Losing freedom to the Pandemic: An Experience.

Here's my first-hand experience of losing freedom and adapting to the protected life ahead of us.

For the first time after the lock-down announcement, I had to step out of my house and visit a government office for an official work, and realized how life is going to be from now on.

Here are a few things that I experienced and realized, which is going to be a real pain and challenge to many in the next couple of years:

- Ensuring social distancing all the time and being mindful of your limits.

- Feeling of isolation and loneliness even when there are known people around us at short distance.

- Avoiding outside food and water.

- Avoiding touching anything all the time.

- Fear of infection when you have to touch something unavoidable including paper, cash, credit card, purse etc.

- Wearing a mask all the time.

- Sweating and discomfort because of wearing the mask.

- Not being able to recognize people with mask who otherwise were well known and close to you.

- Avoiding use of public toilets.

- Cleaning hands very often.

- Using hand sanitizers all the time.

- Other people looking at you with suspicion while they follow social distancing.

- Not knowing who is talking inside their mask, while in a group meeting.

- Sanitizing yourself, your belonging, your clothes etc. after returning home every time, followed by a bath, and still wondering if we have done a complete job.

- Not touching any bag or belonging that you got home from outside.

- Attempting to boost immunity through consumption of Ginger, Lemon, Turmeric, hot water etc. at regular intervals.

- Last but not the least, missing the joy of closing a business deal with a nice chat, smile and a firm hand shake over my favorite cup of hot strong coffee.

This experience gave me a feel of what our covid warriors must be going through. Salutes to the Covid warriors who are selflessly working to save lives to make a difference to our lives.

While I am fully grateful and realize that Life is more critical than freedom, and thankful to all the good Samaritans and god for protecting us, its indeed going to be a pain and effort managing this new normal, till we find ways to get back our freedom from this pandemic. Looks like a mass experiment of social animals living alone, and indeed survival of the fittest.

Stay Strong, Go Digital, Gradually get in to action but stay safe. Always remember that there are people who need you and love you. Go Frugal with your finances and Stay protected with Insurance. Get set for a Fight to Freedom.

- Dr. Ashok Chandran, Wealth Advisor and Insurance Specialist. (www.ac.co.in)

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