Lauren Greenslet
When dealing with COVID-19, we’ve all seen varying responses. We’ve seen memes, breaking news updates, etc. But they all have one thing in common: the negativity. The world is in a crisis and we all know that it makes it ten times more difficult to look on the bright side when such chaos is happening. So, to take your minds off of some of the negativity, here are some good things to ponder whilst in quarantine.
One of the most monumental positive impacts this virus is having is on the Earth. All over social media you can see, hear, and read about how the quarantining of countries is healing our planet. In Venice, Italians are finally seeing the canals where usual boat traffic took place finally filled with fish swimming happily. Other changes can be seen around the globe. A Tik Tok user (@heartbreakpaul) shared a video of how the Eiffel Tower is now visible from London because of how much the gray, dark, and nasty fog has lifted from the city. Christopher Jones, a developer of the CoolClimate Network commented for NBC News saying that “If we can think about how to prepare for climate change like a pandemic, maybe there will be a positive outcome to all of this...Carbon dioxide is tied to industrial activity, electricity production and transportation, so anything that affects those sectors will impact greenhouse gases, as well.” Since the outbreak had started in China, the country shut down everything immediately, including factories, which lead to an apparent “25 percent drop in China's carbon dioxide emissions over four weeks beginning in late January (NBC).” Not even just in China and London, but around the world carbon emissions are expected to drop drastically because of the shut down of huge corporations. The only problem? We have to be careful about bouncing back with these industries once the outbreak has ended. But this could be the push so political leaders and others in power will realize the effects their businesses have on the Earth and finally make the changes that have been needed to help save our planet.
One of the many perks of being in quarantine is learning to build community even if you aren’t physically with anyone. There are so many ways to get connected with people nowadays and social distancing is having everyone take advantage of it. Since quarantine has begun, people have been finding unique ways to still be in touch such as weekly themed zoom meeting parties, just regular texting, and even sending letters to each other. Families who live with each other are reconnecting on a one-to-one level by doing family nights. GMUHS has been doing a virtual spirit week for the past few days which has helped keep the school spirit high even if we’re miles apart. People in Italy, one of the countries most affected by the virus, have come up with ways to stay socially distanced but connected. They’ve had balcony concerts, window tennis, you name it. Not only are people finding ways to have community but communities that were already existing are coming together to support everyone. Whether it be VTel helping out with people who don’t have wifi, people grocery shopping for the health compromised, or people all the way in Turkey leaving out food packages for the homeless, there are big and small ways in which people are getting and staying connected, together.
One of the most common things you’ll see around the internet is people finding new hobbies and ways to get entertained. Along with that, there are also people getting inspired to get back into the things they once loved. Personally, I’ve been painting a lot again and it’s helped ease the stress of everything that’s happening around me. Some friends of mine, like someone you know, have taken up baking as a distracter. There’s a variety of ways to get involved whilst at home. Some of these can help you get passionate about what you forgot. If you’re into knitting but have just never had the time to do it and totally forgot why you like it, right now is the perfect time to remind yourself why you spent ten hours knitting a scarf for your sister that one time. It’s all in good fun and can help you have some self-reflection. All the activities you choose to do can help you spend some quality time with yourself, offering a space for you to get reconnected with who you really are.
Despite all the hecticness of the things happening around us, there’s ways to find a bright side no matter who you are, where you are, or what you’re doing. Just look out for some good news every once and a while and, trust me, it’ll benefit your own sanity.