While there’s no denying that the coronavirus has turned everyone’s lives upside down and is a very real and very traumatic issue facing people on a global scale, it is also essential that we find ways to unwind and stay optimistic about the future. There has been more than one silver lining to this very dark cloud, so let’s take a look at seven things that the pandemic actually made better.

1. Since the pandemic started, people have been taking better care of themselves. Personal hygiene has improved, with constant hand washing and sanitizing. People are more aware of the importance of cleaning their belongings’ surfaces, washing their clothes, and the overall importance of health.

2. Covid-19 also reminded people to check on their loved ones more often. When in crisis, all that matters are the ones you love. The pandemic reminded us to check on those we haven’t spoken to in a long time. In a way, the pandemic has made us take care of each other and think of others.

3. The power of the internet. With reduced working hours, the pandemic has revealed that many things can be done online and do not require in-person attendance. The ability to work from home means that a more diverse range of people can sign up for a job. It will be interesting to see whether this arrangement will stick when the pandemic is over.

4. Less pollution. According to the magazine Science of the Total Environment, the lockdown in China, Italy, Spain, and the United States has reduced pollution by 30% in these epicenters of Covid-19. Also, air travel has decreased by 96%, which is the biggest drop in 75 years. Global oil prices have dropped as well since people reduced their usage of vehicles during the pandemic. People began to go to the countryside and explore nature more often instead of driving around in town. Hooray!

5. The pandemic made people stop. With reduced working hours, the pandemic has made people slow down, reflect on their emotions, perhaps even enjoy the little things in life, such as a funny cat video that you scrolled past online. Covid-19 has made us focus on the necessity of taking care of ourselves, not only physically, but mentally as well. The pandemic has made self-care essential once and for all.

6. Because of the pandemic, there was finally time to try out that hobby that you never had time for before. Being at home more, people started to try out new hobbies or take on old hobbies that they never found time for. The art of sourdough bread seemed to be a famous one, with people writing on Facebook about how proud they are of their well-rested, overnight dough.

7. The pandemic has brought a rising need to add humour to our lives and showed how important it is to socialise with others. There’s something special about virtual meetings. You get to socialise with your friends without leaving the house, or go to class while you’re still in your PJs! Hilarious slip-ups often happen, such as funny pets requiring attention, kids running around, teachers trying to figure out how the platform works. It is a modern way to socialise, and it can be quite entertaining!

It’s Not All Doom and Gloom: Seven Things that Covid-19 Actually Made Better