With people spending more time at home, they’re turning to entertainment to break the monotony of the everyday and channel their anxiety into something more hands-on. But can escapism really help people feel more empowered? And how do they want brands to speak to them during a pandemic?

Amid the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Britons are seeking solace from literature and buying up stories about fictional pandemics. With people’s fears and anxieties getting greater every day, they’re turning to fiction for answers – but it could add to the hysteria.

Nikon is offering free online photography courses to help pass time during self-isolation. With people perhaps struggling to fill their days without work or social events, the brand is giving them a way to get creative in the hopes of sparking a new and enduring passion for photography.

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered the nature of daily life, from postponing major events and shutting down entire industries to restricting the movement of billions worldwide. Canvas8 spoke to 19 people to understand how they’re coping with and adapting to these changes.