Dr Preeti looks back at the extended lockdown period that has been lifted now – though restrictions are still on in the containment zones. An exclusive for Different Truths.
A beautiful quote by Henry David Thoreau, “Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.”
The Covid–19 or Coronavirus created a labyrinth for humans, who were – and are – trying their level best to get out of it. The Corona pandemic had thrown life out of gear and us humans were unable to cope up with it. Instead of wallowing in misery, we needed to look at this lockdown period with positivity.
The Covid-19 or Coronavirus created a labyrinth for humans, who were – and are – trying their level best to get out of it. The Corona pandemic had thrown life out of gear and us humans were unable to cope up with it. Instead of wallowing in misery, we needed to look at this lockdown period with positivity. We had to introspect and work on ourselves and not to be sucked into a vortex of despair.
I am a freelance content writer and homemaker. I work from home in my own space and pace. The government declaration on a total lockdown sent me into a tizzy. We all have our independent schedules without any clashes with each other. I was in a quandary how I would manage to meet both my deadlines, as a writer and homemaker with everyone at home 24×7. Having witnessed several adversities in life and coming out unscathed gave me a boost and I decided to take the bull by the horn.
I believe in the 4Ps in life, planning, prioritizing, procurement and productivity.
I recall that I would kickstart my mornings with gratitude to the creator. I was, and am, blessed to have a roof on my head, larder and fridge well-stocked, my loved ones around me and the luxury to work from the comforts of my home. I planned my day
I recall that I would kickstart my mornings with gratitude to the creator. I was, and am, blessed to have a roof on my head, larder and fridge well-stocked, my loved ones around me and the luxury to work from the comforts of my home. I planned my day, prioritising the tasks for the day, procuring basic things to complete those tasks as those days we were devoid of any domestic help, delegating the tasks to all the family members and the result was good productivity.
Watching the news spelt gloom and doom. Life seemed uncertain so one had to utilise every precious moment to get the feel of a life well-lived. One had to indulge in tasks which were earlier kept at the backburner. The secret was (and is) enjoy the small bounties of nature which we had overlooked being busy living a fast-paced life.
Enjoying nature, drinking morning tea, on the terrace of the house was a luxury which till then I couldn’t enjoy due to the humdrum of life. Listening to the chirping birds flying in the azure blue sky, loving the verdant greenery and hues of flowers around me. Interspersed with soft, melodious classical music playing in the background. All these gave the zen-like feel.
Enjoying nature, drinking morning tea, on the terrace of the house was a luxury which till then I couldn’t enjoy due to the humdrum of life. Listening to the chirping birds flying in the azure blue sky, loving the verdant greenery and hues of flowers around me. Interspersed with soft, melodious classical music playing in the background. All these gave the zen-like feel.
Meditation, keeping negative thoughts at bay and believing that the creator would soon find a way to relieve us from the pall of gloom which had descended on us due to this pandemic.
Family breakfast, busy morning routines denied us this privilege. We were making the most of it by having a leisurely family breakfast which I feel most of us can’t manage.
Household chores, as we couldn’t take the liberty to go for morning and evening walks, exercise was in the form of household chores. Sweeping, swabbing, laundry, kitchen work were chores which helped me bend and stretch to the fullest.
Household chores, as we couldn’t take the liberty to go for morning and evening walks, exercise was in the form of household chores. Sweeping, swabbing, laundry, kitchen work were chores which helped me bend and stretch to the fullest.
Cooking, trying out recipes during the quarantine period was therapeutic.
Hobbies, painting, reading, music were the ways I give myself the ME time which I needed badly.
Keeping abreast, I am on social media to keep myself abreast of the happenings going on globally, sharing my articles, reading other people’s articles and interacting with people on social media had become the norm.
Working on my mental and physical health, reading positive articles, talking to positive people and trying to boost the immunity of the whole family by eating balanced foods at proper times was necessary.
Working on my mental and physical health, reading positive articles, talking to positive people and trying to boost the immunity of the whole family by eating balanced foods at proper times was necessary.
Family time, chatting and laughing with the family helped in rejuvenation which till then had not been possible as all us were immersed in our busy schedules.
Interaction with friends, talking with friends via chat or phone gave me the high.
Productive work, along with family I believed in keeping myself motivated with my work. For me work is worship, so writing is an adrenaline booster and daily I do my content work for a few hours before I call it a day. This remained intact.
Productive work, along with family I believed in keeping myself motivated with my work. For me work is worship, so writing is an adrenaline booster and daily I do my content work for a few hours before I call it a day. This remained intact.
Productivity, creativity helped us tide over this lockdown period with ease.
A shloka from the Bhagwad Geeta, “God will establish peace, always!”
A shloka from the Bhagwad Geeta, “God will establish peace, always!”
|| Yada yadda hi dharmasya glanir bhavti bharatah||
||Abhyuthanamdharmasya tadatmaanam srijamyaham ||
Translation:
Whenever evil mounts or the operations of the evils increase, and it devastates humanity, God comes into the picture and rescue the evil by killing the evil and reestablishing the peace and serenity. God may appear in different forms, as an incarnation or a devotee.
Photo from the Internet