The Covid-19 outbreak has been very stressful for most people, regardless of their background, socio-economic status, etc. The pandemic has triggered government lockdowns in so many countries. The impact of these lockdowns is drastically changing the lives of the people, since schools and public places are closed, the usual health information services are limited, socializing with friends and wider family is highly discouraged. Living in these circumstances can be tough for anyone, either physically and emotionally. 

Not meant to spread a toxic positivity here, but despite all the negative impacts from the pandemic, we need to look at the bright side of it as well. These following are a collective list of five simple positive things that enable us to be a better person through the pandemic.

1. Make your own coffee

Based on ‘Money Matters', a survey conducted by Arcons, which looked at the spending habits of more than 1,900 millennials and grouped the results into various categories, one of which was gender. In fact, young women tend to be more extravagant. The survey found that 44 percent of millennial women spend their money buying coffee in the morning, instead of saving.

When the government implemented the large-scale social restrictions and encouraged us to stay at home and most of the public places are also closed, we have no choice but to make our own coffee at home. After doing it for a while, we might realize that we have saved our coffee-money and it became a habit to make our own coffee at home. 

2. Shop consciously

Fully staying at home for a while, makes you realize that you have a ton of clothes, that maybe some of it still has a brand tag on it. We realized that we need to shop more consciously in the future, and thrift shopping might be the solution. Thrift shopping is beneficial for all parties involved, the buyer can save money for buying second-hand products while also contributing to save the environment. The seller, on the other hand, can contribute in the circular fashion, in which instead of throwing clothes away, you give your clothes another chance in the new home.

The latest YouGov Omnibus research revealed the extent of clothes waste in Indonesia. It found that two thirds of Indonesian adults (66%) have thrown away at some point in the past year and a quarter (25%) have thrown away more than ten items of clothing in the past year. Three in ten (29%) have thrown away an item of clothing after wearing it just once, and in the past year alone, 15% have thrown away at least three items that they’ve only worn once. Looking at these facts, we definitely should shop more consciously in the future. 

3. Become more environmentally responsible

With almost everyone staying at home, we are ordering food delivery and online shopping more than ever before. Imagine all the packaging that comes with it. Reducing plastic waste is very important nowadays, especially during this difficult time. Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) notes that the amount of household plastic waste increased from 1-5 grams per day per person to 5-10 grams during the Covid-19 outbreak. If reducing plastic waste seems difficult, since most of the packaging comes with a plastic, you can try to collect your plastic waste and donate it to the organization that receives it. You can read more about the organization in my previous article here. 

4. Have more time with family

Before the pandemic happened, I thought I was busy the whole time at the office, but instead, I chose to be busy at the office, when in fact I actually could do my work at home after the office hour. It made me doesn’t have much time with my family. Maybe you feel the same. These lockdown situations where we are encouraged to stay at home, make us realize that having more time with family is important and possible. 

5. Eat healthily

Health is crucial, physically and mentally. Maintaining health and shifting into a healthy lifestyle is a solution to avoid getting sick. The Covid-19 outbreak requires us to maintain a stable body immunity. In order to have that we need to choose our food wisely. Eating well is fundamental for us to have good health and well-being. Eating healthily helps us maintain healthy weight and reduces risk of diseases, such as diabetes and cholesterol. 

With the Covid-19 vaccination has started, let’s hope that we can get over this pandemic situation, while keeping the positive perks above. Fingers crossed!

Photo by JOHN TOWNER on Unsplash