Yet again, here I am writing on COVID-19. I am currently using my platform to ensure that factual and relevant information is shared to my readers, at all times. Hence, this week I am here to discuss something that has been on the back of my mind ever since the first case of COVID-19 was detected in Guyana. How will we ‘pass the time’? What creative activities we do at home? How can we live and stay sane in the same physical space, day after day? This is something I have struggled with and that I am still struggling with. My home was once my haven but as the time increases, it’s slowly feeling like a cell.

My parents and I have an amazing relationship, we spend time together and we enjoy the time spent with each other. However, at the same time, my everyday life and routine were snatched from me from this virus without my consent. It is for the best (for everyone and ourselves) that we stay home but at the end of the day, I can’t help but think that: “I am only human”.

The United Nations suggested that worldwide 1.5 billion children and young persons are home due to COVID-19 lockdowns in 124 countries. I came across a quote on social media that said, “This is a pandemic, not a productivity competition.” Social distancing and staying at home should not be a competition for anything. Yes, you can practice your skills or you can study for school and strive to do better when social distancing is over.

Nonetheless, we can find so many constructive and creative activities to do. We can start by creating a new schedule and routine to adapt to. Change can be difficult but we ought to in order to adapt and survive. One can also use this time to do things they have always wanted to do. Personally, I have been using this time to work on my poetry skills (something I was always too busy to do before). You can also use this time to change old and bad habits and try to substitute that behaviour with a new and improved one.

Another great idea I discovered is the documentation of one’s day-to-day activities during this virus outbreak. Persons are writing journals or making videos on the day’s activities done, their thoughts and their feelings. Many are doing this to serve as a reminder to themselves and the future generation about this era. Some other activities one can do includes: blogging, social media challenges, cooking a new recipe every day, starting a new social/creative project, challenge yourself to develop a new skill and even recreating your home spaces. The most important activity during this time is to take care of yourself and your family (physically and mentally). Your mental health is just as important as your physical one and these activities will help you to cope with those underlying thoughts. Family and friends suffering from anxiety, claustrophobia, depression and other mental illnesses will need our help the most. I urge the Ministry of Social Protection and Public Health to establish a 24 HRS mental health hotline for Guyanese to call if they need help in that manner.

We ought to keep our minds alive and healthy. The best way I can put is: we have to try not to “lose it!” We need to upkeep a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle. There is no doubt that this virus will inevitably change our normal lives, even after it’s all over. Life as we know it will never be the same. But, how we choose to respond to that change and how we choose to live during this difficult time is dependent on us. Remember, it is not a productivity competition. Life, as it is right now, is very difficult, no need to pressure yourself even more. Just be yourself and engage in healthy activities that will benefit your body and mind. Lastly, I urge all of you to follow to safety precautions outlined by the Ministry of Health and The World Health Organization. “There is no time to be bored in such a beautiful world”, indeed. There are so many things to do and explore with time and of course the internet by your side. What will be your next planned healthy activity? Have you decided on what to do next?