My Situation Amidst Covid-19 Lockdown

It was a normal day in Mumbai. There was no single sign of a cloud in the sky. It felt like the bright blue sky was almost ready to welcome the new season. It was a few days past mid-March, and summer had become to bloom in Mumbai. It was a regular weekday however, people were scared to step out of their homes due to a new virus outbreak which had brought the entire globe at a standstill.

Many countries were already under strict lockdown, and India was all set to legalize it. However, fear of coronavirus had locked many people inside their houses. My work had been paused for a while so I had nothing productive to do at home. My mind was empty and had nothing new to think or do. My initial plan was to sleep all day, but I ended up feeling guilty.

After being home for a fortnight, I was tired of boredom, and nothing amused me anymore. Even a little noise outside my window brought me closer. My society is covered with trees so the window did not provide a clear view of outside. I craved the fresh breeze, therefore, I decided to go for a short stroll in the evening. Maybe walking in the garden would wash away the feeling of sluggishness and give me contentment. While listening to Keane’s Somewhere only we know,” I walked near the garden at a slow pace.

The same night, our PM Narendra Modi was going to address the country about the dangerous outbreak. It was 8 pm, and my family’s eyes were hooked on the TV screen. The entire nation was watching the speech. The COVID-19, Coronavirus pandemic, as people had started calling it recently, was spreading uncontrollably in every part of the world. Modi declared that the nation would be under lockdown for the next 21 days. Offices, schools, and colleges were closed, and even the exams were postponed. Moreover, nobody is allowed to leave their houses.

Only some essential goods like milk and vegetables would be available for the people. After hearing the news, a wave of panic flew over the internet. I quickly grabbed my phone and texted my friends. “I am bored already. I’ll go crazy in twenty-one days!” Said one of my friends. “My trip has been canceled. I hate coronavirus!” Said another one. I received similar shocking responses from my friends. I spent my next few days playing online games and watching TV. I was using social media sites for a distraction from this global pandemic.

As the weeks went by, I realized I was losing my patience, and I decided to keep myself busy with daily chores. This pandemic had altered our lives, so there’s no harm in changing a few things in my daily routine as well. It was the right time to do things that I couldn’t while I was working. I added a few things that I would do on a daily and weekly basis. The first few days were difficult, but I tried not to skip any of my routines. But I had made up my mind to change. This lockdown can stop me from stepping out, but it won’t hold me back from doing things that I love. So here is a glimpse of how I am spending my quarantine days at home.

1. Usual morning chores

I wake up around 9 am, shower, and make breakfast for myself. I mostly prefer Aloo paratha or chapati egg roll along with coffee or spiced tea. I love cooking because it gives me immense pleasure. Besides, this quarantine, I’ve tried cooking various tasty recipes with my elder sister.

2. Meditation for mental health

Next, I practice meditation while listening to soothing music. And I must say it’s not as easy as we think. Our brain is one of the hardest things to discipline. If you are a beginner like me, then it’s completely normal to feel impatient. And once you learn how to control it, then you can take it in a more virtuous direction. I sit down in a cross-legged fashion and put on some meditation music. Relaxing music with natural sounds of waterfall or birds chirping works best for me. Besides, starting my day with meditation brings inner peace, and de-clutters my mind. All I have to do is concentrate on breathing in and breathing out.

3. Reading to keep my mind in a good state

I mostly spent 1 or 2 hours in reading. These days I’m reading one of my favorite books “Kafka on the Shore” by Haruki Murakami. I am in love with this Japanese novel, and I must say this is one of his finest works yet. For me, this fantasy book is a gateway from reality, and it has somehow changed the way I look at things. Have you ever seen talking cats or raining fishes? Well, this book has it all. Filled with mystery, and unbelievable things, this novel will leave you wanting for more. The plot runs between the parallels of different people. Furthermore, I also listen to free audiobooks available on YouTube. Apart from that, I read articles, blogs online to keep myself updated.

4. Cooking tasty meals

Every once or twice a week, I try new dishes. In this lockdown, one thing I’ve noticed that there has been a short supply of food in this country. Food is limited, so I try to create new recipes with what we have at home.

5. Netflix time!

After spending quality time with my family after dinner, at night, I pick any sci-fi, fantasy, or action films or series on Netflix. Currently, I’m watching Locke and Key, The King: Eternal Monarch, Never Have I Ever, and Kingdom.

6. Skin and Hair Care

Sadly, all the beauty services are shut, but adapting new skin and hair care routine is very easy. I follow a simple skincare routine, which includes scrubbing, moisturizing, face packs, and do-it-yourself spas. I apply Multani Mitti or Chandan once or twice a week. Also, I apply warm coconut oil my hair once in a week to nourish my scalp. Moreover, I normally drink 3 to 4 liters of water in a day. It improves blood circulation, flushes out toxins, and keeps my skin hydrated.

I am adjusting to these new changes as positive as possible. And that’s what we can do right now. Recently, two ladies were tested positive for the coronavirus in my society, and both were from the medical field. Receiving this news didn’t make me happy. The officials have sealed the main gates, and nobody is allowed to use elevators or leave the society. So this is how my life is going to be for the next few weeks. Plus, this lockdown has taught me so many lessons. For now, nobody knows what is going to happen next, and after this chaos ends.

I am waiting for the day when we no longer have to worry about face masks and social distancing. I am sending my love and prayers to those who have suffered, and are still suffering, from the terrible effects of this virus. Be safe and take care of elderly parents at home. This too shall pass. Right now, all we can do is take a deep breath and hope for a new beautiful start.

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