The New Year has dawned. We all rang out the old and ringed in the new with new hopes and thoughts. Surely, there must be new year calendars at your homes.
But it is futile, if you don’t have a proper plan for the New Year. We should remember that this is the ideal time for us to renew our goals in this new normal context.
Undoubtedly, we can shape our future by learning lessons from our past experience. For better or worse, most people seem to be in a loose sense of the pandemic situation in the country.
We should not forget that another coronavirus variant called Omicron has arrived. Most people have taken the vaccines but some pundits have slipped through the vaccination net.
Needless to say that we are living in a new normal world. Therefore, many sociocultural changes can become prominent. Speaking further about the new normal situation, what springs to the writer’s mind is the family bond. Because we all work from home we can spend quality time with our loved ones.
Strengthening the family bond
We can strengthen communication with our parents and grandparents during this period. As noted by researchers, children with absent parents display behavioural and emotional problems. It is because they don’t know how to empathize with someone. Apparently, children who have pre-programmed mindsets can’t interact with others. There is a possibility that interpersonal conflicts can occur with such children.
Many years ago, we had a strong family bond. As a blessing in disguise, we have been able to re-create the environment which we had many years ago. In the evening, we used to sing songs and play games with our friends. At that time, we did not have smartphones.
Honestly, except for digital calculators and wrist watches, we had not even heard of smart mobile phones. Today, smartphone has become one of the most contributing factors to children’s education. Children can be found to be glued to the screens. But in this new normal situation, we can’t point the finger at children for using mobile phones. Even parents are forced to buy mobile phones for their children because teachers have to conduct online classes via zoom. Apart from their E-learning, the new - normal situation enables us to rejuvenate our family bond in many ways.
Time to explore new things
Obviously, we can free up our minds for exploring new ideas and things during this year. It is significant to mention that some talented students have come up with innovative ideas and invented new machines during the lockdown period. Evidently, we can understand that we can generate new things and new ideas, when we can keep our minds free from unnecessary burdens. For example, if you are a writer, you have enough time for your next book. If you are a researcher, this is the ideal time for your next research topic. We should make a plan for this New Year, focusing on our priorities and requirements. Only then can we reap a good harvest.
Physical activities
Suffice to say that we had to be homebound during the lock down period. Therefore, there is no excuse for us to ignore physical exercises. For instance, if you plant a tree in your home garden, unknowingly, it will become a good physical activity for the betterment of your health. It is a simple act that even a little kid can do.
Parents should direct their children to do physical activities as much as possible. However, It is evident that before the new - normal era, we were overloaded with office work. We might have missed important things such as home-gardening, playing games and having a chat with children.
Fortunately at present, we have enough time to re-think about our loved ones. In addition to the positive impact of the new - normal context, we have to be aware of its negative impact on our lives. It enables us to lead a better life,overcoming difficulties.
Stress
Stress is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation like the pandemic. In such an uncertain situation, stress can be said to be common. That is why stress management has become a prominent topic in this fast paced environment.
Sadly, trauma also can become a threat to our life. Trauma is the perception of life-threatening experience combined with an overwhelming sense of helplessness. Our nervous system can get so stressed that it cannot function normally.
As revealed by researchers, trauma can cause physical and mental disorders, learning disabilities, addiction and violence in individuals. As a result, domestic violence also can emerge among individuals. As a solution to this, we can relieve stress by talking with our family members.
The new normal situation in which we live helps us to spend time talking with parents and children. You can start your chat with your parents and trusted friends. Another possible solution is to avoid getting over - loaded with work.
A recent study has revealed that even though remote workers are productive, they are vulnerable to long-working hours. Thus over - working can lead to burnout and fatigue. No doubt that we should do one thing at a time.
Therefore, we have to break the entire job into minor tasks in such a way that we can focus on every small task. Obviously, It does not make us stressed. Sometimes you might take drugs and alcohol. This is not a positive move at all. Drugs and alcohol can double your problem. Undoubtedly you will fall from the frying pan to the fire, if you get addicted to drinking and gambling.
Economic crisis
Needless to say that even the country’s economy can collapse in this new normal situation. There should be a well integrated plan to avoid economic hardships. Speaking of our country, there must be a comprehensive future action plan to overcome all negative impacts.
True that people are gradually adapting to this new normal situation. But they should not ignore their responsibilities. Another controversial issue is that when the economic crisis can occur, there can be a decline in our medical system. Therefore, our medical system should be improved up to sustainable level. Otherwise, we will not be able to face future pandemic situation.
Less social life
We have to abide by the health guidelines to avoid coronavirus clusters. We can’t go on trips with friends and relatives as before. Even though travel restrictions and lock downs have been lifted, we have to follow health guidelines such as wearing face masks, maintaining social distancing, using hand sanitizers and washing hands frequently.
In such a situation, poor communication can occur. That is why we are spending a less social life. Sadly at present, domestic violence has become a burning problem. Violence is not the solution to our problems. A new year has dawned on us, planting new hopes in our hearts. In the name of humanity, we should not let social problems like domestic violence grow like cancers. Indeed, the New Year will be a vibrant year for us to thrive.