Like a thief at night, came the unwanted visitor; Coronavirus. Without permission, it stole our freedom, peace of mind and social lives, hence, the disruption of normal life, daily activities and businesses.
To say, that we are in challenging times, is not a fallacy and we all need a ray of hope when passing through dark tunnels of hard times.
Closure of basic organisations, to avert the spread of the virus became inevitable, as it raged on like wildfire in its early days, threatening human lives across all as it spread.
Social distancing for instance, is contributing to the rise in social vices and mental health issues in society.
A prominent Indian actor reportedly committed suicide in the heat of the lockdown.
Given the situation, news has it that he was suffering from depression and seeing a therapist before the lockdown.
He, however, became more depressed, thanks to the isolating effects of the lockdown.
With more unpleasant experiences like job losses, business losses, financial difficulties, boredom, due to closure of schools, workplaces, religious organizations and recreational centers, many are stressed out.
They are trying hard to manage the pressure from this disheartening reality.
They, sometimes, long for a place where they are temporarily stolen away and for a moment, drown the burdens of their heart.
At such a time, a vacation to take a look at nature and enjoy its serenity is just the perfect balm for such an ache.
Tourism; A Medication for Post Pandemic Trauma
The pandemic, though still very much around, will leave behind, a mess. Some of these include shattered economies, crumbled businesses, shattered dreams and ambitions.
People of different races and colour, are sure to struggle to deal with these hard times.
It is a fact that, individuals manage pressure differently; some have mental ability to scale through turbulent times and challenges. Others could easily drown in such situations.
The place of recreational activities, at the moment, cannot, therefore, get overlooked. It is imminent that, tourism centres get opened.
Though the virus itself is a fast killer, we must take care to avoid raising silent, but more dangerous threats, in our effort to curb the pandemic.
Looking at the effects of the pandemic on people, it can get concluded, that despite the need for a coronavirus vaccine, the need for stress, pressure and trauma cure, cannot get overemphasized. Cures for these, are for the mind.
A therapy to lighten burdens, to relieve pressure and help see a glimpse of hope in the light of crushing circumstances, is now required.
Taking a vacation to visit and enjoy the serenity of nature, away from the daily hustle-bustle of life, is a good charm and therapy.
A look at our communities and we see people with increasing high blood pressure, from managing pressure.
We all need the break to take that vacation, not running away from the problems, but taking time to ease the mind.
Scheming out economic plans to reverse the damages of the pandemic might take time, but a good way to go around it, is to have a happy people. Tourism opens the door to that.
Tourism; The Benefits
Like the popular parlance that, ‘we do not value what we own, until we lose it’, we did not realize the value of our freedom, until we lost it to coronavirus.
For countries that make a lot from tourism, the past months have brought in losses.
One thing we must learn from the pandemic is, to value everything we possess and cherish and enjoy every moment we have.
The benefits of tourism are quite much, but a few below, highlights some of them:
A Source of Income and Employment Opportunities
While governments and individuals, receive income from the operation of tourist sites, it could also be a source of employment for citizens.
Closure of tourism centers, render some persons jobless and the government and others that run them, counting losses.
Running of tourism outfits are, thus, of great benefit to both individuals and the government.
Avenue for Socializing
Two things that contribute to mental health illness globally, are stress and depression.
A good way to beat these two, is an avenue that avails people an opportunity to voice out their feelings, disconnect from the source of stress, interact with others and get the needed support.
Tourism is a good avenue for achieving these, as people get a chance to make new friends, visit new places, be away from their usual stress spots and for a moment, ease the mind from all its worries
Tourism; Safety in the Pandemic Era
It is reasonable to agree with government and health officials that, the pandemic can easily spread through tourists, when necessary and adequate safety measures, are not put in place.
There is, therefore, the need to strategise and put all necessary safety measures in place.
Maintaining social distance, constant usage of alcohol-based hand sanitisers and medical checks, as well as usage of face masks, as well as tests, should get incorporated and adopted at tourist sites.
This will ensure that the common goal of maintaining a sound body and mind is achieved in a conducive and secured atmosphere.
Let us keep sane and sound while keeping safe.
Featured Image: infoguidenigeria
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