Covid-19’s silver lining: We finally have time for the people and things that matter
Studies have highlighted the increasing mental health stresses brought about by Covid-19 and these effects are felt more keenly, especially by vulnerable groups.
During Singapore’s circuit breaker to slow the spread of the coronavirus, working from home presented its set of challenges for working mothers, single parents and millennials stuck at home.
Everyone is yearning for a break away from our city-state. While our plans may be derailed, we can embrace a more optimistic outlook to help us navigate the present situation.
Without a doubt, Covid-19 pretty much struck off almost all the things on my to-do list.
Like all Singaporeans deprived of space in this highly dense and urbanised island, I miss travelling.
My husband and I spent the year-end period over the past few years trekking in Kathmandu, doing coastal trails in Seoul and spending New Year’s Eve at San Francisco Bay.
This year, I find myself tending my little balcony garden, thinking of a friend whom I have not found time to meet since graduation.
I spent a break last month at a cafe trying new coffee blends and coming up with a grocery list for dinner at my mum’s place.
Covid-19 has its upsides.
We suddenly find time for the things and people we never prioritised.
We have more time to explore this little island, even though it takes just an hour by train to reach the other end.
We are also on the way to becoming professional “home chefs” after the circuit breaker. Just look at the sheer number of home-based bakers.
People living in this lion city have never been so enterprising, and this is an encouraging sight.
For big families, you will find joy gathering in small, comfortable groups. At least there is no repeat of the Chinese New Year holiday disaster, where one hides in the corner of the house to avoid family tensions. Thanks to Covid-19, we have a legitimate excuse to avoid all the drama.
Others will desperately find time for gatherings with friends. Most important, nobody gets left out of the conversation because we can meet only in small groups.
I am not diminishing the magnitude of the challenges facing everyone during this period, but neither do I believe that we are living in inherently gloomy times.
Against all the negativity, this pandemic has given us the motivation to finally start on things that we have put off for the longest time.
We should start adopting a more positive outlook by first appreciating ourselves a little, and giving some attention to this tiny island and the people around us.
ABOUT THE WRITER:
On weekdays, Ms Lee Hui Ying, 31, is an analyst with a Singapore-based think-tank. On weekends, she is a full-time plant parent.
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