Not only us, but also artists and celebrities, during the lockdown days, tend to spend a lot of time on social networks like Instagram or TikTok. Why not, when those are the perfect spaces to entertain, share and stay connected with each other? However, there are also celebrities who choose to "fight the epidemic" in a more... quiet and silent way. Travellive came to "knock on the door" of Thuy Dung, a gentle and soft runner-up, to learn more about her unique way of fighting the epidemic.
Can you describe your life during this time?
During the lockdown, the question Dung received the most was also the question Dung asked everyone the most, "Are you okay?". Of course, at this special time, no one is okay, health, economy and psychology are all affected by the changes, Dung is no exception. But while we are searching for and getting used to the new normal, Dung also found a new "okay" state. Dung's day is quite simple, eating three meals, light exercise, video calling with friends, seeing her parents healthy is enough for Dung.
Besides following the state's regulations and guidelines, what is Dung's own way of "fighting the epidemic"?
Dung doesn't try to force herself to be positive, Dung accepts all emotions and finds ways to befriend them, turning them into valuable actions. Dung has gone through 3 stages, with each stage Dung has her own ways of "fighting the epidemic".
Phase 1 was the first days of social distancing, Dung spent all her time decorating, taking care of the house, cooking, reading, skin care, exercising and during that time, Dung felt like she was doing the right thing, being positive and making good use of this time. Phase 2 was after two weeks, these seemingly “healthy and balanced” habits were no longer effective for Dung, Dung started to feel panic. That was when Dung stopped all those “positive” habits, stopped using her phone, and faced her own insecurities. Dung started to write a diary and meditate, Dung gave herself time to struggle, to find the answer.why do i have this feelingandwhat can i do to change.
Phase 3 is when, after struggling for a while, Dung's spirit gets better, at the same time Dung is ready to return to social networks, connect with friends to encourage them, based on her own experiences. From there, together, Dung and her friends find ways to help people in more difficult situations. Dung calls this phasehealing, when you become stronger and calm enough to turn negative things into action.
Dung doesn't want to mention her other positive activities such as painting, reading, or fundraising to support Covid-19 patients?
Before, Dung often invited friends over to her house and showed them how to draw. Some people were excited to learn, while others had to beg Dung to draw because they thought they couldn't draw. But in the end, everyone found a sense of peace and wanted to continue drawing. Dung also often showed off her paintings on Instagram, many friends were inspired and drew like Dung. But during the lockdown, Dung didn't draw at all, especially during the long period of crisis, I became bored with even the things that used to make me happy. What surprised Dung the most was that the friends who were previously inspired by Dung sent pictures of their drawings, and told her how they drew to overcome the pandemic, from which Dung was inspired in return and started picking up a brush.
Dung is not a bookworm, in fact, she is afraid of books. It's just that when I don't use my phone much anymore, I need to access information and entertainment in other ways. Every time I read a book, Dung is very interested, but it is very difficult to pick up the book. Dung has to find ways to motivate herself, set herself a reading goal every day to getsmall win(small achievement), Dung reads books and learns English vocabulary at the same time, reads out loud to practice speaking, and Dung also makes clips to guide people, as a reminder for herself.
As for fundraising, after many sleepless nights, Dung was troubled and guilty, feeling that staying at home was not enough. Although Dung and her family had previously helped the poor and dialysis patients several times, every time she read news about the epidemic, Dung felt helpless. That day, Dung saw her teacher post on Facebook calling for the purchase of ventilators, Dung also silently supported and then continued to wonder what she could do. It was not until 3-4 days later, while meditating, that Dung realized, why not do the same thing, why only contribute a little when she herself could also raise funds for a new machine? So Dung called her teacher, all her friends, asked for their opinions and everyone was happy to support.
Instead of increasing online activity during lockdown, Dung chose to “hide” more. So, according to Dung, is the fact that people increase their “living” on social networks a good way to stay mentally healthy?
Dung saidretirednot really, because Dung never...stay afloatWhen Dung fell into a state of crisis, Dung gave up her phone, meaning Dung stopped reading the news and following developments.dramaon social networks to protect herself mainly. Another reason is that Dung has her own audience, her friends often confide that Dung is their "peaceful and positive sky", so Dung can't bear to let herself go online to complain and spread the negativity in her head.
At this point, social media is almost the most effective way for us to feel alive, connected and understood, even many people have been saved by active charity groups. So Dung's answer is yes, living on social media is a good way, as long as we continue.living, don't think that "when the epidemic is over, I will", "when the lockdown is over, I will", because this could be the new life for at least many more months, whether you like it or not.
The pandemic makes most of us feellostmore, but let's talk about the things we've saidgetWhat new things have you added to your life?
Dung moved back to live with her parents at this time, Dung did not feel like she was a new person, but in a way, Dung was traveling back to the past. Like when we reread a book and realize that there are so many interesting things in that book that we did not see the first time we read it - Dung also felt the same way. Dung cherished the time with her parents more, and felt like she was given the opportunity to become a child once again.
What Dung learned was a bit funny, it was learning how to... sleep. Because Dung was a true "night owl", she had even experienced many periods of insomnia, many nights she just cried because she couldn't sleep. On this occasion, Dung learned a sleeping method from a friend, after two weeks of serious practice and with the friend's encouragement, Dung was able to get enough sleep, with enough quality. Perhaps it was thanks to this that Dung reached a state of healing.
There's one more new thing I forgot to show off! Dung has learned to wake up to see the sunrise, and seeing the sunrise has helped Dung a lot, helping her learn to appreciate the moment of starting a new day.
What about sunset, that magical moment that most young people in Saigon are intoxicated by?
Everyone loves sunset, Dung loves it too, but that's when I finish work, end the day, watch the romantic sunset and feel like I can rest. But sunrise feels very different. Before, Dung didn't wake up early enough, or woke up early to rush to work instead of appreciating it. This period of social distancing gives Dung the opportunity to watch the sunrise, makes Dung feel lucky because she is still alive, still healthy to welcome the new day. Besides, every night before going to bed, Dung often thinks deeply, is often sad about many things, but when welcoming the sunrise, the sadness of yesterday seems to be completely erased.
