Prevention is more affordable than searching for a cure. Thankfully, Lagos State is succumbing to the required preventive measures against the pandemic virus; COVID-19 which has topped social media trends, crashed global earnings, caused increase in personal hygiene awareness, shut down crowded centers, put businesses on stand-still and led to social distancing and human isolation.
For introverts, the next 30 days may seem like any other day but extroverts and ambiverts would definitely find it difficult adapting within the next 3-5 days. Socialization is a necessity among mankind. To be forced to isolate oneself may cause one to go insane and cause irritation once such a person comes in contact with anyone.
Thankfully technology has paved ways to survive the 30-days lock down period. Even without it, there are still various ways to survive the isolation and resume human civilization sane.
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CATCH UP ON OLD HOBBIES
Remember those (good) hobbies you loved as child but had to drop them once you became an adult? Well, this is the best time to go back. Revisit your childhood and reembrace the things that used to give you joy as a child. Honestly, being an adult is usually equated with seriousness causing us to take little things for granted. So, go back to drawing, writing, dancing in front of the mirror, playing silly games, etc, this isolation.
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STRENGTHEN IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION
Reach out to friends and family members you have not been in contact with in ages. Take your time to catch up and reminisce on the good old times. Now more than ever, this is the time to build and reinforce relationships spending quality time with the most important people in your life such as your children, spouse, extended family members and so on. Engage in long detailed chats, video calls, conference calls, engage in activities together (be it physically or online) such as cooking, exercising, long talks, house chores, etc.
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ENJOY HOBBIES WITH FRIENDS, ONLINE
This is definitely enjoyable. As mentioned earlier, ‘technologies got you!’ Watch Netflix, play online games, create social media groups for intellectual or humorous purposes with friends and close associates. This is so you and them can enjoy a peaceful and interesting isolation
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DEVELOP YOURSELF
Make it your personal goal to come out of this isolation a better, smarter, more intelligent, mature and enlightened person. No time to exercise? Isolation’s got you. Read books that will develop you mentally and improve your emotional intelligence not books that cause you to reminisce on past regrets. Watch comedy series that will make you laugh till you cry, good recommendations are Friends, Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Jenifa’s Diary and Living Single – yes, the oldies still have it. Search and look out for funny captions and memes. If you are prone to anxiety and/or depression mute any information which can trigger. Forgive easily, let go of grudges, laugh liberally and watch yourself heal. Do things that make you happy and joyous.
Channel your inner creative. Watch tutorials of things you’ve always wanted to learn and practice them. Upload great content on social media platforms. Take online courses, platforms such as Udemy is giving out free online courses; do yourself well and check them out. Create a schedule of your daily activities, that way you’d always have something doing and never get bored. Realign your spiritual values spending time studying, meditating and practicing the Creator’s Word.
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STAY HEALTHY IN ISOLATION
This is not the time to transform into The Nutty Professor or stuff your face till your body gives up on you. This is the time make your immune system tenacious. You are what you eat; a gentle and concrete reminder that food can definitely affect your moods and mental health. Yes, it does. Eat fruits regularly or blend them into smoothies, stay hydrated by drinking clean water (experts recommend 8 glasses of water daily), eat vegetables and food high in fiber; do it for your wellbeing not your personal desire or likeness.
Do exercises in isolation, no matter how small. Clean your house till it is spotless – there’s too much time for that. Take naps but avoid excess sleep else you’d feel cranky and dull. Please, do not marry your couch or sofa.
For our spouses living together, do yourselves well and engage in family planning, unless you don’t mind extra little ‘younglings’ pouting cutely in nine months’ time.
An idle hand is the devil’s workshop. Dear youths, do not reconnect toxic relationships or engage in reckless escapades or endeavors. In other words, don’t start whatever you cannot finish and/or can’t handle the consequences.
Make hand washing a lifestyle.Till we come out of this healthy and whole. Stay safe at home.