Two years on: Mid-Day readers share how the lockdown shook up their routines

On the heels of global lockdowns, the Indian government imposed its nationwide lockdown on March 24, 2020. It's been two years since those strict limitations were imposed and life as we knew it came to a halt overnight. With modes of commute and supply chains disrupted, access to livelihood and essentials became the leading issues in the midst of the health crisis. With educational institutions, offices, and public spaces being shut, our daily routines were completely transformed as we were bound to our homes.

Moreover, due to the lack of social engagement and uncertainty surrounding Covid-19, public mental health took a major hit across the globe. There is no doubt that the socio-cultural and psychological footprint of the pandemic will be discussed and dissected for decades to come. To meditate over the lockdown's individualistic impact, we asked Mid-day readers to share the one thing they stopped doing in their day to day lives, and the one habit they picked up during the lockdown which has persisted.

Vritika Lalwani, 27
Communications professional

Vritika Lalwani tells us that the one thing she used to indulge in pre-Covid, which she has thankfully stopped, is shopping unnecessarily. "During the first lockdown, I used to shop online a lot even when there was nowhere to go, but I've become way more mindful of my shopping choices now," shares Lalwani.

She started growing plants and herbs at home during the first lockdown but couldn't continue tending to her garden. However, the one habit that she plans on keeping is connecting with people online. "I used to be online a lot as a teen on Twitter and Tumblr, and I made a community of friends through there which I dropped over time. I have now realised how important they are. During Covid-19 I was able to rip off the awkwardness band-aid and reconnect with people I wouldn't have otherwise ever met in person. I want to continue to build connections and nurture relationships even if there is geographic distance because online communication lets you do that," explains the Nepeansea Road resident.

Aditi Mundra, 26
Graphic designer and co-founder of a wellness brand

Aditi Mundra used to visit NGOs, and do quite a bit of volunteer work pre-Covid. "I also used to mentor a young girl (via Mentor Together) and we had in-person sessions at least twice a month. Everything stopped - NGOs like St Judes wouldn't allow you to visit as the children were at high risk and everything went online. Kids would lose interest and you couldn't develop a connection or a bond with them virtually which was really heartbreaking," shares the Lower Parel resident.

She says her screen-time shot through the roof during the initial lockdown as she used to attend every virtual event possible, including Instagram Lives. Being stuck indoors gave her some perspective and made her value places and amenities around. "When we were forced to be indoors, I craved being outdoors, especially around nature. I've gone for numerous treks, cycling sessions over the last two years. I also went for a bird walk in Navi Mumbai to see the flamingos. I've made it a habit to go for a walk every single day now and my workouts are also outdoors in the open. I started playing tennis too."

Sukriti Sharma, 29
Arts and culture-aligned social work professional

The disruption in commute during the first lockdown made Sukriti Sharma decrease her usage of public transportation altogether. Two years hence, she says, "Even going out for grocery shopping is avoidable. I feel like I barely get out of the house for any of the usual essential needs now. It opened up windows of time in the day but also made me lazier in some ways."

Sharma dabbled in painting and drawing during the lockdown, but discontinued after going back to work when things started opening up in Mumbai. The one skill she mastered and intends to stick with is cooking. "Experimenting in the kitchen - even though it may take more motivation on some days is what I will continue doing. I have also adapted a focused skin and hair care routine to take better care of myself," shares the Chembur resident.

Zoe Kothari, 18
Founder and Creator of ZIAI- an educational app for the disabled community and for allies

Zoe Kothari was studying in Italy, but came back to Mumbai when the European nation imposed a lockdown. While stuck indoors, the Juhu-native turned to photography and coding. "In an effort to romanticise the normal of the everyday, I started doing a lot more photography. Evening views of Mumbai monsoon through my living room window, for example, were easy to enjoy photographing. This definitely stuck with me when I moved to boarding school in Italy and our movement was limited to masked walks within campus only - suddenly, taking pictures of reflections of light on the sea at the local port or the freshest peaches of the season at the cafeteria helped me get by a lot, and that habit never really died down. I take pictures of everything now. I also picked up programming, and I coded 2 web platforms to combat ableism globally. Computer science is now what I want to study at university next year."

Kothari, like many of us, is sorrowful about the closure of some of the city's neighbourhood restaurants and misses casual visits from friends. "Some of my favourite restaurants shut down, so I can't eat from there anymore. This makes me really sad. Also, being able to go to a friend's house without checking with how they've been feeling lately and whether there's any risk to vulnerable family members of mine or theirs at home. I miss spontaneity."

Radhika Sheth, 24
Freelance Writer

Radhika Sheth has also dropped in-person grocery shopping, and has become a full-time online shopper, saving herself the time and energy which can be utilized elsewhere. The Juhu-resident took up a number of online classes, from linguistics to philosophy, to pass the time during the lockdown, but now finds it difficult to spare the time as work has resumed at full speed.

The one habit she's picked up that she believes she will stick with has been exercising indoors instead of going to the gym. She says, "I practice stretching and yoga and I've started to really enjoy it, to a point where it's become part of my daily routine. I'm also spending time exploring new ways of socially connecting, such as through tabletop roleplaying games online with friends."

Nikki Gupta, 31
Marketing and business strategist at We do (things)

The lockdown made Nikki Gupta reflect upon the constant hustle of Mumbai, and she decided to take things slow. "Living in Mumbai, many of us feel the weird rush of getting somewhere, running in a panic from one task to the next. I have consciously stopped doing that. My days are better planned with achievable tasks and not chasing the unknown."

It is no wonder that the habits that have aided her in this new mental space have been meditation and journaling. She admits, "It's become such an integral part of my life that I won't ever part with it."

Varun Arora, 31
CEO and Co-Founder of Ekostay, a homestay venture

A self-confessed Bollywood fan, Varun Arora used to be a frequent visitor to the theatre but that has changed since the lockdown. "I love Bollywood and I used to watch almost all new movies in theatres. That is one thing that has completely come to a standstill; I now have movie nights with my friends and family. We prefer to 'Netflix and chill' at home now."

He initiated a HIIT workout during the first lockdown, which he continued with over the past two years. He intends to prioritise his fitness, "Unlike pre-pandemic, I regularly workout now. I have a full routine in place which I do every day."

Knox Artiste, 31
Musician and artist

Due to Knox Artiste's career, social gatherings and eating food outdoors was a constant part of his lifestyle. The pandemic made him re-evaluate his choices and commitment to health. Currently he has refocused his diet around home food. "I am now eating more home cooked food and trying to work out and live a healthier lifestyle. I am now consciously consuming less sugar and processed foods. This helps with maintaining my high energy levels and my overall health," explains Artiste.

Coming to the one thing that has outlasted the initial lockdown and will stay with him is his commitment to spending time with his family. "I think the pandemic made me more of a 'family person'. I now feel I have renewed energy to do more things, spending quality time with my family made me realise the true potential real connections have. Spending more time with people I love has made me happier, healthier and more productive."

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