Living in a lockdown situation due to Covid-19 has taken its toll on people. Some people consider it a blessing in disguise, especially those who were in a dire need of a break from their hectic routine. For others, it has been more frightening than a terrible nightmare, especially for daily wagers.

People are trying to find new ways to make their lives more interesting while practicing social distancing or even self-isolation. Of course, the sleeping patterns have changed. People are able to take proper sleep now as there is no pressure of getting up early. People’s appetite has also increased considerably as eating is one of the main preoccupations when at home and this has led to weight gain for some.

As a result of the lockdown, people are also forced to spend time with their families, which was given secondary importance and mostly taken for granted during the pre-Covid-19 days. But studies have shown that spending quality time with the loved ones has allowed people to endure this difficult time and has played an important role in relieving stress and pain. People have become more understanding and are praying more than they used to.

“Like the seaweed that clings to each other after each passing boat separates them, so too a family will come together with the passing of each crisis.” — Indonesian proverb

People are now home-schooling their children, with the result a stronger bond is being developed and an air of trust has taken place, which are essential for the success of one’s family life.

The use of social media platform has increased significantly too since that is providing people’s main connection with the outside world. As people have nothing much to do these days, they spend time browsing the internet, watching movies, video chatting with family members and friends. They are binge watching various series on Netflix, Amazon, Apple TV, etc. As a result of the lockdown, Netflix added 15.8 million subscribers, more than double the 7.2 million that were expected.

Increase in psychological issues as a result of corona virus outbreak have mostly been reported in developed, especially western countries. The psychological impact of being home in a lockdown or quarantine includes post-traumatic anxiety disorder, misperception, fear and frustration.

People are practicing different stress-relieving and mindfulness activities, such as yoga, introspection, reading books, gardening, painting and cooking, in order maintain inner peace and mental calm.

A lot of people have put on the garb of motivational lecturing, giving out sermons on the importance of brotherhood, kindness and how to maintain composure during this crucial time. Others have taken this as an opportunity to stretch their creative muscles, coming out with really funny stuff to amuse the ailing humankind.

Students now have to attend online classes. Institutes are conducting virtual competitions to encourage students towards healthy activities and helping them to hone their skills while staying at home.

The coronavirus lockdown has really taken the whole world by a storm. It is a crucial time for people to reevaluate their life choices and reflect upon their actions.

The lockdown surely has had a good impact on the environment. As a result of closure of public places and less movement of people, emission of gases has decreased due to which the air quality has improved substantially.

Data from the Sentinel-5P satellite shows that nitrogen dioxide air pollution levels have dropped across Europe since the pandemic. NO2 is emitted by burning fossil fuels at high temperatures, as in internal combustion engines and has adverse effects on the climate and contributes to respiratory problems. Short-term air pollution, which lasts for a few hours or a few days in the atmosphere, has also reduced.

The pandemic has given people ample time to reflect on their actions and has given them a chance to make amends for their past mistakes. It has given them an opportunity to reconnect with the loved ones and re-strengthen the once fragile relations.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 13th, 2020