The debate on what the new normal would be like beyond COVID-19 is still raging. But have we learnt any lesson from these undeniably frightening times? 100+ people share with us the positive outcomes of COVID-19 on the individual and family.
2020 has undoubtedly been a year of big lows.
As of today, COVID-19 has affected more than 12 million people around the world and killed over 568K people.
Just a year back we could not have imagined the world’s entire workforce to work remotely from their homes. We would not have believed that we could actually break our hectic routines to devote some time with our families.
We did not care much about the environment, our communities or our personal health. We were blind and devoted consumers and until recently we prioritized material success over important values like integrity and trust.
The pandemic has changed everything for us.
Even amidst the miseries, we can not deny the significant and positive changes that this period has brought about in our personal and family life.
To understand these changes and how we can use them to determine our future, we got more than 100 individuals- students, professionals, homemakers, unemployed persons, entrepreneurs and retired individuals to help us draw insight.
We are grateful to all the people who participated in our survey and generously shared their time and perspectives.
Here are the 8 positive outcomes of Covid-19 on the individual and family that we all are talking about based on the highest to the lowest number of responses for each outcome:
- Quality of time with loved ones
- Higher efficiency at work or studies or day to day routine
- Time to pursue interests and learn new skills
- Sense of Gratitude
- Time for self-reflection and mental health
- Seeking God
- Value for Personal health and hygiene
- Resilience and Empathy
Following are some statements from the survey. Again, thanks to all who took the time and effort to participate.
We are connecting with our loved ones
“My daughter was born in 2019 and I resumed my job on 1st Jan’20. Post resuming, my only concern was that her major formative time was spent with a caretaker and not me/family, someone with whom she would be emotionally involved. She turned 10 months when the lockdown was announced. So the best part for us as parents was that we were able to be with her throughout; teach her little things and could cherish her little developments while still working; so, a definite Win-Win.
I thought it would be difficult managing everything at home and the baby without help/maids, and initially, it was; but, as a couple (my husband and me) we aced it. Realized that even though we both are very independent people in the marriage :), our mutual dependencies and support actually makes the house run and is beautiful.
– Amulya (a Banking professional)
“Covid forced me to homeschool my kid, which has helped me to connect with her on a totally different level.”- Ruchi (a Work from Home professional)
My parents were visiting me here in Mumbai and got stuck because of the lockdown. Of course, this resulted in us getting to spend more time together. But more importantly, we could attend to them much better and get medical help efficiently even when they got ill during the lockdown for various reasons. I shudder to think about how they would have fared alone in Calcutta in this lockdown.
(a Banking professional)
It gave each one of us the time to restart our lives all over again! Relatives, friends who once could never take out time to speak, had ample time now to do so and reconnect. It gave us more space and time to have healthy discussions be it personal ones or that which concerns with the world situation. Together as a family, we went on a complete cooking spree too, to cook, eat, and chit chat together.- Shijin (an Indian Expat)
I have been able to spend more time with my parents, whether that’s watching movies or playing cards with them, etc. It has just been overall fun at home, to be honest, and has made me value family time more.- Chesna (a University Student)
More family time, as well as a realisation that spending time at home can also be joyful than always going on trips.- Amni (a Stay at Home parent)
As a family, we got the opportunity to get a glimpse into each other’s day to day activities as spouses, and parents, which helped us understand all of our pressures, strengths and limitations. This realization has truly brought us close. (a Work from Home professional)
We are pursuing our interests and learning new skills
Thanks to my husband’s help, I could give equal attention to writing and art. Spending time making art has reduced my anxiety regarding the crisis and made me more positive. – Shilpa (a Blogger)
Learning every day something new to improve my cooking skills and shortcuts or smart ways to deal with house chores along with a baby.- Dr Megha (a Stay at Home parent)
I have started reading a lot. I thought drawing was never my cup of tea but now I have almost finished making 12 mandala arts. I am now a pro chef too. I have started doing an online photography course and have started preparing for post-graduation entrances.- Josmy (a Law student)
The opportunity to be able to continue my pursuit(s) through virtual mediums has been revolutionary. Thankful for technology & grateful for everyone adopting/ adapting to online modes almost instantaneously. I attend yoga, meditation, dance, my post-graduate studies, webinars on various interests – all online.”- Rashmi (a University student)
I have more time to read, edit my travel photographs and spend more time with my husband and parents. I also ended up creating certain quick one-pot dishes. I could attend a few virtual photography workshops only because I’m working from home.
