Lessons we have learnt during the Covid-19 turbulent times

It has not been easy adjusting to these turbulent times. However, amidst every storm, there is always something that we learn in the process. Right from the onset, we really had no idea how long the pandemic would last. The optimistic thought that this would fizzle out quickly while the pessimists dug in their heels for the long haul.  Living in turbulent times calls for a tough skin and reinventing, discovering and stretching our limits to be the best version of ourselves - despite the many difficulties that we are up against. All in all, these turbulent times have opened our eyes, made us explore our strengths and face our fears especially in times of uncertainty. Hence this common phrase that most of you have probably heard or said – ‘Covid-19 has taught us...’ We could probably write a book about general lessons that we have learnt so far with regards to living in turbulent times. Hmmmh… what would the title be? I’ll leave you to marinate on that, but for now, let us delve into some of the magnified highlights of the COVID-19 pandemic

Your mental health matters

Change is not always easy, especially when it’s sudden and affects the entire world. Right from the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, most of us got into distress owing to reasons such as fear of the unknown, isolation, unemployment, lifestyle changes and so forth. Previously, this was an unspoken topic that we hardly thought would be discussed openly especially in cultural settings. Our new normal world has indeed helped break the myths and stereotypes pegged on mental health.

That said, here are some things you can do to stay mentally healthy:

• Learn to speak up. If you are feeling somewhat stressed, depressed or overwhelmed, it is okay to talk to a friend or a professional about your feelings.
• Exercise – it improves your self-esteem, reduces anxiety, stress or depression.
• Learn to take breaks – whenever you feel overwhelmed or that something is weighing you down, take breaks from negative impacts to heal and build your emotional state of health.
• Learn to count your victories and blessing – It’s great to pat yourself on the back by celebrating your achievements and victories so far. This promotes an attitude for gratitude.
• Create time for family. Family plays an integral part in building us up and the first social fabric. We need companionship to thrive in life.

You are stronger than you know

When life throws you lemons and curve balls, what do you do then? Some of us made lemonade and hit the ground running respectively. It is through the toughest of times that we emerge stronger, better and determined to push through. The courage to push on has seen us through difficult times - we have experienced the loss of loved ones, financial constraints, felt helpless and confused owing to uncertainty, witnessed businesses collapse and many other events that have caused turmoil. There is one thing you should know, you are strong! Why? Despite all that is happening around you, you have overcome the present huddles and you are here. Cheers for pulling through this difficult time. Do not give up, you have already come this far.

Technology plays an integral part in communities at large

We saw a variety of app inventions that took the perspective model of global and local communities to a whole new level. We saw the explosion of video content both in the personal and business aspect. Businesses turned to digital platforms to make sales, build revenue, educate, entertain and engage with their audience. The digital age was pushed to evolve much faster than expected. Where people couldn’t walk into stores, or touch/access a product or service, smart technology such as virtual walkthroughs or testing, internet banking, etc. came into play.  In our personal lives virtual meetings became the order of the day, whether planning a wedding, a funeral or meeting our chamas and other social interactions. It didn’t end there, with physical distancing ruled in place, our way of doing the things we have taken for granted changed completely from how many can attend an occasion, how we acknowledge each other, to how we mask up………...chinless and smiles camouflaged!

Man is not an island and we cannot downplay the importance of human contact in our lives. Right from the beginning of this Covid-19 pandemic to date, there is still a level of isolation, travel restrictions, curfews and numerous restrictions that e prevent us from having previously normal interactions or simply travelling across the globe to visit our relatives. This said, it is just amazing and refreshing how technology has made it easy to connect globally. It is evident that technology is now important in accessing and bringing communities together, enabling collaborations, and learning from each another. All these emerging technologies to date are centered around one common thing – connecting communities in one way or the other.

We bet there are many lessons that we have learnt including the doomsday scenarios and the misinformation brigades peddling what they believe to be their own versions of the truth and muddying up the waters in the process. Or that in the midst of a global pandemic there are those who are out to make a handsome profit for themselves through their ingenuity and ability to change their business models based on the new reality………or conversely those that enriched themselves unjustly by exploiting the system.  Such is life. We live and learn every day. We do hope that you will make the best out of what you currently have.

No matter what, We Are On Your Side!