Lockdown feels like knockdown

Akbar Askari

Lockdown is not a new word to many of us including me but it is the first time in my life that I have got the chance to know and feel this word up, close and personal. In fact, lockdown feels like a knockdown as we have been bashed up by an invisible anti-social creature called the coronavirus.

As everything has its pros and cons, I believe this lockdown period is no different. Whereas I haven’t been able to reach office and see and work on my beloved workstation for the last two months and am already missing team meetings and brainstorming sessions, not to forget the funny and interesting conversations one gets to overhear during Metro travel, I am getting loads of time for my family – wife an two daughters despite being “literally” locked in our Noida nest (read home).

My biggest learning from this period has been that it is tougher managing affairs at home than working in office. I want to take this opportunity to salute my wife as well as all women homemakers across the world for doing what they do for their families selflessly. I now ensure I help her in whatever little way I can, like washing utensils daily. Honestly speaking, I never did so earlier.

Talking about learnings, I can now proudly say that I can make round chappatis and have learned making quite a few dishes like egg curry, dal, Shahi Paneer etc. Also, I gave my daughters a haircut.

One should also be self-motivated and eager to learn new things and not waste this period. There are a number of online courses on offer. Rather than lazing around all-day long, I believe one should enroll in a digital marketing or a personality development course which are now being offered at competitive prices. And then you get digital certificates too. These can come handy post-Covid-19.

Based on personal experience, an advice for married couples. Remain patient and keep motivating and appreciating each other’s efforts to continue your smooth journey during lockdown. Minor clashes are bound to happen so indulge in humour to keep the mood light  at home.

And last but not the least, we should be thankful to the Almighty and his power which, along with our determination, will help us sail through this global pandemic.

 Akbar is a PR professional