The Covid-19 pandemic has taken all by surprise that the number of infected cases surpassed the 3-millionth mark (as of 27 April 2020).
Singapore started COVID-19 “circuit breaker” (cb) aka quarantine / lockdown on 4 April and announced on 21 April that the cb will be extended to another four weeks until 1 June.
Meanwhile, the following are some of the things that my family and I am doing that are helping us to cope physically and mentally during this period:
1. See that book / books that is / are collecting dust? Read the book(s) that you have not been able to do so.
2. Time to Marie Kondo, declutter and keep what brings you joy. Yes, I am still keeping clothings that are more than 10 years ago because they bring me joy.
3. Learn a new skill and / or language. Annyeonghaseyo, Yeoboseyo, ppalli ppalli (my new favorite word).
4. Gyms are cancelled, fitness is not. For those fitness fanatics, there are many workouts on YouTube, from yoga, pilates to high intensity interval training (HIIT). You can have your fitness fix at the comfort of your home.
My kids and I love playing tennis and got ourselves a tennis trainer training tool to have our tennis fix. I must say, this is one of the best purchases during this period.
5. Waking up and going to bed at the usual time and keeping a routine as much as possible. I discovered that keeping to the usual routine during this period, is especially good to help maintain good mental health.
Even though I am an essential worker, I only go to work when there is / are emergencies to attend to, which means I have excuse to start my day much later. However, maintaining a usual routine (before the CB started) as much as possible will boost greatly in the mental health. Try it and let me know if it works for you!
6. Cut yourself some slack, be kind to yourself and don’t stress out yourself when things are not going as planned and / or did not meet your expectations. Maybe this is the only time that one can take things slow and easy.
7. Keep upgrading oneself. Being a dental specialist, it is essential to constantly update our skills and knowledge through Continuing Professional Education scheme (CPE). Since CPE activities have been moved to an online platform due to the cb measures imposed by the government, upgrading of oneself need not stop.
There are many self-improvement skills programs, courses and even degrees available online that one can choose to take during this time. As one of the famous quotes from Albert Einstein, “Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”
From the look of current situation, things and life may not return to normalcy so soon, I hope everyone practise a little kindness, gratitude and humility. Continue with good hand hygiene, social distancing, social responsibilities, stay hydrated and have sufficient rest especially during this period. Everyone plays a part and God bless everyone!
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