The Challenges faced because of COVID19

The invisible enemy COVID – 19, a perilous pandemic has been a global health crisis and one of the most deplorable challenges the world has ever faced. The COVID-19 situation is particularly stressful because it’s hard to predict how things will develop, and our circumstances are changing rapidly. This can leave us feeling powerless, like we’re no longer in control of our own lives. As is the case in many aspects of our lives, there are things we can’t control in this situation. These include the actions and reactions of other people, how long the situation will last, and what might happen in the future. During these tragic times the most important aspect to review is self-discipline. Due to the negligence of many a breakthrough has occurred in the world and now it is up to us to put on our armor of defense and face this invisible rival to protect our existence on planet earth. At this critical junction all that is required is a strong will with a sense of responsibility and self-discipline, controlling oneself and behaving in a particular way is crucial.  If everyone unites and do their part to contribute by following the given advice and taking the necessary precautions overcoming this enemy will be a breeze.

We have a choice of how we think about any situation we face. Even if we weren’t born an optimist, we can still learn to think optimistically in this situation and know that there is an upside to everything even a global pandemic. We could take this as an opportunity to discover our likes, interests, skills and talents. You could also take this as a chance to work and understand yourself. We could always look at the good side of life and be grateful for what we already have because some are finding it difficult to have three meals a day while others don’t have roof above their heads while some are living every second with fear of terrorist attacks while others are fighting and yearning for the oxygen we are breathing right now. So rather than grumble and find fault in the situation, we should stay positive and be grateful for what we already have. What I’m trying to say is that we all have our share of problems, struggles and difficulties at this time, but know that you are not alone. It all depends on the perspective We look at the problem that matters. If we look at it in a pessimistic way it’s not going to get solved rather it’s going to worsen and instead of facing the problem, we’re going to fear facing it and getting stressed thinking about it on the other hand if we look at it optimistically with a can-do attitude, we will be calmer helping us to thinking straight. Finally, coming up with the perfect solution.

As self-quarantines and lockdown sweep across, the world is inducing a considerable degree of fear, worry and concern in public health terms, stress and anxiety levels are skyrocketing and why wouldn’t it with multiple changes all at once to a once sociable human suddenly being locked up within four walls is just too overwhelming. So, the only way to overcome this challenge is to have courage and hope. Having courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear it is rather the triumph over it.  With the increasing anxiety and stress levels many have reached the point of depression and in most cases, there are mainly two causes the first being over thinking and the other being comparison. 

Over thinking about the past and the future often leads to stress anxiety and depression. An interesting quote addresses this issue in a simple way it states, “yesterday is history and tomorrow is a mystery, but today it’s a gift that is why it’s called the present” this quote advises us to live in the moment and enjoy even the smallest of victories an extremely rare quality because everyone aims for the big picture but no one acknowledges and appreciates their progress towards it.

The next cause is comparison. We as human beings can’t help ourselves but compare ourselves with others, but comparison is the deadliest thing we can do to ourselves because we will always come up short, all it does is exaggerate all our insecurities. It’s okay to enjoy other people’s success let them live their life, and you know yourself worth.   Many students fall prey to depression because of comparison.  They lack the quality of self-worth. Self-worth is an internal emotion that comes from self-esteem, self-confidence  self-love, self understanding and self acceptance. People who have this quality are having an unshakeable ground of faith within themselves in their ability to follow through and get work done as they know that all their struggles are a part of their success story.

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the education ecosystem in Sri Lanka. The normal pattern of learning has been tremendously impacted due to COVID-19 from disrupted class schedules to poor Internet connection a variety of problems came up with the abrupt change in learning platforms. While the abrupt overhaul in learning styles has come with its fair share of obstacles, it’s also managed to open the door to new opportunities. Even though distant learning during a pandemic can be a challenge for many students, by familiarizing teachers with the latest technology for online learning and by facilitating and helping them to adapt to the new learning style online classes would be the preference of many students as it is more interesting educative and informative.

Life is full of challenges and COVID-19 is just one of the major ones.  Life is beauteous just as roses, but it has challenges which are like thorns and have to be faced and overcome by all. Those who accept these challenges and succeed are the ones who know how to live life in its true sense. Thus, enjoy life but also be prepared to bear the pricks of pain.

By Yumnah Afroze