As people are confined to their homes as a measure to check the spread of COVID-19, some have taken the opportunity to be creative. They are using the time to upgrade their professional skills or using the opportunity to spend time with loved ones.  

“I don’t think this is the time for Netflix and chill (well you could, once in a while) but don’t let it be the answer to ‘What did you accomplish during your time at home?,” said H H Al Sayyida Mayya al Said, life coach at Whispers of Serenity Clinic. 

She added, “We always complain that we don’t have time to be with family, to take care of ourselves to focus on what we want to do. How things have changed? The pandemic has confined us to our homes and that is a small price to pay to beat it.” 

This is the time for self-reflection, family bonding, and self-care in every sense of the word physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally Sayyida Mayya said.  

Passionate photographer Krishnakumar Omanakuttan, a CA, is part of a group called Friday Shootouts. Unable to go out on Fridays, the group is focusing on acquiring new skills.  “We used to go out every Friday and shoot various themes, now due to lockdown we are confined to our homes and we took it as an opportunity and conduct online classes. We are conducting classes through video conferencing on photography.” 

Dev Singh Rana, an eight year old with a YouTube channel, is using the opportunity to create fun and motivational videos. Varun Rana, his father, who is a manager in the healthcare sector, said they are creating videos to show solidarity and also to keep kids occupied.  

Manoj Kumar Behera, a telecom engineer, said that his family is making the best out of the situation by  learning new skills.  “My parents are in India and my brother is in the US, we get together online for good old game of ludo. Seeing my son enjoying and sharing those lovely moments with his grandparents and uncle brings joy in otherwise a gloomy COVID-19 situation,” he said.