A lot of us, currently in the self-quarantine period, are thinking ‘it’s just been 14 days. Things will get back to normal soon’. On one hand, it’s good to focus on the immediate, not get ahead of ourselves. This will keep us sane. However, on the other hand, no one is sure when this will end and if our lives will ever get back to normal.
My friends with whom, I have countless memories, cannot meet me now. The vacations I was planning for months is postponed. We are suddenly left with this void and with this mess.
But, all this uncertainty has taught me some serious lessons. Last night, I got a reality check when I went to bed. Apart from fear, anxiety, and desperation to go out and party with friends and loved ones, I have realized that this some self-quarantine has actually done a lot more good for many of us.
Here are a few surprising lessons that I have learned in self-quarantine and I’m sure you can relate to them.
1. Brought family and loved one closer
We didn’t know the value of our loved ones, but now I realize how important it was to keep them close. Even virtually, seeing one another is very helpful for our mental health. Our constant meetings are reassuring, comforting and most important therapeutic.
People now are spending more time with family. There are so many moments that you are sharing with your family. These moments were missing in the past due to the hustle and bustle around you.
2. Work from home is possible
As the coronavirus spreads, working from home has become a new reality for many of us. Though it’s challenging as it lacks communication and a balance between personal and professional lives. But, at the same time organizations have realized that it can be a good option in the future.
Organizations have turned millions of people into remote workers almost overnight as companies seek to continue operations amid the global pandemic. It also saved certain industries from certain doom.
3. We can survive without junk food
People have moved into healthier options when it comes to food. The global pandemic has forced people to avoid consuming junk food. They are now preferring home-made food instead. Foodies who thought they can’t survive without digging into french fries and pizzas. The good news is, people are aware of this and are also taking baby steps towards staying away from junk for good.
4. Governments can build hospitals within days
Different countries have been building hospitals and medical centers within days to cope up with the medical emergency. China built an emergency hospital in Wuhan within 10 days. In Pakistan also, provincial and federal governments have built quarantine centers and medical facilities in different areas within a few days.
5. Money should be spent on donations
Money is abundant if we spend it wisely. Many people are now indulged in doing charity. Helping people in need and working for the charitable cause is appreciable but why wait for a certain event to help poor?
This crisis is bringing humanity out of people. The world is changing, it is healing, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Pollution is being cleared off, the equilibrium is being restored, and at the end of this, the world will heal.
6. Developed nations are as vulnerable as poor nations
The coronavirus may prove disastrous for the world’s poorest people, including those living in slums and refugee camps. However, we can see many developed countries also struggling with the deadly disease and seems more vulnerable than any developing country. Governments in wealthy, first world countries battling the coronavirus and failing badly.
The past week saw an unprecedented shutdown of Europe and the United States. Widespread school, restaurant, cinema and museum closures. Several countries across Europe have closed their borders, with Germany being the latest to shut down all non-essential travel. World’s three biggest countries China, Italy and the US have the highest number of coronavirus deaths.
7. We waste a lot of money unnecessary
With the ongoing lockdown across the globe, people are not able to visit restaurants, go on vacations, buy luxury items and branded clothes, etc. I now realize that we can live without these luxuries and can save a lot of money. A lot of things can be done at home for which people go outside and splurge extra money. Trips to grocery stores have also cut short. People are only visiting stores when only needed. However, panic buying has increased making lives difficult for others.
If we ever get back to our normal lives after this April 15, we hope that people come out of their homes with a different approach towards life. I hope this difficult period is giving us enough time for self-analysis and self-realization. Let’s just come out as a better person and make this world a better place to live.
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