Lockdown and prolonged social distancing can take a toll on our mental health. Here are a few tips that could be helpful:-

1. HAVE A ROUTINE – Structure your day even if you are working from home and try to stick to it as much as possible. Set times for healthy meals, exercise, adequate sleep, work, hobbies et cetera.It’s not meant to be a strict timetable, but a rather flexible one. Not having a routine can increase the chances of boredom, stress, anxiety and cause a “decision fatigue’’, the exhaustion that stems from being suddenly bombarded with too many options.

2. MEDITATE/TAKE CONTROLLED, DEEP BREATHS – It helps you focus in the present moment and has a calming effect.

3. SOCIAL CONTACT – Remain connected with your dear ones with the help of technology. Social distancing does not equate to emotional distancing.

4. LEARN SOMETHING NEW – Or rekindle an old pastime. Setting an achievable goal will give you a sense of satisfaction at the end of this period. The newly learnt skill/habit can stay with you as a legacy of these days, a testament to your fighting spirit and creativity. Five to ten years down the line, you might think, “The Covid-19 lockdown phase brought out the artist/writer/blogger/poet/pianist/voracious reader/coder/polyglot/dancer/courage/hope/resilience/resourcefulness within me’’.

N.B – Make sure that your chosen pastime does not lead to a resource crunch [eg: cooking experiments] or put you at loggerheads with the rules of lockdown and social distancing.

5. UNDERSTAND IT IS NORMAL TO GET ANNOYED ONCE IN A WHILE – This is unfamiliar territory for all of us and we try to cope the best we can.Nevertheless, we can get weighed down by the frustrating uncertainty.Make sure your concerns get a positive outlet which could be through conversation,writing on a journal or artistic expression. Instead of viewing this as a forced hibernation, treat it as a special once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for rejuvenation. Perception matters.

We can’t see light at the end of this tunnel for the time being, but every day, every moment we are certainly getting closer to it. While there is life, there is hope. Bungling up social distancing and personal hygiene now could eliminate the chances of it ever getting better. If social life has been locked down, unlock a rich inner world that will open up new avenues to keep you motivated and entertained during this period. Surviving this pandemic is no mean feat,it would be a victory in itself. If we could learn something new and emerge more skilled out of this experience, that will be an icing on the cake.

Unlocking is underway but the world is nowhere when it comes to a real solution,the aforementioned light at the end of the tunnel.If we have no choice but to march ahead and coexist with the virus out in the public space during its reign,let's do that smartly.

1. Stick to social distancing

2. Hygiene and washing hands,ensuring we don't touch our faces so often

3 Wear effective and protective facemasks.

4. Avoid unnecessary outings even after withdrawal of lockdown.


P.S - The first part was written when lockdown was first introduced in March.The last paragraph is a relevant addition at this point in June.