We have been in the eye of the storm since last year. This pandemic has made us endure pain and sufferings like never before. This time, again, the pandemic asks us to show fortitude and resilience. The second wave of corona virus has worsened the mental health concerns due to restrictions on movement and breakdown of daily routine. Our bodies have evolved to cope with short-term stress but the stress response is at times unprepared for long-term stresses like the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic can take a toll on your mental health. If you have come against it, try these tips to adapt to cope up with stress or anxiety in a healthier way.
Write Down
Write down your apprehensive thoughts and then reflect on them and write down a reasonable replacement. The replacement can be a positive thought, a reality check, or a solution you can carry out.
Look after your physical well-being
Don’t ignore physical health. Some form of physical activity will keep your mind in a healthier space. Besides, make meditation and deep breathing a part of your daily routine. Take a pause and few deep breaths will help to lower your stress levels and to relax your mind. Drinking plenty of fluid, warm water, fresh juice and having whole grains like ragi or oats can be nutritious and more so, maintain a regular routine and give your eyes frequent breaks from screen time.
Reduce your social media usage
Social media has been a great tool for people in these times. While it is good to stay updated with the latest news, remember to draw lines when necessary. As convincing and comforting, this is the time to avoid Whatsapp forwards and friendly advice from non-professionals. Information around the Covid-19 virus and infection is rapidly changing, and only scientists and medical professionals are able to formulate correct disease management strategies. Also, Constant exposure to overwhelming news can trigger anxiety. You are connected to the inner and outer worlds through your consciousness. If you devote your awareness to bad news, rumors, online arguments , you are pulling your consciousness in the wrong direction. Stay informed but take some time off when necessary.
Therapeutic activities
Whenever you’re feeling saturated, engaging exercises and activities become imperative. It includes activities that require more presence of mind to stay calm amid these unprecedented times. Try painting, reading and one can consider doing domestic work. In fact, a social media platform called We Are Knitters has been seeing a rise in takers over the last months. The platform runners even opine that knitting reduces stress and improves your focus. You can also, look for learning a new language, taking an online course of you interest, subscribe for magazines like National geographic kids/traveler or tinkle. Cleaning the house can also be therapeutic. This is good opportunity to brush up your skills and work on your vocabulary by getting into reading immensely or watching videos of personalities who are well-articulated. This can be the phase where you get to spend most of your time with your family, make it the best one. Get nostalgic and organize the old photos in a scrapbook or frames and re-live the moments of joy and laughter. Don’t be hard on yourself, pat yourself and celebrate every small moment and achievements.
Social distancing, not emotional
While practicing social distancing, staying connected with your loved ones is even more important. We all need emotional support in difficult times. Talking on video calls and checking with your loved ones is extremely important.
Seek professional help
If you feel the need for professional help, do not step back. There are many online platforms that have started conducting workshops on psychological first-aid. Many mental health professionals have shown compassion during these tough times.
Quick points on how can you develop resilience and re-adapt during this second wave
- Prevention through social distancing
- Keeping a journal of your experiences
- Volunteering to help and support others
- Being strong for your family and friends
- Finding productive work during a lockdown
- Keeping up emotional ties with family and friends
- Stop obsessing over endless coronavirus conversations and coverage
- Have fixed schedules and sleep timings
- Limit your exposure to reliable sources and official government guidelines
- Do everything that relaxes your mind
It is very crucial to not only look after yourself but also to look after the community at large and care for each other in the most vulnerable times. We can all look to do our bit as we deem fit.
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