COVID AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Like everyone else, my life has been adversely affected by the pandemic. The virus has seeped into parts of our lives in ways that we never previously expected. Throughout this process, my family has been working towards overcoming several obstacles. It started with my grandpa passing away at the early stages of the pandemic and snowballed into me, deciding to shave my head. Although I have plenty of reasons to be sad,

I do not wish to talk about any of that because COVID-19 has, surprisingly, made me slightly happier. How? Pre-pandemic life was as stressful as it could be because I never had time to do things that made me happy. I used to spend so much time traveling to college, attending classes, taking subjects that I had previously studied before, and participating in mandatory events that I did not want to take part in. But now, I can attend class from the comfort of my laptop. I am able to save so much time, allowing me to focus more on taking care of myself. My mental health pre-pandemic was terrible. I had a bad anxiety problem; I was always stressed if not sad.

I have always wanted to write, as it is something that makes me happy. However, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, I could never spare time to sit down and write. But now, I am able to spend a lot more time writing than before. I have also been able to read more books during the lockdown than before the lockdown as I had been occupied by my busy college schedule.

I think that has been the case for several people as well. I have seen so many people take up new hobbies as they have started posting their art, poetry, or culinary creations on Instagram. I never knew that so many of my friends are passionate about poetry until now.

Enough though, COVID-19 has separated us from our loved ones, it has also given us an opportunity to focus on ourselves. I don’t want to seem like I am disregarding all the hardships the virus has made us confront. The pandemic has made our lives harder to live in many ways, and I agree. I believe even though many people are talking about how it has ruined our lives, it has also brought out some positive changes along with it.

The loneliness that the pandemic has infected our lives with is something I do want to acknowledge. Regardless of how much time I have now to improve my weaknesses, I spend a significant fraction of that time feeling lonely as well. But I have learned to deal with that feeling. I used to be completely overwhelmed by the feeling of loneliness, I have now taught myself to manage my emotions in a better way so that I do not have a mental breakdown each time I feel lonely.

The pandemic has taken so much from our lives that it would be wrong not to despise it. However, we can use this trying time to focus on ourselves, learn how to let go of negative thoughts and emotions, and improve ourselves as individuals.