By Ronald E. Riggio, Professor of Leadership and Organizational Psychology, Claremont McKenna College.

Undoubtedly, there are terrible things happening to people’s health, their lives, and to the economy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. But in the spirit of gratitude, my family and I brainstormed some of the positive side effects of the several-months-long lockdown. Here they are:

1. Fewer expenses. While many people are struggling with job and income loss, staying at home means less money spent on transportation/commuting, entertainment, eating out, and the like.

2. Eating a bit healthier. Yes, buying and finding food has turned into a somewhat dangerous expedition of exposing oneself to crowds, but the lockdown has helped some of us focus on healthier eating — eliminating fast food, impulse snack purchases, etc.

3. Quality time with family. While some families are experiencing stress and conflict being sequestered in a small place, many of us are finding staying at home an opportunity to strengthen family relationships through cooperative activities and shared entertainment.

4. Catching up on reading and Netflix. “The family that reads/streams together, stays together.” Yes, we miss going to the movies, concerts, and theatres, but there’s lots of good books, movies, and shows available in the home.

5. Improving cooking/baking skills. My cooking, and my wife’s baking, have benefited greatly from the opportunity to make more from less, and with the luxury of putting time into our culinary/baking pursuits.

6. The pets are happy. The dogs are going on more walks, and the cats get more attention (and treats).

7. Spring cleaning has extended into summer. Our house and cabinets have never been more organized, and we have a mound of used clothing and goods to donate when the donation center reopen.

8. Gardening skills are improving. The yard has never looked better, and we’re growing some food at home.

9. No bar tabs. Enough said.

10. Healthier in the long run. Because we are not exposed to others, we haven’t had any colds or non-COVID flus this spring.

11. No impulse buying. Well, as long as we stay away from online shopping.

12. Driving less = less pollution. Not only are we saving money on gas (or electricity for my plug-in), but we aren’t polluting as much, and the Southern California traffic has been lighter and the air cleaner.

13. Retirement preview. I’m getting a preview of what retirement life might look like.

14. Exercising and getting in shape. Our treadmill has never been so active.

15. Spirituality. There is time for meditation, reflection, and quality communications via phone and Facetime with loved ones.

What are some of your “positives” resulting from the lockdown?

Ronald E. Riggio is the Henry R. Kravis Professor of Leadership and Organizational Psychology and former Director of the Kravis Leadership Institute at Claremont McKenna College