COVID-19, the worldwide pandemic that seems to have paused Earth’s rotation. Everything is closed, jobs have laid-off employees, and many are currently quarantined in their homes. We’re encouraged to socially distance ourselves from one another, for fear that we might unknowingly spread the virus if any of us do have it. Classes have been cancelled and students are forced to work from home through online platforms.
It’s an overwhelming time, and being confined to our residences with boredom growing, doesn’t help. I’m keeping myself occupied by finishing assignments that are gradually piling up, resulting in me being stressed and anxious to a degree where I just stop being productive.
I’m trying my best to be more positive but lately I’ve been wondering if we’ve really been self-isolating ourselves even before the start of COVID-19. We’re consumed by our smartphones and hypnotized by our daily routines, which we rush to fulfill, leaving us to forget about our loved ones. I can’t help but think that maybe this virus has initiated a wake-up call.
I was attending my weekly lectures as per usual when COVID-19 rapidly spread throughout Ontario in large numbers. Elementary and high schools began to close down and I knew it was only a matter of time before universities took the same precautions. Then I got the email that in-person classes were no longer in effect, and students had to do all of their schoolwork on digital platforms from that point on. I was somewhat upset because I enjoyed coming out of my house three days a week from dawn until dusk to see my classmates and meet up with friends for lunch at the Eaton Centre. I completely neglected spending time with my family members or high school friends I’m still close with. I’ve grown so accustomed to going to downtown Toronto constantly that all I focused on was school or work, never really indulging in any self-care.
Since beginning quarantine, I was instead able to reflect on my life and break the cycle of getting ready to wake up, eat breakfast while I checked social media, and leave my house to catch the GO bus. I’ve noticed that I’ve missed the serenity of being at home and not being in the midst of a crowded Dundas Square, where the sounds of honks and chatter mask the trail of my thoughts. Instead, I get to fill my days by spending time with my mother, laughing about old stories and watching television. We play card games, clean the house (I rarely ever got the chance to do that while in school), and I’ve even started to write more.
We’ve unconsciously mastered the skill of being in unhealthy attachments. We’ve befriended our technological devices and lost sight of physical interaction.
During these quieter times, it may be helpful to recoup physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally. You don’t have to be under a spotlight at all times. Use this time to take care of yourself and others around you.