All, that was not bad in COVID crisis: Pearls of goodness from the furls of furnace.

Abstract

The current COVID crisis brought exceptional challenges to humankind as a whole. An unimaginable calamity swept across nations withering the dreams of progress and prosperity. It sucked in people to the confines of their homes, brought industries into a screeching halt and deprived many a worker from employment. Venturing out in the open became a scary thought and open malls and schools became an unreachable dream. The pandemic shook us all off our sense of omnipotence, made us feel utterly vulnerable as if the possibility of extermination of the race was just near the horizon. However adversities brought out exceptional strength and potential in so-called common man. Survival instinct bolstered the resilience, fostered creativity and made us metamorphosize in thoughts and behavior to adapt effectively to the challenge. Innovation and creativity reached the unexpected zenith and few pearls came outshining from the furls of the furnace of this crisis, to stand to testimony that… all was not bad in COVID crisis. Emphasis on mental health: The unexpected seclusion and environmental restrain brought out many psychosocial issues. Issues of adjustment, anxiety, boredom, fear of infection, panic, burnout in frontline workers made us realize the importance of mental health.[12] When the door to the world outside closed, the need for self to look within for happiness and peace increased. When support systems and external means of recreation got limited, people found mental well-being in building up resilience, mindfulness, and quality family time. The psychological component of health, which up till now was a neglected area, became a sought-after concept Global solidarity and team spirit: The COVID time saw people rising beyond the boundaries of nation, religion, economic disparity, and race for collective global altruism. They shared their meager resources, be it medicine, food, or vaccine; grieved together and walked together. The commitment to cause and global camaraderie was palpable in thought and visible in action[3] Telehealth: Once a backbencher in the class of medical support system; telehealth became a much sought-after forerunner and great respite in difficult times of COVID; when venturing out to seek physical medical help for other medical illnesses was a nightmare. The facility evolved, policies put in place, and relevant law set in motion in record time to see that the healing touch was available online and in the comforts of the home. Growing data reveals that the telemedicine practice is well accepted, adequately effective, and much cost-effective. Having proved its worth, it is surmised that telehealth is going to stay for posterity, well beyond the dusk of the COVID[4] Work orientation: This crisis brought a significant change in the work culture. Many industries who were forced to use the option to “work from home” to keep themselves sustainable; found it to be well viable option for continued productivity. Office meetings became virtual and the agenda got sorted out online equally effectively. Many overseas commitments got accomplished through virtual online engagements, making all past expenditures on overseas flights and stays look silly[5] Cleaner environment: Sky was greener and more visible. Birds chirped in abundance and no planes pumped fumes in the sky. Traffic was less and so was exhaust emission affecting the environment. There was hardly any sound or air pollution. Such an overhaul and cleansing process of our environment was never dreamt of or otherwise possible[6] Homeschooling: The seclusion and environmental restriction affected the schools and colleges worst, but the ignitors of mind rose to the occasion and came up with many diverse solutions to continue imparting educations to the children sitting in confines of their homes. Significant efforts went to make learning as effective and evaluation as robust as the physical scenario. This has paved the way to optimal use of digital technology and hybrid mode of learning; which otherwise would have been a tedious and time taking process[7] Community spirit: The current crisis saw altruism and social responsiveness at its best. Societies and communities got together to adhere to best practices, help the poor, feed the animal, sanitize their surroundings, and religiously adhering to concepts of public hygiene. With the hand washing, social distancing, and effective sanitization; there was a visible decline in many communicable and nosocomial diseases[8] Helping the elderly: With COVID affecting the elderly more adversely, humankind became more protective and caring of their parents and senior citizens. They were looked after, listened to, and given priorities at community and health facilities. The current COVID crisis changed our orientation from economic progress to being humane; individual centric to sociocentric and want-oriented to need-oriented one. I sincerely hope that these pearls continue to shine forever for the sake of the positive mental well-being of the global village.