For those of you who must be wondering what the “new normal” is, it’s the coronavirus that has shaken the firmament of the world in few months! Isn’t that the new normal? Well, it is, and it is far more deadlier than normal. I’m not going by the official number of COVID deaths but by the rapid, incessant spread of the virus. In fact, to be a little bit humorous, the rate at which COVID is spreading is a dream for any start-up.
Amidst precautions taken by various governments in retaliation to the spread of COVID, educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities have been closed in view of the vast gathering that occurs. To be frank, this is indeed a good step, rather a very positive step by the governments and must be appreciated.
The question that arises? How to survive in the New Normal? It’s not only the student community to which this question is addressed, rather to all people, be it a common person or a celebrity. Even Messi and Ronaldo have found themselves self-quarantined.
I live in a country where education is valued above everything else. But coronavirus has brought some really unpredictable news! For myself, our boards had commenced in February and were scheduled to be continued till the end of March. But then a health emergency was declared few days back and exams got suspended, while only a few of them were left. But does this really help?
Well, before I would even delve into answering the self-questioned question, I would extend my apologies for anyone not holding an affirmation to my view! That’s an entirely different entity.
If you would ask me, I’m happy with this decision. Not because I hate studies and exams, but because this is an emergency and assisting the government at all costs is a citizen’s duty. In places in the United States and Italy, schools have been called off indefinitely. That is not exactly the case here. Our exams have been postponed until 31st of March and would be rescheduled after that.
But, do the health authorities really expect a betterment of situation is some 12 days? I don’t really think so. Being at house all alone, stuck up with books, is really a boring part indeed. But then there are tips how you can make it as interesting and ecstatic as paradise too!
Students for whom I’m writing are expected to go into their own worlds for these days. Feel free to dream and desire! Always be aware of your health and be sure that nothing really goes wrong. Moreover, spend your time in a thousand different ways out there. I would note down some few below, but not before I explain my standpoint.
Well, schools and colleges have students from various parts of a nation. COVID does not necessarily show symptoms on the very first day one is affected, but takes around a week or two to show them. That’s why it’s dangerous. And the transmission rate? Well, very, very fast! This makes it deadly. Assemblies and classes and lectures do have a gathering in the great halls. And that is the exact reason why I support the closure,
Still pondering? Well, it’s because the COVID is far more dangerous when an affected patient is attending a gathering. This causes the third stage of transmission called community transmission, which has left the Italian situation out of bounds.
Now, going by my title, what are you expected to do in the lockdown? I would suggest you to try these:
- Read, Read and Read: Read what you love. This is the best time you could positively utilise for yourself.
- Sing your heart out: Paint and scribble on all those walls!
- Play something that could possibly better your mind: I would suggest you to try your hand at chess.
- Are you a tech savvy? Well, if not, there’s not a big deal! Try taking free online certificate courses from Coursera.com, BYJU’S and others who are offering at this moment. Utilise the time. Rock the world!
- Download Duolingo and Memrise and practice learning new languages,
- Love visiting places? Make a list of all the places which you’d possibly visit after the normal conditions are restored.
- Meditate: Try lying down with your eyes closed, palms up and while focusing on your breath. Or just spend some minutes sitting crosslegged and repeat “Aum” to yourself in your head. It’s surely gonna soothe you.
- Write something: Story, poem, composition, anything that comes to your mind. Be creative!
- Avoid any ludicrous information and verify any news on social media before sharing.
- Finally, when everything is done, have a good diet. Try to avoid junk foods, caffeine, and Coca Colas. Try something veggie if possible! And when, you’re done eating, pray and go to a sound sleep!
If you’re not good at anyone of these skills, don’t worry. Cheer up! COVID can be a blessing in disguise for you. Get ahead of your peers! Sooner of later we are supposed to have millions or billions of people eventually quitting jobs and starting something on their own as freelancers, solopreneurs, passionpreneurs, etc. I’m talking of an estimation that says how many people are gonna lose their jobs. Fearful? Then, learn some new skills to better arm yourself.
