Initially I was taken aback when the lockdown was extended. Everybody was going through their times of feeling bored, thinking where and what we’re heading towards! 21 days into lockdown and with no sign of it being lifted, I thought let me attempt to find some positivity in this time of the COVID Pandemic.

Before the pandemic, once I get up, I’d rush into the shower, would leave home by 9.30 am and reach the office by 10 am. This was my morning routine. Two hours of rushing, commuting, busy streets and mindless newsfeed scrolling.

It’s well known that physical health and mental health go hand in hand. During lockdown I was free from my commute, traffic, rushing and hustling. I took time to wake up very early and practice meditation, self-affirmations, breathing techniques and write in a diary. I also wrote down my worries and stresses as they came into mind during the day. I found these practices helpful in shaping a more positive mindset.

I decided to keep myself occupied and disciplined; I converted a small space at home into an office, promising myself to do a little bit of work and skimming through the phone on breaks. As I was working from home, there was a time when I lost balance between work and my time on social media because there were no restrictions as in the office. So I decided to keep my phone out of the bedroom and self-imposed screen-free time, this helped me to balance the negativity with the benefits social media brings.

If anyone would have asked me before lockdown that if I could stay home without any travelling or outings in the town, I would have said just one word ‘Impossible’. The lockdown has proved me how resilient I can be and how I can adapt to almost any situation.

Another good thing was that I was making proper lunch for myself, and I was doing all the house admin bits I was always too busy to tick off. And I liked it.

 

By Ankita Shah

Senior Accountant

SEWA Federation.