We are experiencing something unique since March 2020. This year’s title ‘2020’ reminds me of cricket format, but in reality, this is an entirely different phase. We have all been suffering from mental agony due to the coronavirus lockdown. The lockdown was not just restricted to social distancing, it has also brought many other related issues like health concerns and financial problems for many of us.
Here, I would like to share my experience of dealing with mental health issues during this pandemic. When the nationwide lockdown was declared first, we could not understand its impact on our lives. I was not aware of how long this lockdown will go on. I felt isolated, and it seemed all my freedom had disappeared within seconds. The day-to-day routine changed radically. I could sense my physical stamina and mental energy dropping just a little every day. Then, everything was replaced with great dullness, and all good things about life seemed to be hidden under a cloud of uncertainty and terror.
But the almighty has gifted us humans with immense energy and power. I decided to direct that energy towards figuring out some things for myself. I started looking for answers to these questions:
- What is going on?
- Why is it happening?
- How long will it be going on?
- What kind of solution can resolve this issue?
I started to turn to spirituality to make sense of this situation and decided to make myself useful to those in need. Looking around, I found many people who needed our help. So, I started helping them with whatever I could offer: fruits, food, water or helping kids by teaching them. All my family members were collaborating in this social work with me. These actions filled me with immense hope. Then, I further boosted my productivity in the following ways:
- As schools were closed, I took charge of my daughter’s studies and became a full-time teacher for her
- I also provided zoom teaching to all my students, along with regular counselling to keep them psychologically content and aware of every covid-related information.
- As we were not allowed to go into the park for walking and jogging, I do all the house chores as an exercise to keep myself fit and active.
- I have also discovered gardening as my new hobby to keep me full of vigour and joy
- Playing indoor games with my family also fills me with pleasure and satisfaction
- Video chat, calls keep me connected with my loved ones
This is how I filled my days with several beautiful colours! Lastly, I want to tell everyone read that just value your life and show gratitude towards nature and use all your potential in the right way, and then nobody can stop you from winning any battle in your life.
The tree that never had to fight
For sun and sky and air and light,
But stood out in the open plain;
And always got its share of rain,
By Douglas Malloch