Navigating COVID Alternatives

BY HANIA IQBAL

Amid 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.

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.

This time teaches the purity of gratitude and that we must come to terms with the new normal.

Movement may be absent but we can begin to train our brain how to function in a healthy manner. Part of this involves engaging in authentic human relations. This can be in the forms of engaging in virtual community buildings, virtual game servers, or even emphasizing “collaboration,” where ideas and conversions are exchanged.

In my theatre course, we hold bi-weekly “virtual cocktail parties” as a way for everyone to minimize the tension they carry. Members of the course turn on their cameras and microphones and we all indulge our drinks. On that day, everyone avoids the discussions of news, issues, and even course material that takes away the “vibe” of the party. Simple yet planned online events, either with colleges, classmates, or family overseas can help reduce the risk of feeling overwhelmed by the chaos. The pandemic allows us to prioritize our liveliness in whichever shape it may arrive in. For me, “virtual cocktail parties” and safe online jewelry shopping splurges act as therapeutic features, filling the “empty” physical space component I was missing.

While engaging vastly on social media during the pandemic, it is important to realize that it is a tool towards many ends. Like all tools, we must learn to operate the jungle of social media. Mixed results have shown individuals either embodying connectivity with friends and families or drowning in unhealthy addictive relationships with social media. There is a range of literature on the effects of frequent social media, things like overthinking, passing judgement, and negative feelings towards oneself are common. As a result, it can be challenging to navigate and filter the type of information and communities we interact with.

In light of COVID-19, it is highly suggested that we begin paying close attention to the news alerts circulating on a variety of platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. I recently partnered up with the Onions Don’t Cure Covid organization as an ambassador and worked on a project highlighting the phenomenon of mass misinformation which social media has played a role in. Not only must we evaluate the ethical stakes of information and its authenticity by asking when and how it might have been published, we must also practise releasing stress that the whirlpool of digital media imposes on viewers.

This article has highlighted the tools available to us as we shift almost exclusively to the digital world. The tools available to us can be used for both good, such as community building, or be harmful, for when we let social media dominate our lives. The most appropriate recipe to cope with the ongoing stresses of the pandemic involves establishing a balance between work and play.

Begin rewarding yourself with the smallest accomplishments. Take a break, even if it is not the time, but you know it will help otherwise. But most importantly, value the people and resources available to you.

References

Denise, J. (2020, October 06). COVID-19 Has Made Traveling With Small Children Even More Stressful, Here’s How To Help Your Tot Navigate Our New Normal. Retrieved October 13, 2020, from https://madamenoire.com/1191576/covid-19-toddlertravel/