Silver Linings In Time of a Pandemic
Silver Linings In Time of a Pandemic
With everything that is going on, COVID-19 has been consuming the minds of people. COVID-19 has or will cause many deaths, a long-lasting global economic slowdown, and rampant general stress and anxiety. However, people are trying to find the silver lining of the situation.
We are all finding new ways to connect with ourselves and our family. We are all realizing how important our community is. And we are all growing an appreciation for the people who are risking their lives to stop the spread of COVID-19. While there are many negatives that come out of the situation, here are some silver linings that everyone should appreciate.
With work always occupying people’s time and energy, it is hard to prioritize spending time with family. While under quarantine, this is the ideal chance for family members to catch up and spend time together. Bond over new activities and enjoy all the missed out opportunity that they had to be with one another. Grab a movie, eat some snacks, and enjoy each other’s company!
Bored and have nothing to do? Well, no problem! Now is the ideal time to find a new interest and hobby. Sit down and learn that instrument that you have been pushing to the side. Expand your culinary skills and learn to bake bread. Pick up that book that’s been sitting on your nightstand since last Fourth of July and finish it off! Start working out and eating healthy. It’s your time to prioritize you!
It always breaks the heart of our pets when we leave them to go out and work from 9-5 or going out with friends. But now, our dogs couldn’t be more than happy since everyone is stuck at home. Where better to put your attention than your lovable companion who wants to be with you day and night. Grab that lease, pick up that ball, and spoil your pal with lots of treats!
The fear of technology corrupting our minds is finally here, except it is bringing people more love and appreciation than fear. Nowadays, social media is the main way to be updated of what’s happening on the outside world. Family members and friends can be contacts through Facetime and Zoom, allowing them to have group conferences. Now, people can even “Netflix and Party” thanks to hints that millennials are discovering.
Thanks to social distancing, pollution is countries have been decreasing. Venice’s canals are clearer than they’ve been in decades, making the fish more visible than every before. There has been two months of pollution reduction in China, which has probably saved over 77,000 lives. Let’s not forget about New York, where researchers found a 50% drop in carbon monoxide levels.
Artists have taken the opportunity of giving free concerts to their fans over Instagram Live, either solo or duets with others, to makeup for cancelled concerts or just for fun! Andrea Bocelli ‘Music for Hope’ Easter concert was live-streamed from Duomo di Milano for the whole world to watch. The power of his voice sent an awe-inspiring message of hope and triumph during this grim situation we all face.
Many people are taking the chance to donate to those who are risking their lives on a daily basis to prevent the spread of COVID-19. From donating to hospitals, to hosting food drives, to even providing masks to healthcare workers. It’s important to show our support and applaud those who go out of their way to make sure people in the world are safe.
Many communities are coming together due to this epidemic. Understanding and exceptions are being made due to the amount of people being laid off of work. Many cannot afford to pay for their bills, rent, or even afford groceries. Certain companies have been going out of their reach to produce products that typically aren’t designated towards them. Like General Motors, a car manufacturer, produced ventilators for the sick. Companies offering extensions on payments. Even landlords are being flexible with rent and some are cancelling payments for the month of April.
Even though social distancing is important, it’s still nice to go outside and embrace the fresh air. Many parks are still open, so it’s nice to go out and do something different for a change than sit at home and watch TV. Too scared to go to a park? No worries! Take a walk around the neighborhood with your family, or walk in the woods that close by to you. Just make sure you’re six feet apart from people around you!
Often times, we take things for granted. Everything that we want in life is handed to us on a silver platter, but sometimes we never choose to appreciate the little things that are also given to us. During a time like this, it is important to be thankful that you are still alive, that you can spend another day with your family members, and that the sun continues to shine onto the next day. While social distancing maybe not the ideal situation, it’s a great opportunity to appreciate all the little things that life has to offer. Let’s not forget, we are all in this together.
