Words by: Soraya Rezal

If the government were to announce a snap lockdown effective immediately, I’m sure everyone would start to freak out.

Well, maybe post on social media about how you’re freaking out first, then actually start to freak out. What about the plans you’ve made to hang out with your friends? What about your classes, or your job? Going online again is not exactly ideal. But, most importantly, are you going to have enough toilet paper to last for however long this lockdown might go for?!

These daunting aspects of a lockdown were heightened during the peak of COVID-19. The unanswered questions, including the existential, “what is the meaning of life?”, were constantly running through everyone’s minds. I must admit, it was mentally challenging, especially because it lasted for so long — that’s something I never want to go through again.

On the flip side, lockdowns can be calming, if you look at it from a different perspective. As an introvert, the thought of having a few days without the need to socialise sounds therapeutic to me. Is it just me or does anybody else get tired so quickly after a few hours of socialising? It’s almost as if my social battery is the size of one of those tiny watch batteries that needs to be replaced every now and then.

But really, there’s nothing wrong with wanting a few quiet days to yourself every once in a while.

We live in a generally fast-paced world. We are almost always on the go, due to societal demands. We are often made to believe that taking a break will deter our progress, be it professionally or personally.

Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s completely normal to want, or even crave, a break sometimes.

I would consider myself a relatively slow-paced person. By this, I don’t mean I delay things on purpose. It’s just that sometimes it feels like the world is moving too fast. So, I need to take a step back and focus on what it is I intend to achieve. It’s during times like these that a lockdown might not be a bad solution. The slow(er) nature of a lock-down allows us to sit with our thoughts and process them at our own pace.

I think the most attractive part about a lockdown is the fact that I get to spend a bit more time alone. I know, that makes me sound like such a loner. Maybe it’s my inner introvert, but I would much rather choose to have a chill day at home, compared to a night out. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with my friends and family—but there’s something about having a bit of ‘me time’ that is so appealing. Perhaps I see it as a way to reset my mind and prepare myself for another set of hectic days.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a lockdown, take the night off. Spend time with just yourself and be fully present in your own life — instead of worrying about everyone else. It’s a valid way to feel, and is in no way a selfish act. In fact, I would be shocked if someone has never felt this way at some point in their life.

Remember to take care of yourself, prioritise your health and well-being, focus on the things that make you happy — and I promise — you will feel better about yourself no matter where you are in life.

That being said, I think it’s time I stop being a hypocrite and start taking my own advice.