When I think back to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago, I don’t remember feeling hopeless or depressed. I remember feeling relieved.
As a freshman in high school, I was already facing burnout. I was struggling academically because of the pressure, socially because of constant relational drama and mentally as depression set in.
Going into lockdown saved me. It was hard, but it taught me necessary things about myself that I may not have learned otherwise.
It turned out online classes left me a lot less exhausted, and being able to take breaks more frequently allowed me to thrive academically. With no certainty of returning to school, I finally gathered the courage to end several toxic friendships that had tanked my confidence and caused me to struggle with trusting others, even to this day. Having the time to focus on taking care of myself and not just my school obligations brought me back from a dark place.
2020 is also known as a time when everyone experimented with new styles and interests. Without the constant social pressure that comes from being out in public, it was less risky to try new things or express ourselves earnestly.
The free time allowed us to explore new hobbies: Painting, cooking, gardening, crocheting and woodworking were a lot easier to get into when we had more free time. A study done through the National Library of Medicine found that creativity increases well-being, and well-being increases creativity. Lockdown allowed us to feel creatively fulfilled and gave us a chance to find what brings us joy. Being back in person means consistently running out of time for any hobbies outside of my responsibilities and missing the time I had then.
I am an avid reader and writer and cherish every summer and winter break that gives me an opportunity to engage in this creative outlet again. Over summer, I was going through three books in a week and absolutely loving it. During the pandemic, not only did I have time for these hobbies, I had time to experiment with new things. I got really into true crime podcasts, covering everything I own in Cricut vinyl designs and building a perfect Animal Crossing island.
Lockdown also gave us more time to focus on every aspect of our wellbeing, including physical and mental health. When there are so few places to go by car, being stuck at home meant we were more likely to find time to work out and stay in shape. Since it became easier to make lunch in the kitchen instead of going out to buy it, we ate healthier. We were openly encouraged to talk about and work on our mental health during this time, with many resources available to aid us.
Lockdown taught us what truly mattered. We had a chance to slow down, reexamine our lives and stop prioritizing the noise. The opportunity to understand ourselves at a deeper level is something we have taken for granted ever since.
Photo by Edwin Hooper on Unsplash.