How is everyone dealing with self-isolation?

The Express Tribune finds out what Karachiites are doing at home and how they’re keeping themselves busy

KARACHI: With an increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Sindh together with the fear of a surge, the provincial government finally decided to impose a strict, province-wide lockdown in a desperate bid to contain the disease from spreading.

Within a few days, the lockdown paralysed Karachi, the country’s largest city, home to an estimated population of over 20 million. A recent survey conducted by The Express Tribune revealed that social distancing has brought life to a standstill, giving people plenty of free time at home. While some look towards investing in hobbies as a means of distraction, others find the humdrum of the household more difficult to escape.

Opinions and activities

Out of 130 survey respondents who spoke about their leisure activities at home these days, 38.8 per cent revealed they are killing time by using the internet and social media.

Some 11.6 per cent of people said they are helping with household work during their free time, 7.8 per cent are reading books while an equal number of people are entertaining themselves by watching TV.



When asked what they think about the concept of social distancing amid the Covid-19 outbreak, 62 per cent expressed appreciation for the provincial government’s move and said that the step is necessary for people’s protection. About 30.2 per cent said that they are unhappy with the lockdown but are complying for the sake of their families and loved ones. Meanwhile, 4.7 per cent said that they are bored and staying at home is making them depressed.

How are people coping?

Ufaq Ashfaque, a senior product development and marketing officer at the Central Depository Company Karachi, said that she is working from home during the lockdown.

“Apart from work, I have turned my home into a mini gym where I work out every day while listening to my favourite tracks. This activity keeps me on my toes and rejuvenates me both physically and mentally,” she said.

Quratulain Rizvi, a visiting faculty member at the department of criminology at the University of Karachi, said that even though it is difficult to stay at home all day, she appreciates the move because it is for everyone’s safety.

“The lockdown has allowed me to finally read all the books that I had been hoarding for so long,” she revealed. “It is very important to stay busy and keep the mind entertained because just sitting around the house and thinking about the [prevalent] conditions will only make people anxious.”

Source: Pixabay

Rooshan Haider, a 22-year-old engineer by profession, said that he is spending his free time by using social media and binge-watching shows on Netflix.

“An idle brain is the devil’s workshop, therefore, I am keeping myself busy by doing things that I had been planning for a long time, like learning henna art,” said Areeb Anjum, a 21-year-old student from the University of Karachi.

Mrs Jamal, a housewife, said that she feels relieved because of the lockdown as all of her family members are staying at home, safe and sound.

Meanwhile, Laraib Ahmed Qazi, another university student, sees the lockdown a great opportunity to spend time with her family. “Aside from spending time with my parents and siblings, which is otherwise not possible as everyone works or studies, I am utilising my free time by offering prayers and reciting the Quran so that Allah will have mercy upon us,” she said. “These are very difficult days.”

Depressing times

While some people are making the most of their time by staying indoors and indulging in different activities to distract themselves, for others, the lockdown has turned out to be quite difficult.

Faiz Siddiqui, a resident of Badar Commercial Area, said that self-isolation is turning out to be harder than he had expected. “My family lives in Hyderabad and because of the lockdown, I am unable to go and pay them a weekly visit. These days I am just sitting at home and watching movies, but what if the situation is prolonged?” he questioned.

People who habitually go to public parks for jogging and other exercise are also unhappy with the situation.

“The government has also closed parks along with markets and other public spaces to take precautionary measures. People who have big houses can work out at home but others like me, who live in small apartments, are completely isolated,” said Naseer Ahmed, a resident of Clifton who has been regularly visiting the Nisar Shaheed Park for the past 10 years.

And it’s not just adults - schoolchildren too are having a hard time staying at home.

Source: Pixabay

Sanaullah, a grade-eight student and resident of Delhi Colony, is one such kid who is stuck at home with no physical or constructive activities. “I have been a regular player of football but now I can’t go for practice because the ground has been closed,” the kid lamented. “I understand that it is for our safety to stay at home, but I am not happy with using the internet and watching TV. I hope normal life will return soon.”

Making the most of the quarantine

Research shows that leisure activities allow people to take their minds and bodies off their day-to-day jobs and enables individuals to spend time in pleasurable ways.

Source: Pixabay

Zahrah Khimani, a senior clinical psychologist and founder of URAAN- Pediatric Therapy Services, cited some studies and explained that that low levels of physical activity can negatively affect the wellbeing as well as the overall quality of life of an individual.

“The [ongoing] quarantine has resulted in additional stress for many people out there. These days, I have been conducting counselling sessions related to anxiety, mood instability and fear of uncertainty. The more we dwell on negative thoughts the greater will be the negative outcome,” she said, adding that people can make successful use of quarantine by indulging in relaxing, indoor physical activities.



“Make intentional efforts to stay away from activities that weigh you down. Switch off news channels, social media, phone calls and start cooking or baking, playing board games, cleaning the house, and following online yoga or fitness channels,” she suggested.

The positive side of things

While people are largely concerned about the widespread disease, it has resulted in successfully instilling some good habits among people, too.

According to Dr Heeralal Lohano, an emotional and behavioural health consultant, people are not only educating themselves about the diseases but are also becoming conscious about the importance of good hygiene and cleanliness more than ever before.

“It is natural for human beings to develop strength in the face of adversity, and the ongoing situation has also proved that,” he said. 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2020.