sure I tick off at least one thing on my list. That helps me make sure my day is a good one.<\/p>Lizzy, Marketing<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Everything else<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I learned how to fold a fitted sheet. I literally would never have done this as it’s never going to be important enough to be a priority for me, but all that time at home washing and cleaning, I finally watched enough YouTube tutorials and managed it. My cupboards look so tidy! I developed an actual skincare routine with multiple steps that I’ve finally stuck to. It’s improved my skin and the daily ritual has been really nice to stick to.<\/p>Lauren, Strategy<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The business up top and PJs on the bottom with bottomless cups of tea make for a great day. I always show my ‘best side’ on video calls and know exactly where to look.<\/p>Kelly, Producer<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
2020 has taught me to expect the unexpected. Be good to yourself, don’t book flights through third party booking agents and never book too many holidays in advance.<\/p>Nathan, Digital Strategy<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
It’s totally fine to wear the same pair of pants for 32 days straight.<\/p>Tim, Creative<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Yup, sleep is literally the best.<\/p>Tahlia, Digital<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n