The coronavirus outbreak is affecting people across India in different ways , Covid has swept into all over India with considerable amount of cases and many deaths leading to public panic & mental health stress . The shutdown is an effective strategy for containing the spread of infection, However this is very challenging for a larger section of the society . Being forced into social isolation & lockdowns has meant lack of human connection leading to a huge impact mentally . The pandemic has brought about new challenges and feelings of uncertainty for everyone . From dealing with financial stress , to parents needing to balance work and care of children at home ,to mandatory self –quarantining in small spaces , it can often feel overwhelming . . We all need to find a way to maintain our mental health while staying safe in the face of this outbreak .
Its natural to feel stress , anxiety , grief and worry during this pandemic . Below are some strategies that you can adopt to be proactive in caring for your mental well –being :-
- MEDITATING FOR 20 MINUTES A DAY KEEPS THE STRESS AWAY : Meditation produces a deep state of relaxation and a calm mind , providing mental benefit . It also helps return to focus when negative thinking , emotions ,and physical sensations intrude . Crisis such as covid pandemic have shown that change is the only constant , meditating can offer a helpful way to live with this constant change . Mindfulness meditation is most helpful in easing anxiety and mental stress .
- LONG BREATHS, CALMS THE MIND : Inhaling , exhaling at least 200 deep breaths every day could make a drastic improvement in your lifestyle . It relax your mind , body and can help you sleep better and also results in improved blood flow and immunity . You can practice diaphragmatic breathing 3-4 times a day whenever you are watching tv or sitting idle you practice long breathes . You may feel tired at the beginning but over the time technique should become easier and should feel more natural .
- SCHEDULE TIME TO BE UNSCHEDULED : Experts say keeping your routine is an important part in helping maintain your mental health . I t has become necessary to establish a structure to our day to have a healthy physical and mental health . It not only helps us with health benefits , it also lays out the guide for our day which can help us become more productive and keeps us busy too . You can add the list of your daily tasks , set a goal for your routine , layout a plan and even keep the track of your progress . Also add spending time with yourself ,your family and things that make you feel good . It is okay if you make changes to your routine ( but don’t make it a habit ) you don’t have to be harsh to yourself in this pandemic .
- EXERCISE IS THERAPY : The results showed that those who have remained physically active during the pandemic have done so primarily to maintain their mental health . For others , mental health problems have become a barrier to exercise . Several platforms and social media reinforced the importance of practicing physical activity , not only due to its impact on physical health but also on the mental health .
- LET HEALTHY FOOD BE THE TASTY MEDICINE : – Instead of ordering food online and eating junk food start consuming enough fibre as it contributes to a healthy digestive system and offers a prolonged feeling of fullness. Do your best to eat nourishing meals , like those rich in fruits and vegetables , lean protein , and whole grains , those food can help you keep your body and mind healthy during healthy during stressful times .
- LESS DRINKING , MORE HEALTHY THINKING : Start adopting natural habitat , as we are also moving towards SATYUG. Also alcohol free days puts the break on the chemicals linked to energy levels & good mood and you also notice a decrease in feeling of anxiety . People who drink for stress relief can actually fuel their underlying anxiety level .
- STAYING CONNECTED WHILE PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING : Social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation . Reach out to your friends and family and talk connect via phone or face time . You can use this opportunity to spend time with your loved ones , connect with them and talk about your mental health . This communication will go long way in developing a good state of mind and will help you feel bit relieved too .
- REDUCE YOU SCREEN TIME : Spending too much time on social media might not be the best option during this pandemic . This is because you might start comparing your situation with others and feel even more left out, also too much information adds to our stress levels . Your mental health is more important than scrolling endlessly on social media .
- THINK POSITIVE : Despite your best efforts to do every thing right , there will be days when it falls apart . when it does give yourself a break . spend time with yourself , listen to soothing music , cook food , watch movie with family . It is okay to not being productive sometimes , it helps you to do even better next time .
- ONE MINUTE OF PATIENCE & KINDNESS : Making a real effort to give everyone you encounter patience and kindness goes a long way to healing the wounds COVID is inflicting . Practicing patience and kindness can help to cope better with the challenges , stop changing others for your good instead be patient and accept the way thing are . When you change yourself the world changes for you .
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