– Knock knock!
– Who’s there?
– Pandemic.
If you were looking for a joke here, then that’s not going to happen. The reality is that the deadly coronavirus is standing right at our doorsteps, waiting to enter the second it gets a chance. At this stage, almost every family in India has at least one COVID-19 case or knows someone who’s either suffering or has recovered from it. And while I’ve always known that the pandemic is very, very, real, I experienced its effects personally when I contracted the virus almost a month ago.
Before anyone asks, let me clarify—I have not stepped out of my house AT ALL for more than a year now. Believe it or not, but it’s true. I did not let my guards down when the number of cases was declining a few months ago. Not even when a lot of people on my social media were sharing their “much-needed vacay” snaps (I did, however, call them out). I got infected after I came in contact with a few guests who visited my place. Turns out, they were asymptomatic.
As important as it is to wear masks, maintain social distance and avoid unnecessary outings, it is equally important to ask people to not come to your house. That’s the very first thing I learned the hard way. Apart from that, here are a few other things that I learned while recovering from COVID-19.
Your Body Is Indeed Your Temple, You Gotta Respect It
This is the first time I’m admitting it out loud that I had body image issues. I used to look in the mirror and only see those aspects of my physical appearance that I disliked. I’m sure I’m not the only one who felt this way. But you know what? This is the very same body that fought against a deadly virus and kept me safe. And never again, I’m going to complain about it.
Moreover, I have learned that we need to pay extra attention to what goes inside our body. Eating junk food is fun but it’s going to do more damage than good in the long run. ‘Eat healthy and stay fit‘—the one mantra that I’m not forgetting ever again.
Staying In Isolation Is No Joke
“What? I have to stay alone in a room for at least a week? And there will be no one to bother me? I don’t need to do anything except just eat, sleep and rest? Wow! I can do that easily.”
No I cannot and no, it’s not easy at all. I’m living with my fam and working from home for more than a year now. And while it may get overwhelming at times, I learned its value when I isolated myself. Not being able to hug your loved ones despite being so close to them, hurts. Not being able to do anything productive for days can defs take a toll on your mind. Needless to say, I respect my personal and professional lives a lot more than I used to.
Cut Off Anything From Your Life That Disturbs Your Peace of Mind
“Hey relax, it’s just a virus. Sabko ho raha hai yaar. It’s NBD. At least you’re not dying!”
Hey girl, it’s not just a virus, it’s a deadly virus. And it is a BIG deal. Also, I’m not going to comment on the ‘dying’ remark. Do you know why? Because I’m blocking you.
And just like that, I blocked at least twenty more people on my social media handles because they were disturbing my peace of mind. As someone who has this unexplainable tendency to please everyone, I learned that it is okay to hold even your close ones responsible for their words and actions. Call them out for their insensitivity and let go of them if needed.
Seek Help If Your Mental Health Is Crumbling
As per my RT-PCR test, I was mildly affected by the virus. But NGL, it has severely disturbed my mental health. I have had multiple anxiety attacks over the last month, trouble focusing on something for long, and feel a sense of fear and confusion all the time. As of now, I’ve consulted a few therapists online and will begin my therapy session by next week.
COVID does not just affect you physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. We all are facing one of the scariest times of our lives and it is absolutely fine to seek help if needed.
COVID-19 Does Not Just Effect Your Lungs
COVID-19 is known to primarily affect the lungs, but it has other effects on our body as well. While my symptoms in the initial 10 days after the diagnosis were limited to severe headache and fatigue, I faced several other challenges as well. I’m facing excessive hair loss, flaky skin, mood swings, and my sleep cycle is completely messed up.
To overcome all of it, I’m eating a protein-rich diet, fruits, taking necessary supplements and meditating.
Recovery Takes Time
Post-COVID recovery takes time. Even after a month since my recovery, I’m facing a few symptoms of the virus. After consulting a few doctors, I learned that it’s quite common. The disease may affect your body in the long run and make it difficult for you to get back to your regular routine. Recovery is a gradual process so let your system take as much time as it needs.
The Pandemic Is Very, Very Real
Lastly, even though I knew that the COVID-19 pandemic is real, I learned about the massive damage it can do to someone physically, emotionally, and mentally. We need to take our lives and that of others much more seriously. We cannot control the virus but we can control the way we live our lives. Wear your masks, maintain social distance, avoid going out and letting people visit your house unnecessarily. Get vaccinated and call out anyone who flouts COVID guidelines.
Life is too short to not be grateful for it every day.
Feature Image: Instagram