If you have been curious to know what a typical day looks like for someone who is interning with an NGO during the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, look no further! Manik started interning with Wishes and Blessings in May 2020, and this is his ‘Day in the Life of’.
I have recently started to write articles to create awareness about the various aspects of the social sector. This has been my first effort to write articles and it gives me immense joy that it is for a noble cause. While writing these articles, I was struck by the idea of writing this informal article, “A day in the life of…” So, here goes the article.
My day starts by hearing the not so wonderful alarm go off. As individuals, we always try to con ourselves, and as surprisingly as it may sound, most of us begin our day by doing exactly the same (at least I do :P). Here, I am referring to the practice of putting multiple alarms, only to wake up on the last one. As an everyday routine of setting up the alarm, subconsciously we all know that we will only get out of bed when it is absolutely necessary, rushing through the very last minute. However, the majority of us still abide by the same routine of setting up multiple alarms hoping that we would wake up early one day and will not rush into our everyday chores.
Having said that, my alarms start buzzing from 7 AM each morning, helping me get out of bed only by 7:30 AM (even if someday I do get up at 7, I talk myself into snoozing for another 30 mins. Something I have failed to understand). So, once I am out of the bed, as a practice, I take about 45 minutes in the washroom to freshen up, take a shower and come out fully ready, post which I have my breakfast. On usual days, I am done with my breakfast by 8:45 AM, which leaves me with some time to catch up on the daily news updates and go through the newspaper.
I sit to work at about 9:30 AM and continue up until 2 PM, at which point I break for lunch. Since the lockdown, I have been working from home and there is no in-person interaction with my colleagues, making it very monotonous and boring (because all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy :P). Along with my lunch, I would usually watch some TV series and get on the phone with some friend for a few minutes before I resume work (this really helps me be in touch with my friends and also refreshes my mind for the second half of the day reducing my screen time). Post lunch, I continue to work till 6 PM, after which I wind up my work and call it a day.
Due to the on-going restrictions because of the pandemic situation, I cannot leave my house for some physical activities, so, I put on my walking shoes and go on my terrace for a walk which also helps me complete my daily target of 10k steps. While walking, I get on the phone with my friends or family and spend the next 1.5 hours catching up with them. After my walk, I go in for a nice cool shower, post which I eat my dinner.
After getting done with dinner, I go to my grandmothers’ room and spend some quality time with her, listening to her stories about the various life struggles they have been through, which helps me to understand and imbibe the values and cultures of our forefathers. Following which, I go and sit with my parents, catch up for the day and often play a game or two of Ludo, before wishing them a good night and heading back to my room.
I spend the next hour or so binge-watching something on the TV (these days I am hooked onto Mahabharat. Yes, you read that right, I have never read or seen it before, and all thanks to Hotstar (and the situation we are in, I am really addicted to it). I put a pause to my series at about 11, and try and go off to sleep, as I need my 8 hours of sleep to be ready and fresh for the next day.
About the Author
Manik loves to spend time with his family, listening inquisitively to the stories his grandparents share. He has always been passionate about helping society and thus gave up his Investment Banking career to pursue his passion. Having majored in finance, he wishes to increase financial literacy and awareness in the country.