How Is The New ‘Normal’ Going To Be?

From the time the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a global pandemic by WHO, up until now when the world is finally beginning to take its first steps towards healing we can all agree that a lot has changed. I’m talking physically, financially, economically and well, even psychologically. Mankind is trying to cope with this unprecedented situation that is being compared to a major world war by most historians.

We all wanted 2020 to be different, life-changing but for the better and now it all just seems ironic at the least. 2020 has turned out to be different but in terrible ways. It has turned out to be ‘life-changing’ and though we tend to feel pained by that word given all that we are going through, people are beginning to have mixed opinions about our new ‘normal’.

The pandemic has brought in a great deal of loss with it. At first people began losing jobs, the quarantine period drove some to experience sickening levels of loneliness, some touched the suicidal grounds and unfortunately those who succumbed were believed to be more in number than usual due to the isolation.

Our sense of freedom is altered. It is known that temporary measures taken can sometimes last for years to come. Now these measures could be what the government takes or what we choose to take for ourselves.

We know we have changed when some decisions and measures don’t seem as unreasonable as it might have just a month ago. It’s hard to admit but 2020 (or the pandemic really) is in fact changing us. Sometimes I wonder if this is a major turn the human race is making in history that will go on to change the course of all our lives forever.

History validates that beings evolve in the face of tragedy. Their bodies and minds push through to find a way to survive the extreme events. Every cell works to make the change happen and though it is gradual, it is happening. I want to believe that this adversity is no different in that aspect. Change is hard but we are making it work. Our minds and hearts have been through a roller coaster ride of emotions from shocked to scared to finally adjusting to our new way of lives. Even after the cure is out most of the changes we made during this phase -especially those that have helped us for the better- could last, reshaping our lifestyles and above all, us as people of the new times.

My point here is that it hasn’t been any good a year so far, yet I would like to think that we can find new ways to live and live better. For me, personally, this period has opened up possibilities I couldn’t have thought of otherwise. At least, not so soon. There are so many out there already beginning a new course of life, grabbing their one chance to start afresh.

Pick up a new lifestyle, learn new skills, start a side-hustle or maybe the one thing you’ve been wanting to pursue- this is your chance. Indian Startups are booming during the Pandemic. It’s no surprise that the internet and the infinite resources on it are helping us now more than ever to learn, grow and pursue whatever it is that we want.

There are a lot of changes that a single virus has brought in our lives and for some part at least people have been trying to alter it to their advantage. Here is a list of some positive changes that people worldwide have chosen to keep in their lives after having benefited from them so far through these uncertain times-

Slow living lifestyle-

Wikipedia defines Slow living as a lifestyle emphasizing slower approaches to aspects of everyday life. In contrast to the usual fast paced lifestyle that makes us feel chaotic and out-of-control, slow living is a choice to step back and start enjoying life bit by bit in a relaxed pace. The lockdown has compelled everyone to do exactly that.

Making meditation and/or journalling a part of daily life-

People always claimed to never have any time for all this. But this self-quarantine period inside their homes has given them the time and opportunity to just sit down and practice being calm and focused, it has allowed them reflect on themselves and their emotions during these tough times.

Learning a new skill everyday-

Active individuals’ forced confinement to their respective homes has brought in a certain amount of pressure to make the most of this time. Though it isn’t a very healthy mindset to be in, it has pushed most of us to open ourselves to an endless platform of virtual learning.

One creative task everyday-

Being creative has significant benefits. To name a few- it allows you to express yourself, it helps reduce stress and anxiety, gives you a sense of accomplishment and puts you in a happy zone. Many out there have begun using social media platforms to showcase their creative side through art, writing, storytelling, poetry. It develops a sense of liberation.

Getting closer to nature-

The lockdown has brought everyone’s focus onto their homes. From washing, cleaning to redecorating their homes with DIY crafts, everyone has been taking a step or two towards organizing and personalizing their space. Adding plants is one such way because having green around you can help you feel at ease.

Eating healthy/ learning to cook.

A basic rule- eat home food, eat healthy. Though it helps the body, it also contributes towards optimal functioning of our brains, increasing our productivity in a day. Moreover, people are beginning to embrace the art of cooking. But to be honest, it is still a nightmare for most of us.

Increased awareness of your surrounding-

It might not seem true but it isn’t entirely false either that our hustle-hard lifestyle has sort of turned us into a self-absorbed generation. It probably wasn’t intentional but now is our chance to become an active part of our community and the lives of the ones we love and care for.

Increased understanding of mental health-

Lastly but most importantly, the COVID-19 outbreak and our subsequent isolation has surely affected our mental health deeply. Though it’s been a couple of months now, we still struggle to cope with the fact that it will be a while before all this goes away. Uncertainty is a scary term in itself but living in a time known by it, should mean- everyday will be a struggle.

However, these times have opened so many minds to the concept of mental health. What it feels like to have a good, strong mental health? – some of you probably already know that but what is it like to have a bad day for your mind? Many know that now.

Since the commencement of lockdown the psychiatry services (virtual) in our country as well as across the world have increased. The mental health care sector has been welcoming people who feel the need to talk about the ongoing crisis and how it is affecting them and everything else in their lives.

Honestly, a better world would’ve probably been a one where there was never a deadly virus outbreak and we were all safe, going about our ordinary lives. But things happen and sometimes the worst ones leave us to find a way through and move on. In this case, I believe we can do that by finding our own new ‘normal’ or should I say by initiating our own little evolution.