What’s Wrong with 2020?
Image: by India Times (2020)
I can’t believe this 2020 got wasted this much! In the middle of chaos when everyone is wondering what’s wrong with this year, most of us are cursing and blaming 2020 for bringing worst nightmare we all did not want to see! Has anyone thought Kobe Bryant would be long gone with his precious daughter by now or our Black Panther hero, Boseman? Look what happened in Lebanon with the Beirut explosion. In the meantime, the moment I am writing this, it is almost 25,170, 575 coronavirus cases, and almost 846,797 death cases (Worldometer , 2020). Trying to swallow this at the same time, I am going crazy. So, what about you?
Have you spent most of your time, staring at blank space wondering what’s going on in this year? Do you ever wonder where we are heading with everything that is happening? Hey, let me remind you one thing, as long as you are alive, it is the only thing that matters. Considering everything happening, it is clear that we have limited control over some of the things, but the good news is we have control over our reactions to them! You can choose to believe that 2020 got wasted or you can accept its reality and make the most out of it. Don’t second guess, don’t wait any longer, if you still want to make some beautiful experience out of it, the time is now.
It’s very heartbreaking that most of us are swallowed by fear which constantly affects our behavior and brings a lot of problems that would have been not there in the first place. Imagine panicking in this pandemic and losing our focus on how life is to be appreciated that we are still alive. Reflect on a lot of people who did not make it this far, what would they say to you if they see how you are living your life nowadays? Would they be proud or would they get disappointed in you? Think! As reported by WHO (2020), unemployment during and after the great depression, coronavirus pandemic, led to an increased incidence of heart disease and unless we act now to address the mental health needs associated with the pandemic, there will be enormous long-term consequences for families, communities, and societies. Then what? Are we going to wait for another nightmare to come or we are starting to act and address mental health needs? The truth is, life will always be filled with a lot of surprises, the only way to expect for good is by doing good.
We are very lucky that we know different tips we can follow to protect ourselves from COVID-19 as well as the distress brought by fear of the unknown. WHO (2020) advises us to follow some simple self-care tips that can make it easier for us to promote our health, prevent diseases, and cope with illness as maintaining health. “Physical distancing, good respiratory hygiene, and handwashing are important examples of self-care actions you can take every day to protect against COVID-19 (WHO, 2020)”. This shortlist is easy to follow as long as you want to make the best out of 2020. However, some of us feel isolated and lonely when it comes to social distancing. As a result, our stress and anxiety rise, and there is nowhere to escape them. Well, we know that these public health actions are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Does this mean it is impossible to take care of ourselves and our loved ones in social distancing? The answer is we can.
We can always support our families, friends, and our community since it is a stress reliever. Have you forgotten about phone calls and video chats? Come on, at least appreciate that the internet made it easier for us. However, it is a wise thing to take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories mainly those on social media because hearing about pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting and exhausting (CDC, 2020). We should take care of our bodies by taking deep breaths, stretching, or meditating. Eating healthy and exercising regularly needs to be followed by getting plenty of sleep with less usage of alcohol and drug use. It is very helpful to unwind by doing activities that we enjoy such as reading books, watching movies, connecting without friends and families as well as connecting with our community online, social media, or via phone (CDC, 2020). These actions reduce stress and stigma and they are proven by healthcare practitioners. So, the choice is yours. Are you choosing to grow or you are choosing to give up on life?
Honestly, 2020 is scary and unpleasant at times, but we can always choose to be positive. Things are being shaky and every time we might find another reason to give up, but life is worth giving while we still can. There will be a time we will think back on how we conduct ourselves in this period and say, we made it. Taking care of our health especially mental health is an obligation we have as people. Not everyone got chances to be here, and no matter how badly they wanted it, they did not get the chance. Yes, a lot will happen and we don’t know what the future brings, but still, we can make our lives great. It is everyone’s responsibility to judge what to be done to improve their lives and live to their fullest!
