Here’s Why the COVID -19 Lockdown is Also a Boon and Not Just a Bane
The COVID-19 pandemic has terrorized millions and endangered their livelihoods. Governments across the world have enforced a complete lockdown to contain the spread of the virus, as much as possible. With businesses and industries physically shutting down, people have lost their jobs and are confined within their homes.
It is no surprise, then, that the ‘work from home’ culture is the new normal. And fortunately, all one needs for it is a laptop and a strong internet connection. Sure, the idea may have been baffling a decade ago, or even last year for that matter, but humans are an adaptive species if nothing else. And so, here we are, typing away on our keyboards even as the sound of household chores becomes backdrop music and going to the grocery store becomes travel goals.
The picture is not wholly bleak, though. Far from it, in fact, as COVID-19 and the lockdown have dropped several opportunities right into our laps. The saying is true; there’s always a silver lining amidst all the obstacles life throws at you.
The lockdown has had positive effects as well, which have been recognised all over the world. Life is not all gloom and doom. Rather, people have learnt to utilise their time creatively or to bond with their families — a quality that few had time for.
What you look for, you will find. So here we’ve rounded up some points to cheer you up and help you see the brighter side of all things.
- Finally! Fresh air and clean metropolises
Studies have recorded that pollution levels in several countries and cities have reduced to a moderate level owing to the implementation of lockdowns. The Real-Time Air Quality Index has reported that in London, particulate matter (PM 2.5) dropped from an unhealthy level of 116µg/m3 on January 2nd to a good 43µg/m3 on September 1st, a considerable decrease. After years of haze, people could actually see the stars at night.
Pollution-free waterways and canals have been reported in various places across the world. Less human intervention has allowed water mammals to breathe. The number of ships and boats in the water-bays have also reduced. You might have heard that even the famous canals of Venice have clearer water now. The traffic in these usually busy canals has halted due to the enforced lockdown.
2. War against germs and unhealthy living
If anything, this situation has brought people back to their senses. Hygiene is back in fashion and people have started to pay attention to their health more than ever. As advised by doctors around the world, one should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. This reduces the risk of catching viruses responsible for infectious diseases like pneumonia, common flu and typhoid, to name a few.
Videos of home-workout exercises have gone viral (no pun intended) on social media sites, with fitness influencers gaining immense recognition. People are constantly looking for ways to stay healthy and strengthen their immune system. With increasing attention on Ayurveda (herbal) health tips and supplements, people are focused on building up their immune systems to battle the deadly virus.
Governments across the world have also enforced steps to provide health workers with the required safety kits. Moreover, brands are contributing by handing out sanitisers to hospitals for free.
3. Smiles and laughter with family
While the lockdown conjures up images of isolation, many have taken this opportunity to spend time with their family and create memories. Childcare UK has reported that 72% of families have felt closer to each other since the lockdown began. Families have played together, recreated memories and cooked elaborate meals to pass time indoors. Board games, clay dough, and family movies are back in action, tugging on our nostalgia!
4. All hail the essential workers!
Sadly, health workers, store-cashiers and delivery drivers have always been underappreciated. This pandemic has highlighted their key role as essential workers. These heroes have diligently worked throughout this period, risking their safety. It’s about time they received proper appreciation for their efforts.
Videos of neighbours extending a hearty welcome to healthcare workers surfaced on several social media sites. For instance, people in India showered flowers and warmly welcomed a nurse who came back home after almost two weeks. The British Vogue featured three essential workers — a train driver, a midwife and a supermarket assistant — on the cover of their July issue.
Essential workers have also earned praise from bloggers and writers all over the world, who have dedicated poems and pieces to this cause.
5. United we stand, divided we fall
We may be physically distant but the world has united emotionally, thanks to the use of technology. Community spirit has upped since the quarantine started. Social media is filled with wholesome acts of unity, such as the videos of people playing the piano, singing and entertaining each other from their balconies.
In Madrid, Spanish singer Beatriz Berodia held a concert from her balcony to banish coronavirus blues. She also hung a placard that said, ‘accepting song suggestions’. Many people stood out on their balconies to enjoy this refreshing experience. The incident is a beautiful depiction of how humanity comes together in times of crisis and it only goes to show that culture, art and joy are important threads that binds mankind together.
It is heartening to see positivity gleam among people. This quote from Helen Keller justifies it all, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”
6. Online apps are king
People have increased their online presence in this period of isolation. Apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter. are at the top of their game right now.
MOOCs (Massive Online Open Courses) have further kept the populace occupied as they improve their skill set. Additionally, online community groups are popular nowadays with several people volunteering to help those in need.
People engage in games, over-the-top (OTT) media services and free concerts to stay connected with friends and wider communities. Financial Express reported that India’s data consumption with demand on OTT and VoD platforms rose by a whopping 947% in the last few months. People have upgraded their Internet services and many media platforms had to install additional servers to keep up with the haste.
7. Now is the time to introspect
We’ve always been taught to care for others, but we often forget to take care of ourselves. The lockdown, however, has allowed people to change that pattern for once. Many are exploring various ways to de-stress and things that make one happy.
Mental health awareness is on the rise as well. It has encouraged people to come together, digitally, in support of strangers and friends alike. One now has the time to reflect on their choices and retrospect their plans. Thinking positively will not only refresh the mind but adds resilience.
8. Childhood hobbies made a comeback
This period has allowed adults to find solace in going back to their childhood hobbies.. People have had a chance to feel secure, calm and refreshed again, like in their younger days. To overcome the social isolation blues, people have found comfort in reconnecting with their childhood memories. Staying cooped up in bed with a warm cup of coffee, binging on old shows and cartoons, and indulging in board games from the good ol’ days — it’s not that bad, is it?
‘Me time’ became ‘we time’ as families got together to watch popular old shows. Instances like these gave disconnected families a chance to rebuild their bond. Social media sites became flooded with photos of Dalgona coffee, #quarantinechill and visually-appealing cloud bread!
Have you considered this: maybe the lockdown was what you needed to reconnect with your life?
This prolonged period has improved several aspects of our lives and connected many broken links. The lockdown has harmed mankind in many ways, but if we seek it, we can certainly see the positive side of the story as well. Look at the glass as half-full — we have finally started to value the little things in life.
There is hope for positivity, even in the darkest hours. Such a mindset can help you feel content even in these terrifying situations.
After all, every cloud has a silver lining.
