Why it is vital to be kind to others and ourselves in Covid-19 pandemic
The writer says that kindness — both to others and ourselves — is key if Singapore society is to emerge from the Covid-19 crisis stronger and more cohesive.
Even as we struggle to come to terms with how much Covid-19 has and will change the world as we know it, there is a silver lining.
This pandemic serves as an excellent soft reset for all our lives, allowing us to stop, take stock of everything around us, and adapt where necessary. But more important, if we are to survive and come out of this outbreak stronger and more cohesive as a society, we need kindness.
The Government is doing its best, but we, as a society, regardless of political affiliation, need to step up and do more for the people and communities around us.
We need to protect the very fabric of our carefully nurtured society from being torn further than the pandemic already has. The economy will heal, money can be earned again, but if we let Covid-19 divide us as a society, such scars may never go away.
There is a popular myth that humans are inherently self-serving and uncaring.
But even during these trying times, we are hearing of organisations and people who are showing us that kindness exists.
There is the GrabCare service for healthcare workers. Then there are people sewing face-mask straps for colleagues who wear the tudung and find it hard to use regular masks, as well as others offering free online tuition to students who need it. These are some of the many examples seen in the news of people adapting and being kind during this challenging period.
As a proponent of informal volunteerism, I believe in the ability of individuals to bring kindness to people and the communities around them, so I say to you now: Be kind.
For students, if you know of peers who may be struggling with their studies, support them by encouraging or directing them to avenues where they can seek help.Â
For adults, if you know of people around you who may have lost their jobs, see what you can do to support them during these trying times. If you know of elderly neighbours who need help with their groceries, lend them a hand. These are a few examples of how we can be kind, but there are many other ways to do so.
If you need more reasons to be kind, studies have found that doing good deeds has a positive effect on your mental and physical well-being. Kind acts allow us to be happier, reduce stress, create a sense of belonging and reduce isolation, and gain a more holistic perspective on life, to name a few outcomes.
But more important than being kind to others during these challenging times, it is essential that we practise self-compassion.
Understand that it is okay to feel down or perhaps not feel as motivated as usual. Do things that make you happy or lift your spirits. We are facing major disruptions to our lives, but kindness to others and ourselves will see us through.
ABOUT THE WRITER:
Jonathan Kuek Han Loong is a doctoral candidate and mental health researcher at the University of Sydney who specialises in recovery approaches to the management and understanding of mental health conditions. His research is based in Singapore. The views expressed are his own.Â
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