WHEN the City Government of Davao City declared community quarantine last Sunday, March 15, most of the Dabawenyos knew the situation is getting serious and would need everyone's full cooperation. On the same day, by nighttime, when there was a first confirmed case of Covid-19 in Davao Region, specifically in Tagum City, the two city governments decided to declare a partial lockdown in their entry and exit points.
What does this mean to an average Dabawenyo? Basically, the greatest help the local governments are asking their residents is to stay at home and to limit their activities outside to avoid further spread of the virus.
For a few days, this could be relaxing but most often than not it might lead to boredom, and in worse cases, depression. As early as now, we see these future risks and we're hoping that through these simple activities below, we find solace amid the scare, reflection amid the reality, and peace amid this pandemic.
1. Limit your screen time.
Sure, we need to update ourselves of the current health situation in the city. But we both know that aside from these important news, social media has only gotten more toxic. Imagine being stuck at home bombarded by all these news -- some real, some fake.
What I suggest is you download a screen time limiting app. Here you can set the number of hours you are going to use your phone. After consuming all those hours, your phone automatically blocks use of all the apps. You're only allowed basic function as setting the alarm clock, calling, and SMS messaging.
2. Find a new hobby.
With all the time in your hands, it is only fitting that you allot some of it for new activities. These may include things you might have long wanted to do but didn't have the time do so because of your busy schedule. Maybe you have long wanted to bake your own bread, to learn crochet, video editing, or grow your own small garden. You can do that now.
Who knows after this pandemic, you're a different person. You will thank yourself for that.
3. Meditate
In the midst of the chaos, find silence. Before you do anything in the morning, right after you wake up, sit on your bed, observe good posture, and pray.
If you don't believe in that, just immerse yourself in the silence and cleanse your mind for the day.
At nighttime, remember to put your phone away an hour before you sleep and again immerse yourself in silence and ask, "What is this chaos trying to teach me?"
4. Sleep in (go ahead, it's okay)
Work and school had been busy. For most days, we wait for semester break, days off, and holidays so we can rest. It's a tedious toil day by day. But the partial lockdown allows us to appreciate the beauty of rest. To breathe without pressure, without deadlines as much as during the regular days.
Now that you're staying home, you deserve that extra few minutes of sleep. Try to sleep without setting an alarm clock the night before. You deserve it.
5. Pick up from where you left off
Maybe you had been putting off a personal project because work and school had been getting in the way. Covid-19 and the partial lockdown allow you to actually give time for the completion of these projects.
Maybe you're midway a good book, but you had put it aside for weeks now, maybe you've completed the sketch but have yet to paint it, or maybe you've been scrolling through Pinterest and would have wanted to dress up your own bedroom. It's time to make things happen.
Covid-19 and the partial lockdown is not all bad. Make sure that aside from taking care of you and your family's physical health, you also take care of your mental state during these trying times.