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.
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.