THINGS THAT ONE CAN DO IN THIS LOCKDOWN
In the days to come, this worldwide lockdown is going to be a historic event. This will be mentioned in books. We will be narrating stories to our coming generations regarding how bravely we faced it and will be cracking jokes regarding few stupid moments, terror of fear in our heads and also we will be sharing our survival stories and experiences that we learned during the lockdown period. I am sure; one common question is going to be asked by everyone, “what did you do during such a long time lockdown at home?” We certainly can’t say “just got bored” as we are saying now!
Many people are saying “we are bored”. I think, many are feeling they are bored but actually they are not. It is just the “me too” type mutual feeling that most of us are having. I talked to some ladies, they say we are busier than before Children are happy as long as they are getting to play, watch tv and eat. So, mostly adults and working people are opined that they are bored. Yet they are adjusting with lockdown because it’s not just the necessity of time and instruction from the government but also wise to lockdown ones at home.
Where mother earth is also rejuvenating, we also need to make this time useful and memorable for ourselves. It’s just excuses that are stopping you and nothing else. Here are a few things that one can do in this lockdown:
- Pray:
No matter what religion you belong to, prayers have similar effects on mental well-being as meditation and yoga; which spill over into physical effects. There is a huge difference between being religious and spiritual. Habit of praying helps reduce stress, helps in healing process, fights fear and ultimately enhances our immunity. I am amazed to see people regardless of their caste, culture, creed, religion, political inclination, society and communities uniting together to win over the situation and praying for the whole human race.
- Stay positive:
With a positive attitude, one remains motivated and enthusiastic. It helps decrease anxiety and remain healthy. No one can deny the power of law of attraction. I heard an illiterate lady saying to the other from her roof top to speak good and not evil.
- Know yourself:
Lockdown has put a pause button in our daily hectic routine, we have time to know ourselves better, to explore our strengths and weakness, and find out our hobbies and favorites. We can live without eating fast foods in restaurants; we are learning that living is cheaper than we were actually doing. Most of the girl’s favorite color is pink, again that a “me too” tendency. Most of us are very precise about our hobbies. Then the question is how one can get bored with a hobby unless that’s an outdoor hobby. If you think you are passionate about painting but get bored of painting then that’s not your passion. We have heard about scientists working for months and years, that a real passion. Find out yours.
- Fitness:
Meditation and exercise used to be a plan of many of us which we could not execute because of our busy schedule. They enhance our physical and mental health. So practice them now in your quarantines and grow a good and healthy habit.
- Pay gratitude:
Research has shown that being grateful not only improves mental and physical health; leading stronger willpower but also makes you a happy person. You can thank the supreme power, nature, your family or anyone who has helped you and made you feel good. This will reduce aggression as well.
- Act kind:
According to science, act of kindness releases feel-good hormones which also eases anxiety and can help you live longer boosting your immunity. Many people need your kindness. You can provide them with basic need materials, some money. A person who is financially sound should not take the subsidy provided by government for poor people these days. Or if you take, give it to a needy person around. Helping the needy and not clicking pictures would be another act of kindness, unless you have really done a huge contribution which can motivate peoples to do accordingly.
- Learn new skills:
No doubt technology and digitalization market is going to flourish in the days to come. We can learn online courses; learn other useful skills like English learning, cooking, sewing etc.
Anyway, it’s your choice but the ultimate formula for success is a right decision at the right time. One is just a step away from a different life depending on the decision one makes. Read, write, dance, spend time with family, connect to friends, relatives online; laugh, looks after yourself, practice self-love, develop a good habit, get clarity about your ambitions, explore a passion, motivate others around, take a lead and plan for post lockdown steps. Plan, organize, direct yourself, decide, and take charge of controlling your activities and take steps that are SMART-specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound. Things will certainly get better, just we need to stay alert and safe. Best wishes.
Ritu Gupta