Positivity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Fun Coping Mechanisms

By Rayna Onate

Living in a pandemic resonates with seriousness. Individuals are constantly being bombarded with information about the economy, health measures, coronavirus education, and vaccine research. And with the constant spread of news, it’s easy to get caught up in these big-ticket items and lose focus on the simpler things in life. That is why it is important to take each day one step at a time and enjoy the now. 

Because of the pandemic, not only are there stories to be told to future generations, but there are also songs, TV shows, Tik Toks, ornaments, and jokes to share as well! America has certainly stated a new and unexpected chapter in its existence, one that is already becoming a part of our culture. 

This article will dive into how the pandemic has influenced the culture of America and will explore simplistic yet effective coping mechanisms to the hardship the world is facing. 

First, social media has been a huge influence in terms of the information and media individuals consume. In fact, this past year there were commercials about Facebook and Snapchat allowing people to register to vote. It would only make sense that a newer social media platform like Tik Tok would be a coping mechanism for teens in times of the pandemic. The Guardian states that teens specifically have found comfort through others experiences during the hard time and they are able to express themselves through their own videos. It is a platform of individuals that make videos, not only to teach people how to cook and renovate houses, but also to share positivity, rant, vent, and of course, laugh at pandemic memes. 

There is one user in particular that has become quite viral for his reaction to pandemic memes: @Bentellect. He calls himself the CEO of laughter and all of his followers would agree he lives up to that title. With videos like his and other creators, it’s entirely possible to learn, bond with others, and grow as an individual. All of this just from a social media platform. If nothing else, it acts as an amazing distraction from the craziness in the world. 

Another coping mechanism utilized by others, not just during the pandemic, but also in their everyday lives is music. Music brings people together and it also acts as a source of release from any emotion a person is feeling, and during this pandemic there have definitely been mixed feelings about 2020 as a whole. Music is so versatile and that is why so many people use music as a way to cope with what they are feeling. There have been so many different songs that have been released during the pandemic and are all over the board when it comes to genre. 

 There is the Tik Tok original pop song F2020 by Avenue Beat that deals with the anger that the year 2020 has brought on. In the alternative genre there is the song Level of Concern that comes from the beloved band Twenty-One Pilots. They are a band on a mission to spread anti-suicide messages to their listeners and they did not disappoint their fans when they created a hit single, socially distant of course. The song explores the anxiety one might feel in this uncertain time, but the team of two tell listeners in the song that it is important to be concerned and stay safe but it is also important to stay calm and enjoy the time with our loved ones. Another song that comes to mind is Quarantine Life by Christian artist Matthew West. Though the other songs mentioned thus far are more serious and deal with tense emotions, Matthew has some fun in his song about what it’s like to be quarantined. His lyrics are cooky and the listeners can’t help but smile when they hear the song. There are lines about buying toilet paper online, wanting to have a reason to wear pants, and how he did not know his wife was not a natural blonde thanks to the salons being closed. Finally, there is the song Six Feet Apart by Luke Combs, that talks about not being able to see family like he is used to. It’s a touching and sad song for anyone in ‘a mood’ and wanting to reflect on life. 

As one would see there is a song for every emotion that one could be feeling about the pandemic. But besides music there is another way in particular that helps individuals cope with the pandemic, and it’s through laughter. Fatherly states that humor is essential to coping because having shared laughter with one another, or even by oneself, helps individuals feel at least a little more in control. The website continues on with an extensive list of pandemic jokes, some of the best include, “My husband purchased a world map and then gave me a dart and said, ‘throw this and wherever it lands – that’s where I’m taking you when this pandemic ends.’ Turns out, we’re spending two weeks behind the fridge.” And “My mom always told me I wouldn’t accomplish anything by lying in bed all day. But look at me now, ma! I’m saving the world!”

Finally, how could one forget about the new accessory to come from the pandemic: masks. If it is mandated that people where them, then people might as well have some fun while doing it! There are millions of designs when it comes to face masks, and everyone has their favorite. Here’s a few Marian students you may know that are showcasing their favorite masks! Which one is your favorite? 

Yes, coronavirus is real, and yes, it is serious, and one must not forget that, but the pandemic has also given the world things to be grateful for too. It’s important to cope with the feelings the pandemic brings on, so choose your favorite coping mechanism and make sure to do it. Self-care is important, especially during a pandemic when people are supposed to be together by being apart.