As we all are aware of the on-going corona virus pandemic breakout, due to the constant reminders on social media, regular updates on the numerous news stations, celebrities confirmations and advices, and doctors, nurses, politicians etc pleading for us all to remain indoors; can be stressful, scary and depressing news to take in all at once.
So, instead of burdening you further with more news of the misfortune we all are living in, I intend to sprinkle some pixie dust on the situation. With that being said, I believe it is important to keep a positive spin on things and to keep our minds occupied/distracted with activities that can build you as a better version of yourself.
Likewise, I can imagine being in quarantine (locked in your household) can feel a bit claustrophobic (in terms with a sense of restrictions) and the experience of boredom to death. However, I have experienced this self-isolating lockdown before in my home country of Jamaica, which has helped me to stay calm, patient and self-entertained. From my understanding, talking to my fellow college mates, teachers and through thorough research, this is the first lockdown incident since the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Synd5rome (SARS). Following the previous 1981 HIV/AIDS breakout, the 1957 Asian Flu and 1918 Spanish Influenza. Few years ago, in Jamaica I have experience quarantine due to the epidemic breakout of Zika Virus, Chikungunya (CHIKV), Dengue Fever and Yellow Fever.
I state these facts in order to give advice unto the British citizens, who have never experienced quarantine before. Throughout these previous experiences of quarantining for a lengthy time period, I have learnt to appreciate my friends, family and most importantly life to a larger extent than before. By definition ‘self-isolation’ is the act of isolating yourself from other around you – but the wider picture that most people fail to realise, is that it is a method of reflecting, re-evaluating and rebuilding yourself. During my time in quarantine in Jamaica, I began to look within myself, individually not collectively in society. The common questions I would ask myself were “Am I a good daughter, sister, cousin, friend?”, “What have I done to contribute happiness and comfort to other in need?” and “Who am I as a person?”.
Another ground to cover during quarantine, is to rebuild yourself. There are thousand of ways in which this can be done; whether it be to learn a new language, read an interesting book, start an online campaign, have conversations with your parents or child/children (reconnect), help a family member with a struggling problem they might be secretly undertaking, support a family members interests/hobbies, create a new routine etc. - During this time, the skill set of awareness of your surrounding must be sharpened, whether the case maybe, the level on cleanliness in your household or the sense of intoxication in your household.
For me, I have created a new skin-care routine, as well as learning a new language to occupy my extra leisure time. Apart from that I also keep in contact with my friends and family back in Jamaica, through Facetime call or WhatsApp video call. It is important to stay updated and close with loved ones, especially during these hard times. I like to believe that all things happen for a reason, for example times like this happen to remind us to always appreciate life and others around us. As human beings, we can get preoccupied with our day to day work schedule, and unknowingly forget to love and admire those precious moments and people within our lives – leading to unknowing ungratefulness, for it has become a norm to see and hear that everything has remained the same.
I hope I have somewhat inspired, advised and/or aided you with ideas of what to do during this quarantine period. Moreover, that I gave you some sort of comfort knowing that you are not alone. Remember to stay inside, wash your hands and that we are all in this together!
