A day without electricity can be an unexpected challenge, especially when it not only affects the power but also the internet goes down. This was precisely the case during a general outage throughout Spain, which not only cut off electricity but also the ability to communicate via the internet. This situation forced many, including myself, to creatively adapt to the sudden change in our daily routine.
Phase 1: Doing nothing
The initial reaction to the power outage was one of passivity. Without electricity, I couldn’t continue my work, leading to a feeling of helplessness. In this phase, I decided to pass the time by reading and taking a walk. It was a moment of surrender to the situation, where I accepted that there was nothing else to do but wait.
Phase 2: Preparation
As the hours passed and it became clear that the power outage would last longer than a few hours, I shifted to a more proactive approach. It was time to prepare for a longer period without power. This meant going to the market to buy food that required no preparation, such as salad and fruit, since cooking was not an option. I also made sure there were enough candles for the evening. This phase was about ensuring basic needs and creating a sense of control over the situation.
Phase 3: Creative approach
Once the basic needs were secured, I began to see the situation as an opportunity. Without the usual distractions of phone calls and digital notifications, there was a rare chance to think deeply and reflect. I picked up my notebooks and started a brain dump on ongoing projects and future plans. This unusual silence provided the perfect setting for introspection and strategic thinking. Additionally, I used the time to do small household chores that usually get neglected.
These three phases—doing nothing, preparing, and creatively utilizing—reflect the different ways people can respond to a sudden change like a power outage. It is a reminder of the resilience and adaptability we can show in unexpected situations. The question I pose to you is: which of these modes have you experienced during the power outage?
