The second wave of coronavirus in India has been far more brutal and personal than the first. Almost every one of us has a family member or friend, infected with COVID-19 and many of us have even lost our loved one(s). What exacerbates this is the 24×7 news around it. The high case tally, the frantic oxygen SOS, the new coronavirus strains add to the stress and anxiety. Also, we are left to deal with it alone due to the COVID-induced restrictions imposed.
Also read: 1 in 3 people who had COVID-19 suffer from mental, neurological disease: Study
Although we cannot do much about the situation on the ground (other than wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and getting vaccinated), there are a couple of things we can do about the stress and anxiety that we face:
1) Switch off
Due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown, many are spending a significant amount of their time online or watching TV, where they’re exposed to the pandemic-related news.
Although keeping up-to-date is important, do take some time off your phone, especially social media. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests considering limiting news to just a couple of times a day and disconnecting from phone, TV, and computer screens for a while.
Unwind, relax
Take some time out in the day to do an activity you enjoy. It can be anything — reading a book, writing a play, playing an instrument, or dancing to the tunes of your favourite song.
Take care of physical health
Good physical health is crucial for mental well-being and vice versa. So, eat healthy, balanced meals, exercise, meditate, get plenty of sleep and take all the necessary precautions regarding COVID-19.
Talk to others
Dealing with stress and anxiety in silos isn’t the best strategy. Sometimes, communicating your feeling does wonder for mental health.
Also read: Michelle Obama talks about her struggle with ‘low-grade’ depression
Even otherwise, take some time out to connect with your friends and family and ward off all the negative emotions associated with the pandemic.
