As the coronavirus has been around for over a year now, and the U.S. has recently hit its “one year anniversary” of quarantine, it’s no secret that the virus has had devastating effects on society. While being faced with plenty of struggles, it’s natural and easiest to dwell on them. However, there are some positives to the current situation as well. As a big amount of the population are forced to work and learn from home, there has been a large shift in the way we live our day to day lives, and some of these changes have worked in our favor. 

Since many states and countries implemented mask mandates, a huge uproar of “anti-maskers” began. These people protest against them and completely disagree with masks being required in public buildings. Despite those who can’t stand to be seen wearing one, most people tolerate wearing it. Aside from protection from the virus, they actually have some other hidden benefits.

 “I love how you can buy them in different colors and designs… it makes them more unique and personal” says PHS senior Anna Canfield. “It’s also nice to wear when sledding or doing other cold activities outdoors, instead of a scarf,” she adds. 

Pre-Covid it was nearly impossible to find different colors of surgical masks,  let alone patterned cotton ones. Now it is almost impossible to walk into a store and not find some. With all these different variations, we are given the option to express creativity during this time, choose masks that are most comfortable for ourselves or just stick to plain black ones. There are endless options for masks to suit us better, all while keeping us safe. 

When it comes to working or learning from home, we are faced with many challenges. Engaging in online meetings is barely similar to participating in person, and the social aspect has proven tricky for many. However, there have been plenty of benefits to help outweigh the struggles. For one thing, it’s easy to squeeze in an extra hour or two of sleep in the morning due to the lack of time needed for transportation and getting fully ready.

Besides sleep, many people have found their schedules being a lot more loose due to so many things being cancelled. It’s the perfect opportunity to gain new hobbies, spend more time with family, or just have more time to relax. After all, we may never get this much free time ever again until we retire.

Furthermore, for those who struggle with social anxiety, or just don’t like being in public much in general, they can learn or work from the comfort of their own home.

Although these benefits don’t always apply to everyone’s lives, it is important to look at things from an optimistic perspective every once in a while, especially with all the negativity there is in the world right now.

 It can be extremely difficult at times, and overall uncomfortable adjusting to this temporary way of life. For now, it’s vital to let some light into your life and focus on what you personally can gain or grow from such a hard experience.