I could write a few devotional songs to release on YouTube- Dr Elizabeth (a Medical professional)
We are building within us a sense of gratitude
Appreciation for simple things in life like being able to breathe, walk around, having family and friends and the futility of vanity. Appreciation for fellowship and meeting in person.- Anna (a Work from Home professional in the Healthcare sector)
We got a pollution-free atmosphere. Could give ear to the lovely songs of birds. – Indira (a Stay at Home parent)
Everyone around me is safe and sound. (a Non-Profit professional)
We had to travel urgently and it was actually joyful rather than stressful because of the reduced footfall in all the airports. Also noticed that everyone inherently has good in them and sometimes it takes a crisis for it to be manifested.- Vidisha (a Work from Home professional in the Legal sector)
We have all the basic necessities and food.- Amni (a Stay at Home parent)
Salary coming on time from the organization- Kirti (an Operations professional)
I was able to know nature more, and that money is not everything. No matter how rich you are, illness has no boundaries.- Dany (a Customer Service professional)
We have become very mindful shoppers and eaters during this pandemic. Also, I have been trying to make delicious dishes with whatever is available. Very less wastage of food and vegetables. We’re even learning to reuse and recycle a lot of things. – Meera (a Stay at Home parent)
My family has been together at home. So more than half the battle is won when we are together in these difficult times .- Marina (a Stay at Home parent)
We are focusing on efficiency and quality
Most work is managed through online modes of communication versus having to spend time in physical meetings. – Robin (a Work from Home professional in the Non-Profit sector)
I have been more creative at finding new solutions to problems, and at new business ideas. I’m also more proactive at work.- Aashish (a Real Estate professional)
For studies, it felt like it wasn’t forced or anything. It felt like I had more time than usual to finish up stuff, had more time to look for job opportunities.- Vibin (a University Student)
Opportunity to work at your own pace and still complete it on time- Satyavati (a Real Estate professional)
At work, I could create impact and engage 2000-3000 volunteers, conduct virtual training etc. – Prarthana (a Social Entrepreneur)
I have been able to start my own online classes and am doing better than before the pandemic.- Jyotsna (an Entrepreneur in the Primary Education field)
No need to spend time getting ready and no need to drive through the traffic, to and fro from office. So we could use this valuable time daily. -Renjith (an Engineering Consultant)
We are developing more resilience and empathy
Learning to deal with the current situation, have accepted this as the way forward.- Jonathan (a Full time professional in the Education sector)
The way we are close-knit and supporting each other in these times is incredible- Rukmini (an HR professional)
I have learned more realms of empathy – seeing people suffer during these times is truly horrifying.- Chesna (a University student)
I am able to invest in opportunities that impact my community!- Rachel (a Healthcare student)
We are taking time for self-reflection and prioritizing mental health
Self-analysis is something that I have been able to do which I feel I didn’t get time in normal times. – Linu (a Media Planning professional)
This pandemic has made me understand that nothing is constant and also impossible. It’s us who decide how we can bring change in ourselves to make us happy. Worldly pleasures are just temporary and attractive things. Happiness and satisfaction can be found within ourselves too- Princy (an International Development professional)
I got to recognise what is important and what can be done away with- Dr Deepa ( a Medical professional)
Everyone is in low spirits during this time, so I decided to concentrate on meditation and yoga. It helped me a lot.- Neethu (a Stay at Home parent)
I could work on self-care. I had forgotten to do that while I was working and travelling. This time has helped me to give myself rest and do things that I avoided due to lack of time. I am more creative and peaceful now.- Christina (a Journalist)
We are seeking God
Sweet time with the Lord. I have enjoyed my quiet time in His presence.- Melanie (a University Student)
This has been the most precious, unforgettable time of drawing near to Him, His presence as a family.- Anina (a Stay at Home parent)
The realization that this is truly the time when God is expecting each of us to be a blessing to others, to serve our neighbour, in tangible ways. (a Teacher)
Family prayer is part of life. Prior to Covid19 either me alone or us rarely. Now things have changed.- Elna (a Stay at home parent)
We have learnt to pray from home and believe that God will take care of us, whatever may be the difficulties.- Dr Shobha (a Healthcare professional)
We are acknowledging the importance of personal health and hygiene
Well, one thing is you have got to be healthy because I feel covid is here to stay. While I and my family follow a healthy diet, I am still struggling to maintain a daily exercise routine. Most definitely this will be my focus going ahead.
Learnt the importance of washing hands and clean and hygienic surroundings. (a BPO professional)
I worked on my stamina and will power to cook and serve fresh food to my family consistently.- Bhavna (a Stay at Home parent)
I have started on a fixed schedule every day with time for exercise, healthy diet and a good amount of sleep.- Shibi (a Work from Home professional for the Manufacturing sector)
All of these positive changes may probably seem as privileges for many of us. The immense suffering, unemployment, and deaths disturb and frighten us on a daily basis. Yet we must not ignore what we have come to learn about ourselves. Why? Because our quality of life is dependent on the quality of our relationships with those who matter and with our own self.
We must continue to pursue what we have now grown to value as individuals, and as a human race. We MUST desire to change, and work intentionally towards a meaningful existence.
Click here to read what these participants have to say on how we can pursue a fulfilling life on a day to day basis
Found this post useful? You might like reading these as well:
Tips and resources for the Covid-19 lockdown period
How the local supermarket came to my mental rescue
How to efficiently work from home- 22 tips by seasoned remote professionals
How to pursue a fulfilling life on a day-to-day basis
How prayer can positively influence your thoughts
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Hi! My name is Rubitah. I’m a Content Writer certified Life Coach, Counselor, Social Work professional and the Founder of Being Rubitah. Over the years through my professional and personal life, I have realized that prayers and love can do wonders to family life once you come to terms with yourself and surrender to God. Do you relate to me? Then you may like what I post here! Read more about me
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Covid 19 has brought my family together and we have spent so much time together as a family!
That’s great! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