It’s time to focus on the positives and find those silver linings - YEP Opinion

With the coronavirus pandemic stripping us of many of our 2020 endeavours, it’s easy to reflect on the past six months and struggle to find any positivity amidst all the doom and gloom.

With the media now at our fingertips, it is incredibly easy to wrap ourselves up in a blanket of negativity. Yet, there are actually many positive stories out there that we aren’t exposed to in the 24-hour news cycle.

When coronavirus first hit the UK, one message that prevailed was ‘Protect our NHS’.

This slogan was circulated across many different fundraisers.

Due to social distancing measures, most fundraisers were unable to take place physically, resulting in innovative ways of funding emerging.

Crucially, these methods were seen as more appealing to younger generations.

The ‘Run 5 Donate 5 Nominate 5’ challenge was especially popular on Instagram.

A variety of celebrities got involved, nominating their friends and causing a domino effect of participation.

The aim was to donate £5 or more to the NHS. In the middle of April, the challenge had already raised nearly £2 million for the NHS, becoming the most successful online fundraising campaign since the memorable Ice-Bucket challenge back in 2014.

Another story that has gained much needed attention is the current climate crisis.

When watching Greta Thunberg’s speeches, or Extinction Rebellions stunts, there is no doubt that this is a real emergency.  Lockdown has shown some improvements, however. In the strictest periods of lockdown, from March to May, there was a 36 per cent decrease in carbon emissions.

The UK’s target of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 is now well under way.

Globally, the drop in air pollution has had huge positive impacts in Northern India, with there even being some reported sightings of the 30-year concealed Himalayan mountain range by people living in Punjab.

On a more personal note, the pandemic has reminded us about the value of life. Many families have been able to spend more time together and formed closer bonds.

Eighteen-year-old Leeds-based student Toni Chidlow says lockdown has given her more of a love for being at home. “It was nice to get off the hamster wheel of constantly doing things”, she added.

This comes as she is heading off to university this month and has been able to cherish the last few months of being at home.

It is undeniable that there have been many negative impacts of the pandemic, and that there have been huge challenges throughout the past few months.

In the midst of a pandemic, it’s still really important that we focus on the positives and consider all the good which can be drawn from the situation we find ourselves in. Whether that be picking up a new hobby, finding new opportunities emerging or simply giving ourselves time to relax at home. There is always a silver lining.