What did Indians do to feel happy in lockdown? Some 'little things' ...

Over half Indians (52 per cent) have become conscious of the environment – including growing plants, becoming more prudent on purchases, and conserving energy – as a direct result of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, reveals the latest research from Godrej Group.

When the country is reeling under the mutated virus and possible lockdown by states, the research is a reminder of the duties of responsible citizens and organisations to support the country. The study analysed the daily routines, habits and gestures adopted by our citizens during the 10 months of lockdown last year to make their life more tolerable. The study revealed 44 per cent have participated in community activities such as volunteering and helping the less privileged, during the same period.

Time to upskill
According to the data, confinement and other restrictions have also liberated India’s creative side: more than one-in-five Indians (22.87 per cent) are now more likely to cook, paint, sketch, or pursue other creative hobbies to keep themselves happy. Nearly a quarter (23.19 per cent) found solace reading or listening to music during periods of lock-down.


These findings correspond to another research, by SEMrush that highlighted between February and March in 2020 searches such as “how to bake a cake”, rose by a staggering 238.46 per cent. In April, the percentage increase in the number of times these keywords were searched grew by 81 per cent and a further 190 per cent the following month.

Enforced confinement also conferred other benefits to Indian households. 36 per cent of respondents claimed to now spend more time with their families because of the absence of long commutes, while 29 per cent now take regular breaks throughout the day to de-stress and maintain work-life balance.19 per cent claim that they are more efficient at work –completing tasks within allotted working hours – because of the absence of distractions. While 16 per cent believe that working from home has helped to improve their time management skills.

Tanya Dubash, Executive Director and Chief Brand Officer, Godrej Group described the research as a fascinating and unique insight into resilience, altruism and capacity of our citizens to adapt to, in many instances, extremely challenging circumstances. “Our research reveals the little things and daily routines that can make a huge difference to people’s wellbeing. The situation of the pandemic has really highlighted the often overlooked role which rituals play in our overall health and wellbeing,” she said.

She further added, “It also reveals the positive side of such trying circumstances, with long-standing routines being reassessed: 36.16 per cent of respondents claim to have quit unhealthy habits, while a staggering 58.22 per cent are now engaged in activities which support their mental and physical fitness such as yoga, walking or meditation.”

• 55 per cent respondents donated ‘little things’ such as sanitisers, food packets, old clothes, blankets, medical devices, etc. to those in need
• 40 per cent made financial donations to the underprivileged
• 31.74 per cent of male respondents preferred to spend time with their family to keep themselves content during the lockdown as compared to 18.90 per cent female respondents
• 32.84 per cent women saw cooking as a source of comfort and happiness compared to just 11.97 per cent of men
• 29.23 per cent men switched on the TV for comfort, compared to 21.54 per cent of women
• Social media also revealed itself as a source of happiness during the lockdown period with 46.42 per cent remained connected with friends and family through social media.
• 23.27 per cent watched funny memes and videos, and attended Instagram Live concerts
• 19.08 per cent respondents explored their creative side by making content for social media
• 11.24 per cent learnt new skills such as cooking, painting, etc. through DIY videos created by influencers