No matter who you are or where you’re from, we’ve all felt the recent effects of the notorious coronavirus. Scratch that; we haven’t just felt them – we’ve been hit hard. From elementary through high schools closing their doors and colleges shutting down their campuses, to toilet paper shortages and grocery store clashes, to the implementation of social distancing and state-wide lockdowns, no one saw this coming – at least not to this degree of gravity.
Many graduating seniors are being deprived of a ceremony and won’t have the chance to walk the stage this spring and be celebrated for their years of academic dedication and hard work. Grandparents are trapped in isolation, unable to see their loved ones for weeks or even months on end, as the elderly are some of the most vulnerable to the virus. Doctors and nurses are working long, difficult hours battling COVID-19 on the front lines, with few breaks and limited personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves, products that have become a hot commodity as of late. It’s one of those things that we didn’t think would get that bad, and we definitely didn’t think it would happen to us. But with cases of COVID-19 multiplying every day, this has truly transformed into a worldwide epidemic.
While the repercussions of this disease are substantial and devastating, the media has managed to grab ahold of the coronavirus and focus into the public’s eye only the negative aspects of it, while ignoring what could be a bright side to this situation. The media uses daunting headlines and scary facts to instill fear into the masses so that they’ll keep coming back for more, rather than the good that is buried not-so-deep underneath. In times like these, it’s essential to recognize the importance of perspective, and that attitude is everything; the way you look at what’s going on directly impacts the power it plays in your life.
There is a silver lining just waiting to be found in everything – even COVID-19 – and I think it’s safe to say that some positivity concerning this situation would be a breath of fresh air for a lot of us. However, with the media blasting one depressing coronavirus fact after another at us (not all of which are facts, but rather fiction disguised as such), it can be a challenge to sift through the fake and formidable news in search of the light. Because of this, here are a few examples to consider about why the coronavirus isn’t all bad.
The Earth is taking back its power! Air pollution levels are at record lows, waterways are cleaner than ever, and animals are repossessing their overtaken territories. With a continued decrease in the burning of fossil fuels (yes, that counts you driving your car) we’d even be able to help prevent future deaths related to breathing in dirty air. Maybe the coronavirus was the answer our planet needed to a different crisis (the environmental kind) and this is a sign for us to keep up the good work, for both nature’s sake and ours.
There has been no better time to focus on our health – both physically, mentally, and spiritually. The coronavirus has forced us to slow down our ever-racing minds, abandon our busy schedules, and sit back and reflect. For once in forever we have the perfect opportunity to spend some time doing something that makes us happy; to rediscover a long-lost passion, or find a new one, to read that book or watch that show, or to finally get around to practicing mindfulness and meditation. Go grab that old, dusty notebook that you’ve been meaning to get around to writing in for ages, and implement a new, healthy aspect like journaling into your daily routine. This is an ideal time to form a new, healthy habit, and carry it with you into the future.
We’ve gained a new sense of community. Since people from across the globe are being impacted by COVID-19, it’s no surprise that humanity is united in a way it’s never been before. From singing songs across balconies, to grocery stores offering “senior hours” for elderly shoppers, to professional sports players in the NHL and NBA volunteering to pay the salaries of the stadium workers who are out of a job until their seasons resume, we’re looking out for one another as human beings, and are closer than ever, despite being so far apart (and living in isolation, no less).
So, while you’re stuck on the couch at home for the next couple weeks, try not to get dragged down by what’s going wrong in the world, and instead shift your attention to what’s going right. It’s important to remember that the simple, everyday things we tend to take for granted, such as waking up early for school, shaking a stranger’s hand, or hugging your grandma are privileges that we must always appreciate and be grateful for. If COVID-19 is anything, it’s a wake-up call; life as we knew it was pretty great, and it will be again. Remind yourself that this is temporary, and this too shall pass. Things won’t be the same after we come out of this, but I know we can walk out even stronger than before. Remember, we’re all in this together, and you’re never alone. Don’t forget to wash your hands, stay healthy, and always look on the bright side.