Watching films is one of the past-times for many while staying safe at home. And what’s better than watching apocalyptic and dystopian movies about outbreaks and experiments that went wrong?
But while the gore and fight scenes are enough to keep you entertained, these films offer more than just breathtaking special effects and somehow questionable plot lines. These films present glimpses of how outbreaks, like COVID-19, affect the way people live and how the world works. Here are five lessons apocalyptic movies teach you about staying safe.
Home is the Safest Place in the World
With COVID-19 lurking in every corner outside, staying at home is the only option for you to survive and live through the pandemic to tell the tale. Your home is where you eat, spend time with your family, and sleep comfortably. It is also one of the few places in the world where you can continue your routines–be it exercising, working, or managing your business–when the area you live in has high cases of COVID-19.
If you compare the current stay-at-home situation of the world to survival films involving zombies and plagues, chances are you’ve seen the main characters huddling in their homes or hidden shelters to steer clear of potentially being bitten and eaten. Like how the world deals with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is better to stay at home and wait until the predicament subsides to avoid getting infected and transferring the virus to your household.
Going Outside can be Scary
The rapid spread of the virus has created a fear of going out and staying out for too long. To make up for not going out, people have utilized online platforms to buy groceries, have food delivered, and complete transactions.
But as the world gradually adjusted to the changes brought on by the pandemic, people have learned to strategically maneuver outside to perform errands while reducing risks of getting infected. People use face masks and face shields when going out. All items brought from outside are disinfected before taking them into the house. Curfews are also implemented to curb the growing cases. And most importantly, social distancing is practiced to avoid transferring the virus to others.
But even with the safety precautions available to make life in the pandemic more bearable, the fear of getting sick from going outside still looms. As much as possible, stay at home and only go out when needed. Doing so reduces any risk of you catching the virus.
Staying Indoors Isn’t So Bad
Staying indoors has opened opportunities for you to make the most of your time at home. For instance, you might have time to finish that book you’ve been reading for months or catch up on the Netflix series you’ve left unwatched. The Internet has also allowed you to learn new recipes, languages, and hobbies. Your social media platforms keep you connected to current events and your loved ones. You’ve also learned to establish boundaries between your personal life and work-from-home setup.
Making the most of your life at home makes it more bearable to live through this pandemic. You also learn to appreciate the safety and comfort of your home while doing the things you love.
Living Sustainably Goes a Long Way
Staying at home and avoiding going out can be challenging for those who don’t have access to online grocery shopping or nearby markets. With this, many brave the outside world and the risks of catching the virus to get necessities. For example, in the third Resident Evil film, Claire Redfield’s convoy salvages canned goods and other meals from abandoned houses and stores to sustain their allies. But going out to get food and other items might not be beneficial for your wellness in the long run.
Sustainable living is a much safer alternative to having to go out regularly. You can do this by starting a home garden and growing vegetables, herbs, and fruits. Sure, you’ll have to be patient in cultivating your plants, but harvesting them is rewarding. Having a renewable source of food also saves you money from buying plant-based foods outside. You’ll also reduce the plastic that pollutes the oceans and eventually kills the green turtles living in Pico de Loro’s nature reserves.
A Support System is Crucial for Your Health
Your physical health isn’t the only thing you should look out for in these times. More often than not, people focus on their physical health; they forget to nourish their mental wellbeing. Staying at home without staying connected with your loved ones may contribute to potential triggers of your anxiety and depression.
In an article by the American Bar Association, studies revealed that having a healthy support system leads to better well-being, better coping skills, and longer and healthier life. The studies also found that strong social support reduces anxiety and depression. Now more than ever, keeping up with your family and friends is essential. Express, connect, and forge stronger bonds to help you get through difficult times.
Overall, apocalyptic movies don’t just offer amazing visuals and relatable plot lines. Appreciating home, reconnecting with yourself, staying in touch with your loved ones, and taking care of your surroundings are some of the valuable lessons that you can take from your blockbuster favorites.