The dawn of an active life during lockdown

Lockdown has been an opportunity for people to turn over a new leaf. The one thing people always yearn for is time to indulge in their hobbies and passions. This lockdown has provided people with the time they desired. It has also helped them reconnect with themselves and their families. Running along with this fast-paced world had reduced both personal and family time. However, this lockdown has served as a perfect opportunity for many to retrieve lost time.

Kabilan, a college student, has started an Instagram page called Running Tamizha during this lockdown and has gained over 1,300 followers. “I accompanied my father on his evening walk during the lockdown and that started my running routine”, he says. He posts his running videos, motivational quotes and challenges to encourage his followers and to keep them active. “475 people have started following my challenges and their daily response is my motivation”, muses Kabilan.

Mrs Lalitha Kumari, a psychologist, considers this lockdown as a much-needed break. “This is a warning from God to show that we are hurtling through life; we need to pause and think of what we need and start afresh”. She feels that this period has given people a new perspective on life. “Everyone has the urge to lead a meaningful life because they fear the virus. They feel like they have a deadline to meet and so they prioritize the things that matter in life.” People have picked up hobbies that they couldn't before. Hobbies help people escape reality; they help people de-stress and allow them to explore their creative side. Mrs Lalitha also finds that people have learnt new hobbies like cooking, gardening and following a workout schedule, all of which she regards as essential life skills.

Many people have started new businesses using their hobbies. Dhanalakshmi, a miniature artist, has turned her hobby of chalk carving into a business. Her Instagram business, Carvistic Rogue has become a hit. “I have been carving miniature objects for 8 years. It helps me relax and keep calm. I was able to spend more time on this during lockdown and I have made more pieces than I usually do. The interest my friends showed towards my art gave me the idea to start this venture”, she says. She feels great since she can make a living out of her passion. This gives her a new outlook towards her passion.

A snippet of Dhanalakshmi's chalk miniature

Similarly, Heartlin Monica, a homemaker, used this lockdown to start a garden in her house. “Gardening needs a lot of patience and time. This lockdown has given me time to pursue this activity and my family has also helped me with it”, she says.

Monica's Garden

Lockdown has left many people stressed, anxious and lonely. Very few have felt the contrary. However, it has also had a positive impact on people who have been striving to lead a peaceful and contented life. People affected by loneliness and stress during the lockdown can focus on themselves and their families by taking up such hobbies.

Editors: Padmashree, Dainty W