I’m grateful that the pandemic didn’t affect my family on an economic level or by the virus, to be precise. But towards the end of last year, my mental and emotional health did deteriorate. So did my physical health. Let me start from the beginning. I joined our school in 8th, and that year took
me to know all my classmates and for them to know me. When online school started,
the introverted part of me was happy that I dint have to push myself to talk to people
and put myself out there for everyone. Texting is much easier to do with someone you
have known not long ago than to speak in person- ask any introvert. Group activities
became more enjoyable after a while. Since what I did all day was sit in one corner of
the house, watch tv and talk to only three of my family members. How boring can that
be? So, for a change, I got to call other people for group discussions. Yet, I must admit
that I enjoyed the new experience the change brought. Would it be 2203 or 3035 when
there is no school, and everyone’s gadgets are their teachers? Technology made it
possible for us to study and stay safe at the same time. And I have had everything I
needed for a peaceful online class. Thus, I have no reasons to complain. Besides, my
parents still try to give me space during online classes. It was always important to work
that brought them into the room. Despite knowing it, I got annoyed that they disturb me,
seeing as they are carrying on. That was the phase when I couldn’t control my anger.
And just then, I realized that when I exercised (a new activity I took up not long ago.) I
could manage my frustration and calm my mind. That was because I felt happy about
being productive during that hour. I believe it works like this- I exercise and give time to my
mental health I nourish it. Taking good care of something always brings a good impact
on it. Coming back to physical health- I have been doing yoga for quite a while now.
Even though it has a lot of advantages, the type of yoga I do does not impact my weight.
Recently, a new TikTok trend has been gaining popularity. Where people show their
fitness transformations. Looking at these individuals who enhanced their fitness during
the lockdown, I feel guilty for not using my time productively and slightly insecure about
my weight and the unhealthy I have been eating. However, I’m working towards it now
that I’ve realized this. The regret of not being able to utilize these months constructively
keeps me down. Writing this story for this competition has given me the satisfaction of
using my time effectively. I have experienced many mixed feelings- happiness, guilt,
and confusion in just one and a half years. Over the coming time, I hope to become more
productive and mentally healthier, as well as encourage self-love and body positivity
in myself.