By Deborah Bakare
Covid 19. Pandemic. Lockdown. Words not a soul has been able to escape from in 2020. Entering the new decade of the 20’s no one could have predicted masks, hand gel and antibacterial wipes to become the essential necessities. A century since the rise of the roaring twenties must haves of feather boas, beaded necklaces, and intricate headpieces, the contrast is stark.
Being forced into lockdown manifested differently for us all. The NHS heroes who we continue to applaud, continued as normal as possible, going to work, and saving lives. The essential workers ensuring the world ran smoothly, while also on the frontline. Millions worked from home, which transformed this once perceived luxury to being in a never-ending cycle, where the tangible boundaries between work and play merged into one. I was lucky enough to be placed on furlough for 5 months. Ironically despite being physically restricted due to the government orders, it was definitely a transformative period of personal growth and development.
About halfway through isolation I started to become restless and searching for something more engaging to do. With all social events and activities off limits this became a tricky task. I picked up two polar opposite new skills during lockdown, crotchet, and coding.
I have always wanted to improve my tech skills. As a cusp millennial/gen z’er, my lack of tech skills is a shameful mystery. Coding is something that has always interested me, so I have always had an urge to learn and finally took the plunge. Harvard University, yes THAT Harvard University runs an array of fantastic free online courses, enabling people from all of the world to virtually enrol. There is a varied range of classes from programming to humanities to medicine and business available. You can also purchase a certificate of completion once you finish the course. (The courses are ongoing so please follow this link if you are interested https://online-learning.harvard.edu/catalog/free?page=1.
CS50: Introduction to Computer Science is fantastically run, with an excellent passionate lecturer. I highly recommend enrolling if you are beginner/foundation level and interested in learning programming.
Crocheting is another skill I developed which pays ode to my creative side. Throughout my life I’ve always had an affinity for the arts and creative outlets. Crotchet is also a great stress reliever and allows you to detach from the world for a while. I will admit it took a while for me to actually grasp how to crotchet but once I got the hang of it, I was hooked. It has enjoyable watching a ball of yarn develop into my own creations.
Despite picking up new skills, the most valuable thing I developed during lockdown was my mindset. Lockdown taught me to appreciate the little things more. Do what makes you happy. Take the plunge. Before lockdown I was obsessed with time and the feeling that I am not where I should be. Isolation enabled me to realise that our journeys and perspectives being so diverse is what makes us wonderful as human beings. If everyone had the same journey and reaction to circumstances, how mundane would the world be! We hear it time and time again but comparing yourself is truly the worst thing you can do. Allow yourself to relish in what ignites YOUR serotonin! If keeping your mind busy and active is your stress reliever, continue with that. If taking time to wind down and relax, helps you cope then do not stop! Lockdown taught me more than anything that we all DO have enough time, but only when you prioritise your hearts desires and not what social media tells you, you should do.
As the UK is slowly opening up again and things are developing into our new version of ‘normal’, I urge you not feel disheartened or pressurised by those who have the misconception that if you did not learn a new skill, start a business, master how to make Michelin star sushi and become a millionaire you did not utilise your free time in this abnormal period sufficiently! I strongly believe that doing things that make you happy, despite there being no monetary benefit is invaluable. No one prepares you for adulthood and how demanding it actually is, therefore, you, yourself must commit to prioritising your self-care. We are all literally living through a pandemic. A deadly one at that. You managed to make it through the peak of this global crisis which is an achievement in itself.
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