During COVID-19

             March 2020 was the first time we entered lockdown. I didn’t think it would last this long. In the beginning it felt like a short break from the busy life. However, today its June 2021 and our world is still trying to heal. I would like to share some personal activities and tips with how I kept busy during our endless quarantines.

               When the first few cases started to rise and universities switched to online, I found a few ways to keep myself busy between my classes. I would recommend staying as active as possible. Try going on walks between classes or participating in a quick workout video on YouTube. Unfortunately, online classes would consist with endless hours of just sitting at a desk and this really had an overall impact on my mood. In order to keep busy I would also try new trends or make my your own. I remember during lockdown it was difficult to purchase baking goods because everyone was making new treats and posting them on social media. It was almost as if social media took over the world and technology became necessary in our everyday lives. Study sessions took place over Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco-Webex and other social platforms. It became important to know how to navigate around these resources because they became our only way to interact with others. I still remember the endless zoom meetings that took place between my group of friends. I really recommend taking advantage of these online platforms to still socialize and connect with others. When restrictions started to ease down, some other ways I kept busy included hikes with my family. Hamilton, Ontario has many waterfalls trails. When we went on these hikes, we made sure to bring a mask and maintain a distance from others. As a family we would also have game/paint nights. We would sit together and try new online games such as Pictionary. It is currently June 2021, over a year has passed and we are still in a lockdown stage. It is important to keep others around us safe and keep ourselves healthy by keeping busy and taking care of our mental health during these times.

            When I reflect upon this pandemic, I notice that many lessons have been learned and we have grown as individuals . We have learned to adapt and change when needed. Wearing masks, social distancing, staying indoors, and adapting to new technology. There is always light at the end of a tunnel. Things will get better. How have you been keeping busy during Covid-19?

 Aashi Dalvi- (VP Chapter Development) , Angel Cai- (VP Digital Marketing)