Almost a few months ago, we were celebrating New Year’s Eve, with family, friends and colleagues. In the hindsight, I am confident, we never expected that things would peter out so quickly. In January, you could witness a bunch of college guys clubbing the whole night, or hear the sound of dice from a window in Columbia—rich-and-retired uncles playing backgammon. But for now, the whole world is struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. The governments are ordering lockdowns, health experts are telling us not to mingle even with near and dear ones, and the so-called social pundits are advising on how to work for a better future.
From the advent of this year, it became a notion, for all the ’99 and ’00 born, that the decade might be one of the most decisive phases of life—from higher education, exponential career hike, to that romantic honeymoon in the Alps. Now, between work from home to sitting idle with nothing but a paid streaming subscription and video games, life can seem gloomy and clandestine. The party’s over and communities seem to be more insular than ever before. The friend circle is limited to social media and restaurants outings have become deliveries, if so.
In the 21st century, when stories do not last beyond 24 hours, the sudden shift in the lifestyle might be relatable to the two polar mindsets of a youngsters. Right now, the item up for a bid is self-care.
Teens possess a strong inclination for going out with peers and partying till the night’s over. But, during a pandemic like this, the result can be quite fatal.
How can one handle the ‘Staying at Home’ schedule? It might mean a thousand things, but a young mind is ever-changing, and transition times like this can be bit tough on some. As a deduction, being young myself (if your definition of young includes a 20 year old), I have come across multiple stints helpful in avoiding boredom and stress.
Firstly, if someone puts their mind to it, they might discover that it is an excellent time for self-discovery. One can research on various topics ranging from rocket science to investment banking, and might start to relate to their interest.
One can even improvise the skills they’re struggling with or trying to develop. This can be for an upcoming job interview, a university paper or for their podcast! Not to mention, upskilling can do wonders later on for a person irrespective of the level they are at.
Lastly, one can learn new skills and gain knowledge. Life is not a checklist of achievements, rather its complicated and tough. To keep sailing, one has to keep rowing. Our brain functions better when we feed more information to it for processing.
I am confident that we all will steer through this crisis eventually. The one thing this pandemic has brought is unity. The time has come to be more empathic and patient. Welcome to the new world. Keep Thriving! Stay safe. Stay calm.