LETTERS: Over the last year, all of us experienced the impact of Covid-19 in ways we could never imagine. Living in this new reality has challenged the way we live and work, forcing us to adapt and sing to its tune. In that regard, the music and entertainment industries have not been spared either.
Just last month, a few musicians were exposed to the coronavirus while attending a music show — unaware that one of our own had unwittingly been diagnosed positive with Covid-19.
Just like that, our lives were changed, and we had to quarantine for 14 days. Over the two-week period, I have had time to ponder on the important things in my life — music and people.
I live on my own and having to self-isolate has been difficult for me. In being confined at home, I have missed the normal social support I receive from friends and family. I have felt restricted and experienced a loss of control from the usual freedom of my day-to-day life.
The one thing that has kept me going is music — whether it is making or enjoying music. I am reminded of how important music is to us as human beings.
Music creates a sense of belonging and participation, uniting and connecting us. It is an antidote to the alienation and isolation we feel as we practise physical distancing. Among the uncertainty, music helps soothe our anxiety while helping us connect with the people in our communities.
That is why I think it is important for us to support the music industry during this time, whether by watching our favourite musicians on TV, requesting for their songs on the radio, or streaming on your favourite music platforms. Music is and will always be instrumental in our lives.
Other than music, the next best thing that helps with my mental health is human connection, and none are more important to me than friends and family. During my quarantine, I found myself reaching out more to friends, connecting with them on deeper, bigger topics than just the usual shallow conversations.
We found ways to fulfil our human need for social and emotional connection. More than just texting each other, we also connected more intimately with visual communication.
Apps like Snapchat have been amazing for me, as it allowed me to find innovative ways to communicate and connect with people I care about no matter where they are. Whether it is by sharing silly pictures or playing games together, it has helped me to really express my emotions especially when I'm feeling down.
Whether I am looking for a laugh or simply a listener, Snapchat has helped me feel more connected to my loved ones. Even while we are not able to come together physically, we always had a space on the app that we could call our own.
It has not been an easy journey, but I've completed my quarantine, and it has changed my perspective of life. The ability of music and social apps to increase social cohesion and deepen bonds have helped me stay connected and motivated even in times of difficulty.
At the end of the day, it is important to realise that we can always stay connected, even while we isolate and distance as a society.
ISMAIL IZZANI
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times