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Covid 19 - The importance of maintaining connection
5 年前Well, how much has our world changed within the last few days? Our whole sense of being, interacting, socialising, working together, collaborating has been turned upside down in a very dramatic way.
The first thing to remember is that the isolation we've been asked to adhere to, and the sense of disconnection we may be feeling are all temporary situations that will change. It may take some time, but there will be a day when we will look back at this chain of events historically and reminisce on the events that took place.
For me, I have decided to approach this in two ways. Firstly, my response to this in this moment. When I heard the news that the education programme I was teaching was cancelled and all my students were sent home, I felt a heaviness in my heart and was showered with worry - worry for my students well being, worry for my future employment situation, worry for how big this virus had become and the effect it could have on some of my vulnerable family and friends' health. My response was to take a deep breath and take each moment as it came. By being in the present moment, I "feel" more control of my mental health and wellbeing, and I think this is fundamentally important at a time like this.
Secondly, while being isolated and removed from the people I usually meet on a day to day basis, I have decided to take the time to be productive and prepare for possibilities that will come my way after this is all over. I sat yesterday and made of list of things that I can do now, that could benefit me in the future. These included going for walks and jogs to build up my health and fitness levels, creating online content so I can expand my teaching online in the future, starting a new hobby that I could share with others; therefore, expanding my social networks in the future. I also noted the opportunity to maybe tick some of those activities off my bucket list e.g. learning how to play a musical instrument, starting to paint, starting to blog, starting to learn a new language etc.
How this event affects us will vary on so many levels. On a personal level, I think it's important to keep connected, especially if isolation is proving to be a difficult task for you. Now, more than ever, it is important that you continue with your online classes if you can. There will be a time in the future when you will need to sit that IELTS exam, or you will need to participation in a meeting held in the English language in work, or you will travel to your favourite city in a different country and need English to enjoy the experience. Your online classes are also one of the ways you can connect with another. Connection is important. Even an English class for one hour can take your mind off the disaster around you and give you the opportunity to laugh and learn with another individual on a one to one basis.
It's important in times like this work as a collective. Look out for each other, and wash your hands!
