Depressed. Bored. Soulless. Dismal. These are few of the many feelings that a countless number of people worldwide have been experiencing, or at least I’ve been. Though, it’s definitely understandable as, if you haven’t heard already, there’s a serious pandemic, COVID-19 going around in the world right now and it’s punishing, as a model citizen, to stay indoors and away from other people! As a matter of fact you may meet outsiders, wearing a mask and maintaining a two feet distance. These cautionary procedures are important to follow to protect yourself and others; specifically the elderly and infants. You sometimes might not even know if you have this disease or not because you may have an immunity to it, but that doesn't mean you won’t pass it on to others. I, for sure wouldn’t want to be responsible for the virus to pass on to someone else. Although, it’s important to follow these conditions, it can also take a huge toll on mental health and to one’s joyful state of mind. As Staying in quarantine is a great responsibility to uphold, but many see it as a punishment that is irrefutably agonizing; which is partially true.

Like many other people, I’m told by my parents and by health counselors to stay inside and to not go out if it’s unnecessary; for we all know that it’s not fun to get the virus and potentially die! COVID-19 has turned the world upside down, putting too many citizens, facilities and organizations in unusual circumstances. Talking from my point of view and probably many other students, it was astounding to find out that we’d have to continue our schooling through online resources. It’s especially tough for students who don’t have access to technology. Even though we’d call or text from time to time, the topic remains about how dull and tedious our days were passing by. Most of our days consisted of online work, which from what I’ve heard, many students have given up on. It’s safe to say that teachers are suffering no less. Considering they’d have to cram many lessons within a week, and without having interactions with their students. This pandemic has not only affected the lives of students and teachers, but also everyday citizens who need to maintain their jobs to sustain a living. Small businesses and shops have closed down which meant employers having to let go of employees for a time being. It’s also unfortunate that joyous events, activities and extracurriculars have had to be hindered. Many concerts, sporting events and fun facilities (swimming pools, amusement parks) that bring happiness to many people, had to be delayed. I was especially sad to hear that K-Days from 1879 was cancelled this year. Without these excitements, lives have become really uneventful. There’s no doubt that many people couldn’t experience the usual fun times they normally would, and instead live in fear and anxiety that their family or themselves might catch the virus. To put salt in the wound, the unfortunate homicide of George Floyd - when a police officer (Derek Chauvin) compressed his neck leaving him breathless - sparked a plethora of protests and riots establishing “Black Lives Matter” and police brutality. After these protests blew up throughout North America, COVID-19 cases have risen as well. The year 2020 has definitely been strange and minacious to us, humans.

Whilst people have experienced stressful situations at this time, it’s fair to say that there are solutions to overcome mental health and anxiety as well. I count on the solutions that instead of analyzing the bitter outcomes that were resulted from the pandemic, start thinking rationally about what you have. The best way to overcome mental health is to surround yourself with your loved ones. Surround yourself with people who make you happy. Although, make sure to social distance yourselves! Another solution is to think outside the box by learning new things and discovering new hobbies no matter how random they are. Like I started to learn how to juggle, how to cook and to play a little bit of piano. Exercising is also proven to fulfill happiness. Creating a daily schedule for yourself will keep you organized, preoccupied and feel purposeful. This time can also be used to be innovative and creative. Now you have all the time in the world to do stuff for yourself!

The pandemic has also led to some benefits that we should appreciate. Such as our environment improving, exponentially. This time has also brought families and other relationships closer together. Because of this strange time, it’s given people the chance to reminisce and confide in the loved ones that will always be at their side. It’s a blissful thought, isn’t it? Not only have you been giving more time for loved ones, but also yourself. I personally have learned more about myself, as well as understanding the importance of taking care of myself. It’s nice to be in a safe haven, away from the hustle and bustle. It’s true that we start to miss things when they are gone. Thus, once this dilemma is over, many people will grow fonder to what was once their normal lives. I know I’ll start to adore school, my missed friends, shopping malls and all other stuff missed in this quarantine even more than I already did. Hopefully we’ll all take a look at the world a little closer. The world that we may sometimes take for granted without noticing so. Let’s aspire to make every moment count by spreading love and kindness. As well as taking better care of the environment!