Managing life in lockdown!

May 15, 2020Disaster & Emergency Response, Experiences, Impact, Startup 0

Day 53 of the nationwide lockdown today when I am writing this and as of now, the duration of this pandemic can only be guessed. It could be months before it is safe to return to our pre-Corona lifestyles. Personally for me, it has been quite an experience adjusting to this life in lockdown. Everything from work, learning, communication has been online and without much social interaction, things can get quite monotonous and it might affect our mood, behavior and mental health.

HOW AM I COPING WITH THE LOCKDOWN?

As soon as I realized that this lockdown could last a very long time (that was a week into the lockdown), I decided on some things to help adjust with this unfortunate situation. These were what I decided was required:

• Acceptance was first in line. I accepted that the fact that we are in a perishable situation and staying home is what must be done in order to control the spreading of the virus. It can extend to an indefinite period of time.

• After that I needed a routine. How to get along with my day? As I am working from home, it was perhaps easier for me to deal with being locked down as work keeps your mind off other things. Working at Cellapp Innovations and SmartPalika, it is amazing to see how efficiently things get done even while working from home! If you are not working, you could think of things to do like learning to play a new instrument or watching all the best rated movies in IMDB or anything else. It does not have to be a compulsion, just make a flexible routine but meet your targets, get things done!

• I decided to follow a daily workout routine (I don’t really exercise)! As our movements halt, no sports, no going out for activities, we must at least stretch our body once a day. Just to condition the body.

• As I went on thinking about ways to cope with the lockdown, I decided to focus on the positive things that is happening due to this lockdown. Personally for me, I thought of things like: Spending quality time with family. Healthy homemade food every day. Watching sunsets. Working from your bed (not advisable). Learning new skills (I cut my dad’s hair). You could have your own experiences, but we must always try and look forward with optimism and positivity.

• I decided to take at least 15 minutes every day to meditate. Does wonders, trust me!

After all, we must make the most out of what we are dealt with in life!

SO, IS IT WORKING? AM I REAPING THE BENEFITS?

I would say that I am doing very well. In terms of my mental health and well-being, I feel fresh and I look forward to each day with hope, optimism and positivity. The things I do every day have made it easier for me to adjust and mold into this lockdown.

Professionally, I am proud to be able to contribute in helping develop, distribute and implement a Covid-19 Management System to use for local governments of Nepal, free of cost. You can check our work timeline HERE.

It is a difficult time for all of us. Just remember that in a crisis, the winners come out swinging! Stay safe!