We should be thankful to the digital media for providing us with interesting online platforms to communicate and enjoy
KARACHI: While Covid-19 has put the entire world on hold and has restricted people to their homes, there is still a lot more that needs to be done to make the best of such testing times. Social media platforms are mostly spreading scary information. People socialising on digital platforms are more into debates, blaming institutions or making fun of the deadly virus. Political parties are into point scoring whereas some people are busy sharing their so called “expert” viewpoints.
Here are few tips that may help distract your mind from all the chaos. Try to engage yourself in activities that you wish you pursued if you had time. Try contacting friends, relatives for their well-being. Read books, listen to your favourite music, watch classic movies, play indoor games with your kids, spare some time for gardening. Try cooking and help your family in cleaning the house. You will definitely observe a significant change in your behaviour and would love these activities as you hardly get the time to perform them during your busy office schedule. Assign your children small tasks to accomplish. Make them learn household chores so they help you out. These activities will help overcome boredom. In the current situation when we have to maintain social distancing, it is wise to best utilise this time instead of just resting and doing nothing.
It is time to forget our differences and show unity against this invisible deadly virus that has turned the world upside down. It is time to bring the beauty of humanity and spirituality of our soul into action. Try helping the underprivileged, your neighbours, senior citizens and migrants. This is no time to cause chaos. Listen to your government’s advice. Maintain social distancing for a few more weeks. This is not the time to spread rumours or cause more anxiety and panic. Let’s be kind and considerate, the lives of millions are at stake.
We should be thankful to the digital media for providing us with interesting online platforms to communicate and enjoy. This pandemic is not the end of the world and people should better spend quality time with their family and make the most out of this time! After all, this too shall pass.
Tariq Habib
Published in The Express Tribune, April 4th, 2020.
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