References
- CDC. (2020, July 1). Coping with Stress. Retrieved from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
- India Times . (2020, June 10). Is 2020 Really The Worst Year? Retrieved from YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqJUAgsjS9c
- WHO . (2020, May 29). Facing mental health fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. Retrieved from WHO : https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/facing-mental-health-fallout-from-the-coronavirus-pandemic
- WHO. (2020, June 12). Self care during COVID-19. Retrieved from WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/photo-story/photo-story-detail/self-care-during-covid-19#:~:text=Physical%20distancing%2C%20good%20respiratory%20hygiene,disease%20pandemic%2C%20including%20for%20your
- Worldometer . (2020, August 30). COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC . Retrieved from worldometer : https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
Writer : Willine IKIREZI from Southern New Hampshire University
208 Comments
Erine White
31 August 2020 22:46Maajabu
31 August 2020 22:57Bruce Nelly
31 August 2020 22:59Jessy Rugeyo
31 August 2020 23:01Rachel
31 August 2020 23:08Ishimwe christian
31 August 2020 23:09Eric
31 August 2020 23:10Abigail Atarah
31 August 2020 23:13Nshimiyimana eric
31 August 2020 23:15Lucie
31 August 2020 23:15Moses Nkurunziza
31 August 2020 23:15Jean de Dieu Ndayishimiye
31 August 2020 23:15Willine Ikirezi
31 August 2020 23:18Patrick Biziyaremye
31 August 2020 23:19Dorinda
31 August 2020 23:20Grace Divine
31 August 2020 23:20Innocent
31 August 2020 23:24Gloria Ufitinema
31 August 2020 23:27Iradukunda Reponse
31 August 2020 23:27Honore Ndayizeye
31 August 2020 23:28Eloi
31 August 2020 23:29Berthine Uwanyiribambe
31 August 2020 23:30Honoré
31 August 2020 23:33Eitball
31 August 2020 23:33Chris
31 August 2020 23:38Dusenge Clarckson
31 August 2020 23:39Landy
31 August 2020 23:42Aime Parfait
31 August 2020 23:46Eraste MUTANGANA
31 August 2020 23:48Manzi Gandhi
31 August 2020 23:50Keza
31 August 2020 23:50Egide
31 August 2020 23:52MUTUZO UWASE BLINDA
31 August 2020 23:52Clémentine
31 August 2020 23:56Arnaud
31 August 2020 23:57Patrick Ndekezi
01 September 2020 00:09Shimex
01 September 2020 00:19Willy Mugabo
01 September 2020 00:23Peter
01 September 2020 00:23Jean D'amour
01 September 2020 00:29Shimex
01 September 2020 00:31Junior
01 September 2020 00:34Nishimwe Gad
01 September 2020 00:37Marayika
01 September 2020 00:51Pacifique MUHIRE
01 September 2020 00:53Melissa
01 September 2020 01:04Legacy
01 September 2020 01:04Cyinbertin
01 September 2020 01:15Nessah
01 September 2020 01:19Gentil
01 September 2020 01:22Amos
01 September 2020 01:28Oscar
01 September 2020 01:35Gilbert S.
01 September 2020 01:36INKINDI
01 September 2020 01:39Nessah
01 September 2020 01:40Jean Claude
01 September 2020 01:46Queen Dharia
01 September 2020 01:47Sabine
01 September 2020 01:55Arnold
01 September 2020 02:00MUGABO fabrice
01 September 2020 02:20JLNiyo
01 September 2020 02:56Moise ishimwe
01 September 2020 04:53Eddy M. Patrick
01 September 2020 05:58Iradukunda Reponse
01 September 2020 06:48Assinath
01 September 2020 06:49BAHATI
01 September 2020 06:51Naphtal Usabyuwera
01 September 2020 06:53Colombe
01 September 2020 07:16Sangwa
01 September 2020 07:23Mushayija
01 September 2020 07:27Justin
01 September 2020 07:27Gigi
01 September 2020 07:34Marie Fabrice
01 September 2020 07:37Sebagisha
01 September 2020 07:59Robert Batete
01 September 2020 08:09NGABONZIZA Libens
01 September 2020 08:16Alain Fortuné
01 September 2020 08:17Jadoh Kwizera
01 September 2020 08:17Gloria k
01 September 2020 08:40Nadine UMUHOZA
01 September 2020 08:42Pacifique
01 September 2020 08:46Johnson
01 September 2020 09:20Rukundo Christian
01 September 2020 09:37Feruje
01 September 2020 09:39Lisa
01 September 2020 09:41Anonymous
01 September 2020 09:55Birungi Rose
01 September 2020 10:02Bertin
01 September 2020 10:04Paulin
01 September 2020 10:04Kamikazi Diana
01 September 2020 10:08Alexis Captain
