There is no foreseeable end to the current COVID-19 pandemic, and millions are struggling to find manageable ways to cope with the safer-at-home mandates and restrictions. With so much at stake, this pandemic isn’t meant for perfecting oneself or figuring everything out by the end. It isn’t even remotely about being productive; it’s about taking care of yourself.
If that means eating more at home, watching more movies, sleeping in until noon, trying out a new skill or popping a rewarding bottle of wine after having a stressful day, by all means, do it.
Focusing on mental health and wellness should be a priority during this stressful time.
Millions of people have lost their jobs. The United States alone has 22 million people who have become unemployed. Students are stranded at home, searching for methods to continue their education. Parents are now responsible for 24/7 daycare. Essential workers are under tremendous pressure.
People around the globe are struggling with food insecurity and a lack of resources, all of which can take a toll on a person’s mental, emotional and physical health.
Considering the current state of affairs, each person has been affected differently, and many people are trying to find ways to cope with being cooped up at home.
Although it seems like there is plenty of time to get loads of things done during the lockdown, such as learning a new language, working towards one’s body goals, remodeling rooms or acing one’s classes, the fact is, for many, it is not as easy as it seems.
During the lockdown, some people find themselves struggling to buy groceries and take care of their kids. Students are struggling to cope with new virtual classes while worrying about bills and mental health among other financial or emotional hardships. However, others find themselves without those worries — without bills to pay, without kids to watch, and perhaps in the comfort of their parents’ home with an overabundance of time.
For some, all of this time at home is an opportunity to try new things, while others have their hands full, juggling family matters, searching for jobs and much more.
Those who do have more free time are using their phones more often.
Now more than ever, social media has become the link for keeping in touch. Instead of being about likes or posts, it is now the most important means of staying connected with friends and family while complying with the current mandates and restrictions. It has also given rise to TikTok.
TikTok and other social media apps are promoting various ways to be productive. Now that many people have the chance to check social media multiple times a day, constant self-comparison can hinder their emotional and mental health. It creates this idea of, “I’m wasting my time when I should be doing something productive.”
People should refrain from comparing their lives to the lives of people they see on social media. Some people are taking the time to work out, cook more meals and kickstart some of their goals, and they are posting it on social media for the world to see. For others, the severity of one’s situation may only be getting worse, so this time may call for more work, more stress and more adapting to new methods.
Life has come to a stand-still for many. The virtual aspect of school and learning may be a new skill for someone who prefers in-person lectures. Normal routines have been disrupted.
Every person’s situation is different, so comparing one’s life to another’s during lockdown is nearly impossible. For some, using this time to figure out their lives is simply not practical.
Each case will vary, so either doing or not doing productive tasks may be vital in staying sane and healthy while the world tries to figure out how to make things close to normal again.
Someday, we will all look back at this tumultuous time and be relieved that it is over. We will look back at how this either united or divided us as a state, a nation and a planet. The steps we take now are vital to what our future will look like. We must secure our mental, emotional and physical health now so we can protect the health of everyone worldwide.
Remember, not everyone’s situation and coping methods are the same. This is a worldwide pandemic, not a vacation.
If you are in a position where you can help out your neighbors or deliver groceries to family members who may need to avoid public spaces, help out. Do what you can when you can.
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