# Transformative Journey During Lockdown: My Personal Growth
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Chapter 1: Life Before Lockdown
Before the lockdown began, many were caught in a monotonous routine, often absent from the present moment. Few understood the significance of mental health, and many were unaware of the potential of social media as a revenue source. As I was gearing up to enter my twelfth grade in a demanding medical and mathematics stream, I was the quiet, chubby girl in class, known for my obedience and focus on studies. I was distinctly introverted—fun fact: I’ve become even more reserved since then! When the lockdown commenced, families began to reconnect, binge-watch series, create TikToks, and experiment with new recipes. Who could forget the Dalgona coffee craze?
In contrast, I dove headfirst into my studies. I vividly remember finishing my entire biology syllabus in just three to four months. While my family indulged in movies, I preferred to isolate myself with novels. Instead of joining them for fried snacks and desserts, I adopted a strict diet. They would often wake up around 11 AM or noon, while I was up by 3:30 AM, sometimes even earlier. My mother instilled in me the habit of setting my alarm 15 to 20 minutes earlier than planned, ensuring I was fully awake when it was time to rise. This period brought about numerous behavioral changes in me. Here are some key achievements I made during the lockdown!
Lockdown Live | Worship + Prayer (Night 50) ft. Karen Wheaton - YouTube
Experience a night of worship and prayer that highlights the importance of community and reflection during trying times.
- Significant Weight Loss
I used to be a chubby girl fond of Indian cuisine, which is often rich in butter, ghee, and sweets. Surprisingly, I didn't start exercising due to self-consciousness; I can't even recall why I started. Prior to this, I wasn't active on Instagram or YouTube for fitness inspiration, yet I began working out nonetheless. I cut back on fried foods and desserts while still enjoying typical Indian meals with minimal butter and ghee. Complete dieting is often unrealistic in an Indian household. It's hard to believe how much I exercised! I committed to an hour of cardio, 500 skips, and 15,000 steps daily. What fueled my motivation remains a mystery. Within two to three months, I shed a significant amount of weight, becoming leaner and somewhat pale—though my parents thought I looked unwell, I felt just right.
- Stepped Beyond the Bookworm Phase
Before the lockdown, my aspiration was to become an IAS officer, a dream nurtured by my father’s influence since childhood. This was the first time I diverted my focus from that goal. To achieve this, one must pass the UPSC exam, known as one of the most challenging in the world. I had always believed in my ability to succeed in this field due to my passion for social studies. However, during lockdown, I immersed myself in YouTube vlogs and various social media content, igniting my creative side. I had always been the "writer girl" in school, having published a fiction novel at 14 and written numerous articles. The thought of pursuing a creative career brought me immense joy. Gradually, I shifted my focus from solely aiming for an IAS position to exploring other opportunities. Initially, I became obsessed with a social media career, but over time, I found a harmonious balance. I realized I could be both an academic achiever and a creative soul, devising a strategy to pursue both paths, leaving my options open for the future.
- Developed Mental Resilience
When I refer to becoming stronger, I mean mentally. Before the lockdown, I had lost several friendships but was too busy to process the emotions. The lockdown offered ample time to reflect, leading me to withdraw from social interactions. I spent countless hours alone on the rooftop, walking and listening to music, often for 13-14 hours a day without feeling the urge to engage with anyone. Thoughts swirled through my mind, but I rarely found peace. I don’t think I smiled at all during that period. This is perhaps why I found it easy to keep up with my workouts—walking aimlessly while overthinking became my routine. It felt like I was trapped in a dark void with no one around. I consumed countless YouTube videos, podcasts, and articles on psychology, which eventually helped me understand others' mental states and provide solutions for their issues. Ironically, I found great satisfaction in playing the role of a therapist for others.
Thus, these are some of the substantial changes that occurred in my life post-COVID. Additionally, I'm excited to share my earlier fiction novel—feel free to check it out!