What #LifeInTheTimeOfCorona Taught Me

The corona virus outbreak had people retreating to their homes only going out to do important errands mostly grocery shopping.

Life, as we know it, has been disrupted. We’ve never been through such a difficult time than this situation we are in. Majority of us are trying to cope with anxiety albeit varying degrees as a natural response when faced with uncertainty.

No sooner had I figured out how to do work from home, I found myself homeschooling as well upon learning that the rest of the school year has been cancelled. It’s one thing to keep an active toddler busy during the weekends – it’s another when you now have all five days to fill.

While my toddler is learning quite a few things while we’re stuck at home, I have gained a few lessons myself, too.

Slow Down

It’s ok to not do anything and actually enjoy it. While there are days when I feel like accomplishing more than what I’d normally do like getting up early to go to the wet market and being able to make it back home before work-from-home routine starts, there are also days when being productive would mean only being able to put food on the table.

I have a confession to make. There was one weekend when I indulged on Netflix and didn’t feel any mom guilt afterwards. That was so liberating!

Be More Present

It has been said that the here and now is really what we’ve got. When we become so fearful of what tomorrow may bring, we tend to miss out on the present. What we have at the moment is our current reality – right now our loved ones are healthy and so are we!

Instead of focusing on the things you don’t have control of, focus on what you can do. When I’m swept away by the news updates I see on my feed, I make an effort to be more discerning and not let fear run its course by allowing it to get hold off my thoughts. Sure, the news sounds scary and it’s but natural to worry so I allow myself to wallow in it but only for a time.

Mindfulness takes place when after having been exposed to the news, you’re able to create responses (and eventually, choices) without getting too overwhelmed. What I try to do is to shift my thoughts on the preventive measures that we do at home to keep the corona virus away. And this has always been reassuring an exercise.

Value Relationships More

Have you seen the video of an old man serenading his neighbors on his balcony while all of them are on a lock down? Or the news clip showing a firefighter perched atop a firetruck ladder playing the trumpet for the village residents?

While many of the streets look more like a ghost town for weeks now, it doesn’t mean that people have stopped caring. Despite the lock down, donations and help in whatever form come. And because of technology, we are able to find new ways to gather around virtually at that even when social distancing measures are in place. Thus, making connections even more meaningful these days.

There are still so many things that we can learn now and even post corona but for the time being while we’re still battling this pandemic, let’s all keep safe!