NAVIGATING COVID ALTERNATIVES BY HANIA IQBAL
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mid the uncertainty of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), it can be easy to disregard the internal stress we are experiencing. Whether it is online schooling, working from home, or restrictions on outdoor events, social interactions have been severely hampered. In the 21st century, COVID-19 has officially transitioned humans, both physically and psychologically, to exercise long-term isolation. Madame Noire Magazine points out that the repercussions of COVID-19 have been felt so strongly that children in particular are “tensed and have to go on a masked adventure” for the sake of adjusting to the new normal. The pandemic’s rejection of socialization, especially open-air, has confined our minds and bodies within the parameters of the home. The confinement has been a suppression of movement in both the physical and psychological context. Whilst Madame Noire Magazine explores the effect of the pandemic on children, its lessons apply across the spectrum. People of all ages are seeking some sort of movement on this bitter-sweet canvas of life.
It is a will to move, both physically and mentally. To feel alive. It was not until we were hit by the pandemic that we began recognizing and appreciating the blessing of physical movement in space. With homes doubling as places of work, the historical demarcation between the home as a place of recreation and the troubles of the outside world no longer persists. This has not been aided by gyms, cafes, and other non-essential settings closed, it has further added to the chaotic atmosphere. Despite all this, the physically empty locations have been taken over by digital media platforms. Streaming services and “virtual” activism have experienced new life in light of COVID-19. Digital creators, including YouTubers, pop-culture icons, TikTok stars, and even film celebrities, have acknowledged the given power of “quarantine time.” Quarantining individuals, as a result, are exhibiting their talents in whichever whichever way they see fit. However, despite digital media servers teeming with activity and interactions between performers and viewers, there has been a failure to address real mental health concerns.
10 | THE MUSLIM VOICE | NOVEMBER 2020
My initial reaction to spending time indoors for months was no other than exhaustion. With mass amount of time spent at home, I did not know where and how to utilize it in a way where it could be rather beneficial for my mental well-being. It was not until I reflected back on the things I always looked forward to doing that the opportunity of the pandemic really became clear. For example, prepandemic, I had always had a desire to read more. If I did not take a moment to acknowledge the things I always put off “until I have time,” I would not have been able to spend my time actually doing these things now that I am swamped with too much time! With this realization I learned that instead of circling around things we can do after the pandemic, we can realistically focus on doing the things we always envisioned to do, prior to the pandemic. In doing so we can invest our energy into things we thought we would never get to accomplish. As some readers will relate, I began relying on social media as my resource for joy. It was not until I constantly heard news updates on thousands of lives lost in the duration of the virus that I became mindful of my blessings. I became mindful of my blessings.