01 September 2020 10:13InnocentInno Rukundo
01 September 2020 10:24Alain Ibarushamaboko
01 September 2020 10:29Frederic Dusabimana
01 September 2020 10:30Niyontegereje Edison
01 September 2020 10:31Jeanne
01 September 2020 10:34Ineza cyrene
01 September 2020 10:37Eridger
01 September 2020 11:01Chretien
01 September 2020 11:01Noella
01 September 2020 11:13Dieudonne Cyuzuzo
01 September 2020 12:17Deborah HAKIZIMANA MUNEZERO
01 September 2020 12:19Jean Claude Niyomugabo
01 September 2020 12:19Fidele
01 September 2020 12:29Tobi Tumukunde
01 September 2020 12:31Pacification Kavukire
01 September 2020 12:43Clarisse Irakoze
01 September 2020 13:13DJ Beatslayer
01 September 2020 13:28Fernandez Uwase
01 September 2020 13:38Olivier
01 September 2020 13:39Ishimwe yves
01 September 2020 13:50Nkotanyi B
01 September 2020 14:35Umuhoza Amina
01 September 2020 14:59Carine kary
01 September 2020 15:00Ngoga
01 September 2020 15:10Amani
01 September 2020 15:11Ingabire
01 September 2020 15:18Gashumba Cyuzuzo
01 September 2020 15:20Daniel Mugabo
01 September 2020 15:23Denzo
01 September 2020 15:28Arsene M
01 September 2020 15:44Eich
01 September 2020 15:47Regis RUTABAGISHA
01 September 2020 16:02Ganza
01 September 2020 16:03NGABO Simplice
01 September 2020 16:04Gisele
01 September 2020 16:10Ariane
01 September 2020 16:13alex
01 September 2020 16:14Hategekimana
01 September 2020 16:16bertrand
01 September 2020 16:18Ariane Uwase
01 September 2020 16:19kane
01 September 2020 16:20andrea
01 September 2020 16:23eileen
01 September 2020 16:25reagan
01 September 2020 16:27nimie
01 September 2020 16:28espe
01 September 2020 16:30Aime
01 September 2020 16:30Sincere
01 September 2020 16:39Dimitrion
01 September 2020 16:41Nikuze Eugenie
01 September 2020 16:45Mutoni celyne
01 September 2020 17:10Godson
01 September 2020 18:39Sam
01 September 2020 19:01Jean Marie Ndayambaje
01 September 2020 19:21Sangwa sifa Florence
01 September 2020 19:41Genny M
01 September 2020 23:33The paz
02 September 2020 06:11Nicole
02 September 2020 11:33novelty
02 September 2020 13:15Vanessa
02 September 2020 16:44MASIMBI
03 September 2020 07:08Confiance
03 September 2020 20:10Damascene
03 September 2020 22:32Christian Kwizera
03 September 2020 23:34Celine
04 September 2020 02:26Christian Nelkon
04 September 2020 02:32NSABYUMUKIZA Merci
04 September 2020 03:36Bernice UMUTESI
04 September 2020 10:31Ange
04 September 2020 12:14Patrick IRADUKUNDA
04 September 2020 15:21Robert wallen
04 September 2020 19:59Rwubatswenimana Isaac
05 September 2020 09:06Hard work Christian
05 September 2020 12:20Grace
05 September 2020 13:45Zaba
05 September 2020 17:31Thierry
05 September 2020 17:50Gabi
05 September 2020 18:07Dushimimana Emily
05 September 2020 18:08Hardston Kingslaid
05 September 2020 18:14H.EMMANUEL
05 September 2020 18:22Mizzo F Duff
05 September 2020 18:31Magellan
05 September 2020 19:36Pacome Simon
05 September 2020 20:50David
05 September 2020 23:22Ruhimbana Muzamil
06 September 2020 08:54Alsina 派西
06 September 2020 09:19Mudasaya Moïse
06 September 2020 09:41Emmy Prince
06 September 2020 19:58Samuel
07 September 2020 12:16Sano Gerard
09 September 2020 09:11Manzi Shaffiy
09 September 2020 09:43Aime Bron
09 September 2020 17:20Aimable Uwimana
10 September 2020 00:01Max
11 September 2020 22:25Joselyne
11 September 2020 23:00Flavien
12 September 2020 00:30Lys
13 September 2020 13:47Adrien
13 September 2020 14:05Gloria
13 September 2020 18:48Niyonsenga Emmanuel
13 September 2020 18:49Fath’Ma
13 September 2020 19:49Eva
13 September 2020 19:51Nasser Nduhi
13 September 2020 19:55Lumen
13 September 2020 20:03mireille Ineza
13 September 2020 21:38Nelson Dufitimana
14 September 2020 01:08Elisa H.
17 September 2020 17:55Theogene
20 September 2020 08:47Vedaste
20 September 2020 08:49Augustin
20 September 2020 08:50Valens
20 September 2020 08:52Jacques
20 September 2020 08:54Hubert
20 September 2020 08:56Fabrice
20 September 2020 08:58Jean Baptiste.
20 September 2020 08:59Noel
20 September 2020 09:00Hassan
20 September 2020 09:04